Niall McKenna, the chef behind James Street and Waterman, told a gathering of west Belfast business owners that the restaurant industry has become harder for newcomers. Speaking at the West Belfast Small Business Roundtable in An Chultúrlann, he pointed to property tax increases, the VAT rate, and higher PAYE contributions as factors making it difficult for businesses starting out.

McKenna also said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, many kitchen staff now seek a better work-life balance. He contrasted his own early career, when he worked 80-hour weeks in Michelin-starred London restaurants, with current staff who want 40-hour weeks over four days.

He credited his time at La Salle school in Andersonstown with encouraging entrepreneurship, noting that many of his classmates went on to form their own companies.

The chef also said that a positive period for Belfast following the Fleadh had ended abruptly due to the Drumcree standoff, with an immediate drop-off in bookings.

The West Belfast Business Roundtable meets monthly in An Chultúrlann to encourage networking among local entrepreneurs.