Local investment house, Aurient Limited, has announced award-winning chef Chris McClurg and his partner Alice Stewart as the new custodians of Belfast’s five-star Regency House.
Following Aurient’s extensive, multi-year regeneration project, the landmark property will enter a new operational phase with Fauna Hospitality Ltd co-founders at the helm.
The hospitality duo first partnered with Regency House in October 2025 on a consultancy basis. During their short tenure, they have elevated the property’s food and beverage offering through an acclaimed brunch service and bespoke dining experiences.
Under the new stewardship, Fauna will lead the existing team in continuing to deliver its renowned guest experience, alongside an expansion of the ground-floor dining area to create a brand-new restaurant and bespoke event spaces.
Since first opening its doors in early 2022, Regency House has welcomed both local and international guests, earning recognition for its distinctive five-star offering. In 2025, it became the first property in Northern Ireland to be awarded a prestigious Michelin KEY for its unique design and exceptional service.
Aurient Limited, led by husband-and-wife team Anthony and Andrea Kieran, has been behind the major restoration project, which spans four of the Grade II-listed townhouses on Belfast’s historic Crescent.
Setting out with a vision to breathe life back into an area that had lain derelict for several years, the investment company will continue its long-term commitment to the regeneration of the Crescent area, while Fauna Hospitality assumes full operational control of Regency House.
Commenting on the restoration journey and evolution of Regency House, Anthony Kieran, CEO, Aurient Limited, said:
“From the moment we stepped inside what were dilapidated buildings, Regency House has been a true passion project for us. Andrea and I immediately saw the potential in these historic properties, and to have played a part in bringing them back to life for all our guests to enjoy is something we will always be incredibly proud of.
“Over the past four years, Regency House has evolved into something very special. In working with Chris and Alice over the last number of months, Andrea, Katie and I felt that they were the right people to take Regency House forward. They share our appreciation for hospitality, innovation and creating exceptional experiences, while still respecting the heritage of what these buildings represent.
“We were never going to hand Regency House over to just anyone, but with Chris and Alice’s unparalleled experience and passion, it felt like the natural move. While Fauna now takes operational control of Regency House, we remain deeply committed to the wider regeneration of the Crescent area, with further redevelopment projects already underway.”
Chris McClurg, co-founder of Fauna Hospitality Ltd, added:
“Before Alice and I returned to Northern Ireland, we had been following the Regency House journey from afar with quiet admiration. To witness first-hand the scale and quality of the redevelopment undertaken by Anthony and Andrea, we immediately fell in love with the once-forgotten Crescent, which has now become one of the city’s most stand-out destinations.
“After six months working alongside Anthony, Andrea and Katie, the opportunity to write the next chapter arose. Regency House is unlike anything else in Belfast, and we feel truly at home here, which is exactly how we want every guest to feel when they step through its doors.
“We’ve already hit the ground running, with work beginning imminently to create three new dining areas. This expansion will create intimate, experience-led spaces that strengthen the property’s hospitality offering, and we are excited to build on the exceptional standards already established, ensuring that Regency House remains on the map as a timeless, five-star destination in our city.”
Further announcements regarding the new restaurant concept and additional dining spaces at Regency House will be made in the coming weeks.
For more information, please visit Regency House Belfast or connect with Regency House on Instagram via @RegencyHouse_.
