Stevie McCarry Biography – Stevie McCarry Wiki

Stevie McCarry is the Chef and co-owner of Lir, a seafood restaurant at the Coleraine Marina in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. He is a contestant on Great British Menu 2025.

Born and raised in Portstewart, seafood expert Stevie spent 10 years honing his craft in kitchens across the North Coast, before heading to Coleraine to open his own restaurant with his wife, Rebekah McCarry.

In January 2020 Stevie and Rebekah opened Native Seafood and Scran at the Coleraine marina, offering sustainably sourced wild Irish seafood. When lockdowns forced restaurants to close, Native was forced to get creative and take a slightly unconventional route starting as a Fish Mongers. This involved selling online and delivering door to door. This became a hit with the people of the North Coast resulting in every day sell outs and finally as restrictions eased the doors were able to open and the cooking commence. Native was awarded ‘Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland’ by the Slow Food awards 2020. The Native also wrote a fish recipe published in The Guardians ‘Food Observer Monthly’.

The Pool

As the business grew, a change of location was crucial to keep up with demand. In 2021 Stevie and Rebekah opened The Pool, located 10 meters away from the sea in Portstewart. This location transformed the business into what it is today with space for a full fish counter, live music, events, parties, tasting menus and breathtaking sunsets.

The Pool won multiple awards including: ‘Best sustainable practices’, ‘Best casual dining’ and ‘Local food heroes’ for Derry and overall ‘Food Heros’ for Ulster by The Restaurant Association of Ireland, ‘Best Casual Dining’ by The Food and Wine Awards, and ‘Best Fish Mongers in NI 2021 + 2022’ by Slow Food UK, McKennas guides plaques and high praise from restaurant critics such as Corinna Hardgrave,Joris Minne, Dominic Kearney, Sally and John McKenna and lastly ‘Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland’ by the Georgina Campbell 2022 awards.

Lir

Stevie and Rebekah went on to open Lir at the Coleraine Marina. In 2023, Stevie’s dedication was recognised when he was awarded Best Chef in Ulster at the Food & Wine Awards. His cooking ethos centres on sustainability—making the most of every part of the fish, alongside locally sourced ingredients. With an innovative approach blending modern techniques and equipment with inspiration from traditional Irish recipes, Stevie has created an ever-evolving menu at Lir based on seasonality and the catch of the day from the local fishermen and the local suppliers.

Stevie McCarry Age

Chef Stevie McCarry was born in June 1990 in Portstewart, Northern Ireland. His birthname is Steáfan Padraig McCarry.

Stevie McCarry Wife

Great British Menu contestant Stevie McCarry is married to his wife Rebekah McCarry.

Stevie McCarry Great British Menu

Stevie McCarry is competing in the 20th series of Great British Menu, presented by Andi Oliver. He will be representing Northern Ireland, alongside Marty McAdam, Chef Owner/Head Chef, The Street Kitchen; Lawrence Barrow, Hearth and Tine; and Jonny Taylor, Chef Director, Saga.

Extremely proud to be representing Northern Ireland, Stevie’s menu pays tribute to remarkable local heroes, like Frank Pantridge, the pioneer of the portable defibrillator, using his dishes to tell their incredible stories.

Nationality

He is of Irish nationality.

Instagram

Stevie McCarry’s Instagram handle is @chef.onlyfins.