Hastings Hotels appoints Damian Tumilty as executive head chef at the Europa hotel

The Northern Ireland-based Hastings Hotels has appointed Damian Tumilty as executive head chef at the Europa hotel in Belfast.

 

This is in addition to his role as executive head chef at the Grand Central hotel, also in the capital city, meaning he will now lead a team of more than 50 kitchen staff across the two sites.

 

He will also be supported by two head chefs – Tom Mulcahy at the Grand Central and Stevie Bracken at the Europa – who will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchens.

 

Tumilty has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, having worked across one-Michelin-starred restaurants including Peacock Alley in Dublin and Oriel restaurant in Co Down before joining the Grand Central in 2018 to open its flagship restaurant.

 

During The Caterer’s visit to the Grand Central in April 2024, Tumilty was keen to “change the cliché around food in hotels” through his tasting menu at the Seahorse.

 

Of his joint appointment, he said: “Since joining Hastings Hotels more than seven years ago, I have evolved as a chef and a person, and for me, this new appointment represents the next step in my career. 

 

“The Europa hotel and Grand Central hotel have different culinary offerings and are both well-known for offering excellent dining experiences with creative menus featuring the very best local produce. For a chef, this is a very exciting challenge and gives me the opportunity to showcase my extensive skill set – for example, one night I could be creating a private dining event for 12 people in the Cavern at the Grand Central and the next, I could be overseeing an event for 400 people in the Europa.” 

 

Earlier this year, Jake McHugh was named general manager at Grand Central hotel.

 

Hastings Hotels was founded more than 50 years ago and has since grown into six hotels across Northern Ireland.