The highly-respected culinary director of the Lough Erne Resort, Noel McMeel, has formally announced his intention to step down after 15 years at the luxury resort with executive head chef Stephen Holland promising to continue to develop his legacy as he takes up the culinary reins.

As he formally takes over from Noel, Stephen - who has been an integral part of the culinary team at Lough Erne Resort for more than 12 years - says that 2023 will "herald an exciting new era".

He said: “We are so fortunate to have built an incredibly talented team of chefs at Lough Erne Resort over the last 12 years or so, under Noel’s leadership.

"We plan to harness that talent and continue our successful philosophy of sourcing, preparing, and serving fresh food in season as we embark into 2023," adding: "One of the most amazing elements of working as a chef at Lough Erne Resort is the access we have to wonderful local suppliers, who are amongst the very best in the world.

"As a team of chefs, it’s a privilege to support them – both for the good of our local economy, but also because they enable us to create mouth-watering dishes that have consistently been amongst the best within these islands."

Commenting that food is linked to many of life’s greatest moments, Stephen said: "It is often how we celebrate and the focus of social gatherings where lasting memories are made.

"A plate of food can evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness as it takes us back to a place or time in our lives. It can elicit a sense of joy and happiness.

"As a team, we realise the huge responsibility that places on our shoulders, but continually raising the bar is what motivates us a professionals and we’re really looking forward to building on Noel’s great work.”

Noel, who advised senior executives at the resort some time ago that he wished to explore other professional opportunities and begin a new chapter in his life, says he has no doubt the resort’s treasured culinary offering is in safe hands.

He said: “My vision has always been about enabling our team to be the very best they can be, so our guests enjoy a unique gastronomic experience characterised by creativity, theatre, colour, texture and taste.

"I genuinely believe Stephen is someone who is not only well educated and highly-experienced, but highly-skilled, well respected in the culinary world, a trusted mentor and an inspirational leader for his team of chefs.

"I look forward to seeing this team continue to support local suppliers, push the boundaries, and ensure the resort’s guests enjoy the most amazing food experience across The Blaney Bar, The Loughside Bar and Grill and, of course, The Catalina.”

Noel concluded: “I’m not sure what it is yet, but I know the time is right to embark on the next chapter of my life.

"Lough Erne Resort has been my home for nearly 15 years; it’s been an incredibly important part of my life. I came here to film the second year of The Great British Menu and fell in love with the place.

"I just knew in my heart I wanted to work there. There’s something truly magical about it.

"I’ve been so blessed to work with so many great people, whom I count as friends – they have been like family to me.

"I am forever indebted to Lough Erne Resort for its belief in me and the encouragement I received to be the best I could be, nurturing me as I became the chef I am today."