Niall McKenna: In Conversation with Kathy Clugston

What’s It All About? is a carefully curated collection of 140 dishes that have been customer favourites in his five restaurants. It’s a beautifully embossed white hard-backed book, which Niall says he wants readers to “not keep clean”.

From favourites of chili crab linguine and honey madeleines to apple and blackberry crumble tart and soda farl, as well as a range of stocks, sauces and dressings, Niall believes the recipes are achievable for all ages and that people shouldn’t be afraid to give it a go.

He is keen to stress that What’s It All About? isn’t just a cookbook, but “a dander” through 20 years of Belfast hospitality, including striking images of iconic Belfast landmarks and the art that has adorned the walls of his restaurants, and most of all it’s a homage to the often-underrated simplicity of enjoying good times together.

“I genuinely believe that there are few places in the world more perfectly suited to making and enjoying great food. We have all the ingredients right here — the produce, great people and awesome places. ‘That’s what it’s all about’,” adds Niall, explaining the inspiration behind the book’s title.

Join for a fascinating insight into the making of a successful restaurant and Niall talks about his life with BBC’s Kathy Clugston.