The king of the castle

David Bodas Gutiérrez of Ballynahinch Castle tells Alex Meehan about his incredible career so far

David Bodas Gutiérrez: ‘My style of cooking is obviously very heavily influenced by my background in Spain, but I’m not cooking in Spain now, I’m in Galway.’ Picture: Nathalie Marquez Courtney

Given that he comes from a small town in the middle of Spain, it would be easy to assume that the food served up by David Bodas Gutiérrez at Ballynahinch Castle would have an Iberian flavour.

But while there is definite Mediterranean flair on the table at this luxurious hotel, Bodas’ food is far more influenced by the rivers, forests and wild Atlantic coast of his adopted home. It’s a combination that saw The Owenmore, ...