Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, with the Urban Scullery team; Diane Tweedie, Luke Stevenson and Jonny Stevenson.

Culinary sensation, Jonny Stevenson is set to make a grand entrance into the city centre after three years of unprecedented success at Urban Scullery in East Belfast. Renowned for its unique and mouthwatering menus, the eatery has quickly become a local favourite, surviving even the toughest of times.

Jonny embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the help of the ‘Go For It’ programme facilitated by East Belfast Enterprise, as the pandemic struck. Despite the challenges that followed, Jonny’s perseverance and dedication allowed him to establish a strong reputation for Urban Scullery, offering a takeaway service with curb side pick up that kept the business thriving while others faltered.

Urban Scullery’s success story is closely intertwined with the support and guidance provided by East Belfast Enterprise. As a social enterprise aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and making a positive impact in the local community, East Belfast Enterprise has been a vital catalyst in Jonny’s journey. Their unwavering support enabled Jonny to develop his business in the gateway to East Belfast, proving to be a testament to the effectiveness of their support programmes which included Kickstart grant aid from Belfast City Council.

Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, expressed his admiration for Urban Scullery’s achievements, saying: “Urban Scullery is the perfect example of why East Belfast Enterprise exists. We are committed to nurturing start up entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary support to succeed in the heart of East Belfast, and ultimately, to expand beyond our facility. Jonny Stevenson’s story is a true testament to how dedication and hard work can transform an entrepreneurial dream into reality. We wish him every success as he takes on this new challenge and continues to develop his business.”

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Thrilled by the opportunity to expand Urban Scullery into the city centre’s Cathedral Quarter while reflecting on the last three years at City East, Jonny said: “Building the Urban Scullery brand in the kitchen at City East has taken me on an incredible journey. The support programmes helped me to build the business while surviving the pandemic and then having to navigate the soaring utility bills during the cost of living crisis. The unwavering support of East Belfast Enterprise and the loyalty of our diners have made this expansion possible. I am grateful for the support that I have received and am genuinely excited about what the future holds for Urban Scullery.”

Urban Scullery’s expansion project now presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in the fully fitted café space at City East. For expressions of interest, please contact Lauren Shaw at East Belfast Enterprise.

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