From Hostilities to Hospitality with Anthony & Andrea Kieran of Belfast’s Regency House
Join us in the Queen’s Quarter at the former derelict buildings that Anthony and Andrea Kieran transformed into Belfast’s stunning five-star boutique hotel, Regency House.
Their story intertwines personal histories with The Troubles (including when Anthony was the victim of two bombings in one day in South Armagh), their serendipitous meeting in Washington, D.C., his work for NASA, their decision to move to Belfast, their unplanned venture into the hospitality business, and the peak experience of welcoming President Bill Clinton and Senator George Mitchell to their hotel.
Bringing a platter of Belfast Baps for us, Executive Head Chef Michael O’Connor tells of his early cooking experiences in West Belfast, surviving the high-pressure kitchens of London’s top chefs, the role of locally sourced foods in driving Belfast’s restaurant renaissance, and the challenge of creating just the right menu for Regency House.
And he’s taken a shot at fast food with his signature Braised Beef Shank Burger—which takes two-and-a-half days to prepare!
With a unique blend of American and Northern Irish perspectives, a commitment to personalized hospitality and community investment, Andrea, Anthony, and Chef Michael offer an intimate look at Belfast’s past, present, and future, one that’s ever more welcoming to visitors.
So, join us in the President’s Suite of Belfast’s beguiling boutique hotel, Regency House.
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Regency House
Anthony Kieran
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 7; Total Episode Count: 110
00:00 - Introduction
03:09 - When George Mitchell Visits
05:51 - Accents and Origins
09:34 - Anthony: Leaving and Returning
14:55 - Anthony: Moving to America and NASA
20:45 - Andrea: Meeting Anthony In Washington DC
24:26 - Donkeys and Peace Comes Knocking
25:54 - Andrea: The Northern Ireland Adjustment
27:57 - Anthony: Becoming an Entrepreneur
31:49 - Andrea: How Regency House Came To Be
36:06 - Positioning Regency House
38:51 - Introducing Executive Head Chef Michael O'Connor
44:36 - The Shin Burger
48:04 - Coming to Regency House
51:03 - What's On the Menu
52:49 - The Madness of Kitchens
54:58 - The Belfast Food Scene
58:38 - John and Martin Recap
01:00:38 - Credits
Anthony Kieran
Regency House Proprietor
Regency House proprietor Anthony Kieran is a native of South Armagh and a computer science and computing graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. A highlight of his initially tech-focused resume was four years working as a NASA Cold Fusion Developer and Project Manager in Washington, D.C., where he met his future wife, Andrea.
Later, with a job offer in Belfast and the prospect of peace brought by the Good Friday Accord, the two decided to move to the city. Anthony’s career would soon head in a more entrepreneurial direction, as the co-founder of several Internet-based companies in Ireland and Scotland, as a managing director of the investment firm Aurient LTD, and finally in 2022 as the proprietor of now five-star boutique hotel Recency House.
Andrea Kieran
Proprietor Regency House
Andrea Kiernan was born and raised in Virginia, USA, and has forged a unique path both personally and professionally. Her journey to Belfast began in the most unexpected way—through meeting her now-husband, Anthony, during an evening out in Washington, D.C.
Andrea spent a significant part of her career with the global consulting firm Accenture, accumulating 18 years of experience that included a transformative move to London. During this period, her relationship with Anthony grew, ultimately leading to a permanent move to Belfast.
In Belfast, Andrea and Anthony have been instrumental in revitalizing a set of historic buildings, which ultimately became Regency House. This boutique hospitality project captures the elegance and heritage of 1840s Belfast. Despite having no prior experience in building restoration, Andrea's knack for leadership and her commitment to preserving the architectural integrity of their projects has earned them immense respect in the community.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of career shifts, international moves, and entrepreneurial ventures, Andrea brings a versatile skill set and a fresh perspective to everything she undertakes. Her story is not just one of career success but also of embracing life's unpredictable turns with grace and tenacity.
Michael O'Connor
Executive Head Chef at Regency House
Michael O'Connor, the Executive Head Chef at Regency House, hails from West Belfast. His journey into the culinary world began at the age of 17 after a chance encounter with a cooking leaflet. Uninspired by school, Michael decided to dive headfirst into the world of gastronomy. His passion for the culinary arts led to a move to London. There, he trained under the legendary Marco Pierre White at London’s Mirabelle.
Michael returned to Belfast and established The Barking Dog restaurant, which he successfully ran for 15 years. The Barking Dog became known for its innovative approach to Irish cuisine, straying from traditional norms to offer something unique to its patrons. During this time, Michael played a pivotal role in mentoring several budding chefs who have gone on to make names for themselves in the culinary world.
Now at Regency House, Michael faces the challenge of creating a menu that complements the five-star establishment's atmosphere. His focus remains on balancing high-quality, luxurious dishes with hearty and honest food, while also emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients. Michael's journey embodies the essence of hard work, passion, and an unwavering dedication to elevating the culinary scene in Belfast.
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