Sustainability at the Academy Restaurant

At the Academy Restaurant, we believe that the health of the environment is inseparable from economic growth and societal wellbeing. Our commitment to sustainability is embedded across everything we do—from sourcing ingredients to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

We are proud to take a leadership role in environmental responsibility, integrating sustainable practices and principles into our core business strategy.

Our approach reflects our dedication across:

  • Environmental stewardship
  • Ethical and responsible operations
  • Support for local communities
  • Continuous improvement in sustainability

Local, Seasonal & Responsible Sourcing

We are passionate about showcasing the very best of Northern Irish produce. We prioritise ingredients that are: Locally sourced Seasonal and fresh High-quality and full of flavour

We work closely with suppliers who share our values, ensuring:

  • Strong environmental practices
  • Commitment to sustainability
  • High standards of animal welfare

This approach allows us to celebrate and champion Northern Ireland’s rich culinary culture while reducing our environmental footprint.

Our Achievements

We are honoured to have received recognition for our sustainability efforts.

    Green Tourism Gold Award

  • Achieved Gold status, progressing directly from Bronze
  • A significant milestone reflecting our commitment to excellence

Green Key Certification

  • Proudly recertified for meeting international sustainability standards
  • Recognised for best practices in:
    • Energy efficiency
    • Waste management
    • Water conservation
    • Environmental management

These accreditations highlight our position as a leader in sustainable hospitality  with a focus on making measurable, meaningful impact,

Supporting Local Producers

The Academy proudly partners with local artisans and producers, By working with skilled local craftspeople, we: • Strengthen the local economy • Support sustainable food systems • Promote exceptional, small batch produce

Cheese & Dairy

  • Mike's Fancy Cheese produces the award-winning Young Buck, a raw milk Stilton-style cheese made in Newtownards using milk from Smyth McCann's dairy herd. The cheese is matured for at least 12 weeks.
  • Ballylisk of Armagh produces the renowned Triple Rose triple cream cheese using milk sourced exclusively from its own farm, ensuring full traceability from farm to cheese

Preserves & Condiments

  • Irish Black Butter creates a premium sweet-and-savoury apple preserve using PGI-status Armagh Bramley apples. The company promotes Irish heritage, local farming, and culinary creativity. Its products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and have won multiple food awards.
  • Burren Balsamics produces small-batch infused balsamic vinegars using locally sourced ingredients. The company focuses on sustainability and innovation.
  • Broighter Gold produces cold-pressed rapeseed oil in Limavady using environmentally conscious farming methods that promote wildlife and pollinators.

Meat Producers

  • Hannan Meats is internationally recognised for its Himalayan salt-aged beef and premium meat products. It has won numerous prestigious awards including multiple Great Taste Supreme Champion titles.

Fish & Seafood

  • Lough Neagh Fishermen's Cooperative manages Europe's largest wild eel fishery and harvests species including eel, pollan, trout and perch using traditional sustainable fishing methods. Both Lough Neagh Eels and Pollan have protected EU status.
  • Keenan Seafood provide fresh, local, and responsibly sourced seafood. They source fresh fish every morning from the renowned local ports of Kilkeel, Ardglass, and Portavogie, prioritising local sourcing,

Drinks & Beverages

  • Papas Mineral Company is a Bangor-based producer of handcrafted speciality drinks and cordials free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners.. They  have won numerous food and drink awards with a focus on traditional and often forgotten flavours which were once popular in Northern Ireland.
  • Whitewater Brewing is  based at a fifth-generation family farm amidst the spectacular Mourne Mountain range. They produce a range of craft beers, winning many awards along the way
  • Hinch Distillery craft exceptional whiskey and gin in the heart of County Down. Their story is rooted in generations of Irish distilling tradition, passion and pioneering craftsmanship

Sustainable travel

We encourage our guests to make environmentally responsible travel choices when visiting The Academy.

The Academy is committed to supporting sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact

Guests are encouraged to choose greener ways to reach the venue, including walking, cycling, public transport and shuttle services.

  • Walk healthy, free and environmentally friendly
  • Cycle made easy through the nearby Belfast Bikes scheme, with a docking station located on the Belfast Campus
  • Public transport links are also highly accessible, including bus and rail services, Metro and Glider routes, and the U1 and U2 University shuttle services.
By promoting sustainable travel, we aim to reduce our overall environmental impact while supporting healthier lifestyles.

Menus

Academy offers a unique dining experience.

Our menus change regularly, to reflect the seasons.  We respect local culinary traditions, whilst embracing innovation.

View menus