Through bereavement, starting a family and giving up alcohol: Belfast restaurateur reflects on 25 years in business
Ginger Bistro is holding a series of special events in the coming months to mark a quarter-century of serving food to the people of Belfast.
The restaurant was founded by chef Simon McCance in 2000, and was originally located on the city's Ormeau Road.
Ginger had to close a few years later due to his health problems, however it reopened in the city centre a short time later, and is still based on the corner of Hope Street and Victoria Street.
The business doubled in size six years ago when it moved into an adjoining unit on Victoria Street.
It has attracted has attracted a range of famous diners over the years, including Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, Michael Fassbender, Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, James Nesbitt, Van Morrison and Tim Wheeler of Ash
Mr McCance still runs the business, and has spoken about how running the venue has coincided with some of the biggest events of his life.
He says that the birth of his twin sons in 2004 motivated him to reopen the restaurant after his health difficulties, asking himself: 'Do I want my sons to say their father works in a restaurant—or owns one?'
Then 12 years ago he decided to stop drinking alcohol, and took up a new hobby making pottery, now making blue clay trees which are for sale in the restaurant.
The pottery and the work in the restaurant were also impacted by the passing of his sister Ruth and two other family members in the past three years.
He describes his sister as his 'anchor and greatest source of strength', and produces pottery in her honour, while also finding 'a deep sense of purpose and stability' in running Ginger.
Mr McCance said: 'Ginger has always been about more than just food. It's about people - our team, our customers, and our supporters - who've stood by us through the highs and lows.
News Catch Up - Monday 26 May
'My wife Abbe and our sons Teddy and Zak now work alongside me, which has made Ginger not just a restaurant, but a family business I'm incredibly proud of. And I'm excited for what's still to come.'
'The restaurant has been my sanctuary. Through grief and uncertainty, it has grounded me—and I'm forever grateful for the journey it's given me.'
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