From the north of France to the south of Co Fermanagh, the new manager of Knockninny House says he wants to bring a touch of continental style to the county.
Jerome Nicolle has taken over the Derrylin premises on a three year lease, and with the help of his sons Alexis and Dorian wants to combine the local with the international.
While the business was closed for food for much of January, the eatery reopens this Friday January 28 with optimism as further restrictions are lifted in the hospitality sector.
“I have trained with some Michelin star chefs and came to Ireland 10 years ago,” Jerome told MyFermanagh.
“I ran Belle Isle Bistro for three years and I worked in other restaurants around Fermanagh as well.
“I used to come fishing here in Ireland, for 25 years I came every summer, then I met my partner so that’s why I moved here 10 years ago.”
Jerome is looking forward to the summer season in particular, with the picturesque surroundings of Knockninny House popular with those on Upper Lough Erne.
“We would get a lot of people coming in from their boats from May to September as we have our own jetty.
“The rest would be local people, I get some customers who follow me. Belle Isle is just five miles away from where we are now.
“The a la carte menu we do is traditional European food, with a French twist.
“We work with a lot of fresh produce like scallops and langoustines, some things that you don’t see in many other places in Fermanagh.
A native of Sedan in northern France, Jerome said the people of Co Fermanagh have been very welcoming in the years he has been here.
“France is very busy for me, things are a lot more relaxed here and the people are very welcoming.
“The friendliness of people here is why I am here.”
