Former Premier League midfielder Steve Lomas has transitioned from the football field to the hospitality sector, taking on the role of owner and manager at Causeway Guest Accommodation, a bed and breakfast located on the County Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. The property, situated in Bushmills, features 13 bedrooms and is positioned less than three miles from the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site often described as the eighth natural wonder of the world.
Lomas, 52, who made over 300 Premier League appearances with clubs including Manchester City and West Ham United, and earned 45 caps for Northern Ireland, now serves as both maitre d’ and head chef at the family-operated establishment. Since retiring after a 22-year career as a player and manager, he has dedicated himself to running the B&B, where guests can enjoy freshly prepared full Irish breakfasts.
The accommodation offers double and twin rooms, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms, televisions, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The dining area, characterized by bright and inviting surroundings, hosts the breakfast service, which has become a key attraction for visitors.
Located approximately five miles from the Royal Portrush Golf Club, which hosted The Open Championship in 2019 and is scheduled to do so again in 2025, the guesthouse benefits from its proximity to prominent regional landmarks. Another nearby attraction includes the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, known for being the world’s first to triple-distill whiskey.
Lomas highlights the natural beauty of the County Antrim coast and wider Northern Ireland, emphasizing its potential as a top tourist destination. He points out the scenic drive from Belfast to Bushmills as among the most picturesque routes in the UK. Additionally, he notes that while the region is gaining recognition partly due to the filming of the television series "Game of Thrones" in Northern Ireland, it still fights against outdated associations with historical conflict that deter some visitors.
Tourism to the area continues to grow, with an increasing number of international visitors arriving, including tourists from Spain, Germany, the United States, and China, many attracted by the Giant’s Causeway. Lomas also mentions other scenic highlights in the region, such as Fermanagh and the nearby Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal.
While his passion for football remains evident, Lomas says he spends most of his time overseeing the kitchen and engaging with guests upon their arrival. His shift from professional sports to hospitality combines his love of service with a dedication to showcasing Northern Ireland’s cultural and natural offerings.