A LegenDerry Adventure

When Chef Randy Lewis got the opportunity to spend four days in Derry-Londonderry he jumped at the chance of experiencing the food and culture from this part of Northern Ireland. Here he tells us about his adventures…

When most people nowadays hear the word Derry they think Netflix phenomenon Derry Girls, but for a Canadian foodie, chef and travel enthusiast living in Lahinch, Co. Clare, I couldn’t wait to see what else this vibrant city had to offer.

When I travel I like to explore a place with a blank canvas – that doesn’t mean I go in ignorant but I like to keep an open mind and that’s what I did with Derry.

Arriving into Northern Ireland’s second city on a Sunday evening after a busy weekend in the restaurant I was ready for a break, and that’s what I got; a lovely refreshing break in wonderful accommodation with lots of new and interesting experiences. The city is steeped in history from old to new and Charlene from Martin McCrossan City Tours was a minefield of information about it all as she led me around the city walls.

Derry is a wonderfully compact and colourful city with interesting areas a short distance outside the city making it the perfect escape for foodies and adventurists alike. I was blown away by the hospitality and the multiculturalism of the city and how easy it was to explore.

Here I share some of my Derry gems with you from places to stay to places to eat and activities not to be missed in this northern star city.

WHERE TO STAY

Bishop’s Gate Hotel – if it’s good enough for Michael D Higgins, it’s good enough for me. This boutique hotel is a mix of classic style and chic contemporary décor in an Edwardian listed building within the city walls. The food and service are spot on with one of my favourite breakfasts on the menu, French toast with maple syrup of course, which set me up for the day. At the end of the day the Wig & Gown provides the perfect backdrop for a nightcap.