Gemma Austin is the Head Chef at this quirky restaurant in South Belfast. You may recognise her from the BBC TV programme Great British Menu which has she featured on numerous times. This Carryduff native trained as a nurse and has only been cooking for 9 years.

Gemma worked in the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, Co. Down and at the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast before opening A Peculiar Tea in December 2021.

A Peculiar Tea originally started as a pop-up in restaurants across Belfast, Bangor and Newtownards. It is now a 42-seater restaurant on University Road which does a 6-course tasting menu in the evening and Afternoon Tea during the day.

The concept is that it is supposed to be all about the imagination, so they change their menu every eight weeks. Every menu is themed such as The Best of Roald Dahl and Cluedo. They call it “fun dining” instead of fine dining. It is an experiential meal. They even redecorate the restaurant for each menu.

She is passionate about sustainability and knows the power of good in our food. Local suppliers include North Down Group, Hannan Meats, Keenan Seafood, Lisdergan Farm and Irish truffles from the Republic.

You just have to try food by a person known to her friends as a female Peter Pan. What fun!

Opening Hours Wed-Sat 12-3pm Afternoon Tea 5-9pm 6 Course Tasting Menu