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Yotam Ottolenghi strikes again: the green chef-icon opens a restaurant in a 300-year-old mill

by:
Silvia Morstabilini
|
copertina apertura old mill

In Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast, an old 18th-century watermill is being revived thanks to a visionary project supported by celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi. After two years of painstaking restoration, the building will be transformed into a restaurant, café, and deli; it is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2025.

A dream born during the pandemic

The idea to restore the old mill came from Carlos Capparelli, former executive chef of Ottolenghi, and his wife Lucie, originally from Belfast.

Carlos Capparelli PS
@Simon Hutchinson

During the pandemic, the couple decided to move from London to Northern Ireland with their two children, driven by a desire to build something of their own. “When we first saw the Old Mill, we fell in love with it,”, Capparelli says, as reported by Independent. “It is a beautiful place, rich in history and with extraordinary potential”.

Ottolenghi's support

The project would not have been possible without the support of Yotam Ottolenghi, renowned chef and author, who decided to invest and offer his advice. “Carlos has worked with me for many years, and when he told me about this idea, I immediately found it fascinating,”, Ottolenghi explains.

Ottolenghi Capparelli Liam McBurney PS
@Liam McBurney/PA News Agency

The chef knows the area well, having spent a lot of time in Northern Ireland: "I think this project will be a tremendous addition to the region's gastronomic offerings. The Old Mill is a special place, and Carlos' passion and the need for a facility like this in the area will create something very unique".

A restoration with respect for history

The restoration of the mill was conducted with great attention to historic preservation, involving cultural heritage experts and specialized stonemasons. Every detail was designed to preserve the authenticity of the building, including the water wheel, which will return to operation after years of neglect.

Old mill 1 PS
 

Despite some difficulties, such as the discovery of the lack of adequate foundations under the structure, the work team managed to overcome the challenges. “We had to consolidate the walls of the mill and undertake major interventions to ensure the safety and stability of the building,”, Capparelli explains.

A menu that brings cultures together

Carlos Capparelli brings to the project his culinary vision, the result of a personal history rich in influences. Born in Brazil to Italian parents, Capparelli is also the founder of an artisanal pasta brand.

capparelli s dish PS
 

Now, together with his wife, he wants to create a menu that combines Italian and Brazilian traditions with a touch of Middle Eastern cuisine, in keeping with Ottolenghi's culinary heritage.

A positive impact on the community

In addition to preserving a piece of local history, the project will have a significant impact on the community of Dundonald and East Belfast.

Capparelli Liam McBurney PA PS
@Liam McBurney/PA News Agency

Numerous hospitality jobs are expected to be created , both for the restaurant and cafeteria staff and for the staff of the attached farm store.

A bright future for the Old Mill

The Old Mill represents a symbol of rebirth and innovation, thanks to Capparelli's vision and the support of investors such as BH Estates and entrepreneur Paddy Bamford. Ottolenghi is confident: "This place has a soul. When I first saw it, it was abandoned and neglected, but I knew right away that it could be transformed into something extraordinary".

Ottolenghi 1 PS
 

With an expected opening in the summer of 2025, the Old Mill promises to become not only a culinary landmark but also a center of creative and cultural energy for the entire community.

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