One of Ireland’s most successful hospitality exports, Jack McGarry, returned to Belfast last week to host a special Culinary Salon dinner at Ulster University’s Academy Restaurant, bringing together students, industry professionals and guests for an evening showcasing the creativity, storytelling and innovation behind the globally acclaimed The Dead Rabbit hospitality brand.
The event formed the centrepiece of a two-day collaboration between The Dead Rabbit team and students from Ulster University’s BSc Culinary Arts Management and BSc International Hospitality Management programmes, providing a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the international hospitality industry’s most recognised figures.
Working alongside Jack McGarry, students helped bring to life a specially curated menu inspired by contemporary Irish cuisine and The Dead Rabbit’s renowned approach to hospitality.
Jack McGarry said:
“Everything I’ve achieved in hospitality has its roots in Belfast. It was a joy to be back home, collaborating with students at the Academy Restaurant and helping them gain insight into the standards, creativity and storytelling that underpin a successful hospitality business. I take the responsibility of passing the baton very seriously and I’m passionate about sharing the lessons I’ve learned in hospitality with the next generation.”
Eirinn McGinn, final year BSc International Hospitality Management student, said:
“To work alongside someone from Belfast who has built one of the most celebrated hospitality brands in the world was incredibly motivating. Being involved in the planning allowed us to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom and Jack was generous with his advice and experiences. It was fascinating to see the level of thought that goes into every detail, from the menu and pairings to the guest experience.”
Guests were welcomed with crispy potato chip, celeriac, mushroom and truffle before enjoying cured and lightly smoked salmon with warm hazelnut emulsion and apple, paired with The Dead Rabbit’s Flying Boat cocktail. The main course featured Dingle lamb pie, grilled loin, proper Irish mash, creamed spinach and tenderstem broccoli accompanied by the Twilight Zone cocktail. The evening concluded with an Irish coffee parfait paired with The Dead Rabbit’s celebrated Irish Coffee.
Throughout the preparation and delivery of the event, students gained first-hand insight into menu development, food and cocktail pairing, premium guest experiences, and the operational excellence required to build a world-renowned hospitality brand.
Robert McKenna, Head of Department, Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome Jack and The Dead Rabbit team to the Academy Restaurant this week. The collaboration provided an exceptional learning opportunity for our students, allowing them to work alongside internationally respected hospitality professionals while delivering an outstanding experience for our guests.
“The Culinary Salon series is designed to connect students with leaders who are shaping the future of food, drink and hospitality, and this event perfectly demonstrated the value of those industry partnerships.”
Supported by the Savoy Educational Trust, the Culinary Salon series continues to provide Ulster University students with access to leading figures from across the global food and hospitality industry, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
This latest edition further strengthened the University’s commitment to industry-led learning while celebrating the success of a Belfast-born entrepreneur whose influence continues to shape hospitality on the world stage.
Angela Maher FIH, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said:
“What makes an experience like this so valuable is the opportunity for students to put their skills into practice, take on responsibility and see first-hand the level of detail, creativity and professionalism that goes into delivering exceptional hospitality.
“Working alongside Jack McGarry and his team will have given students an insight into what it takes to build a successful career in this industry, and we hope they will carry that learning and inspiration with them as they develop their own careers. The Savoy Educational Trust is very pleased to have supported this latest Culinary Salon at Ulster University and to see students benefiting from such a fantastic opportunity.”