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The Bushmills Inn
County Antrim

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Food & Drink in Antrim

Visitors to Antrim are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. While Belfast is a lively city, it’s also surrounded by small market towns and villages that are awash with artisan food makers and top-class restaurants that pride themselves on using fresh local produce.

New food discoveries in Newtownabbey

A mere fifteen minutes north of Belfast you’ll come across Sleepy Hollow in Newtownabbey. This old inn serves fresh Irish food with a modern twist and has garnered high praise as one of the best restaurants in Antrim among those in the know back in the big smoke.

Much of the food served at Sleepy Hollow comes from a farm just twenty minutes up the road in the picturesque village of Gleno. The farm in question sits beside a favourite local watering hole called Billy Andy’s, and yes you’ve guessed it, they are owned by the same people. With its peat fires, low ceilings, fine selection of beers and whiskies, Billy Andy’s is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the Saturday Irish Music Session. Of course, if you’re sticking around the menu has quite a bit to offer too.

Gleno is also home to The Dairy, a farm shop and café famous for its delicious pancakes, Belfast Baps and luscious milkshakes filled with ice cream from the multi award-winning Maud’s in Carrickfergus.

Ice-cream and more in Carrickfergus

John Wilson opened his first ice cream shop in 1982, Maud's, naming it after his mother as a Mother’s Day gift. The shop remains as popular as ever. Those wishing to sample more gelato can do so at the nearby Castello Italia. This spot is beautifully laid out, very comfortable and overlooks the shores of Belfast Lough. It offers up classic Italian primi like risotto and pasta and offers great mains like rabbit and pan-fried seabass.

Enlightened food in Whitehead

The Lighthouse Bistro in nearby Whitehead is one of those unassuming spots that you really only want to tell your closest friends about. We consider you friends. Sitting just off the village's scenic promenade this small, cosy, award-winning family run restaurant makes everything from scratch. That includes the handmade pasta, the homemade bread, and the health range of pickled produce. Smoked pork belly and lamb shank are regular features on the menu, but it all depends on what’s in season.

The bar to be in in Ballygally

Don’t be fooled by the simple interior of Mattie’s Meeting House. This Ballygally bar is a favourite with the locals and has been in the hospitality game since the early 1800’s. They still know what they are at and they like to keep it simple. Whether you’re just stopping in for a pint or Boxer Jim’s Guinness Pie, you’ll get a warm welcome, a bit of craic and some great intimate live music.

Cosy in Cushendun

If you’re on the lookout for somewhere even more intimate, then Mary McBride’s in the scenic village of Cushendun might be the place for you. This is the perfect spot to wind down after a day trekking the Antrim coast and the location is beautiful. The pub itself is tiny but big on atmosphere. It is also host to a rather recent curio. In 2016 the famous tree-lined avenue known as the Dark Hedges were badly damaged by a storm. Many of the trees were destroyed but instead of being disposed of, the wood was used to create ten Game of Thrones® doors which are now housed inside pubs and restaurants dotted around Northern Ireland. The door in this spot tells the story of season six.

Delicious bellyfulls in Bushmills

On the town’s Main Street you’ll find the beautiful Tartine restaurant with its 3 beautifully appointed, interconnecting areas each hosting a contemporary selection of local artists original paintings and prints. The lighting is low, the atmosphere romantic and the service attentive and friendly. Best of all Tartine are committed to selecting ingredients that are both local and seasonal for the creation of dishes that are refined, yet simple and full of flavour.

Clocking in at Ballymena

A little further west in Ballymena you’ll find The Clockhouse in the stately Leghinmohr House. Chef William Mills keeps it seasonal and again only uses local produce. Expect to see the likes of oxtail terrine and venison on the menu. And you can get it all for next to nothing if you go for their aptly named Beat the Clock offering - their version of the early bird.

A tavern for all in Toome

About fifteen minutes south of Ballymena is the wonderful Crosskeys Inn in Toome. This tiny thatched tavern dates back to 1654 making it the oldest pub of its kind on the island of Ireland. This place oozes old world charm. Its small rooms are heated by peat fires and its worn-down floors have witnessed many late night stomps to Irish music. There are regular sessions to this day and we’d recommend you try to catch one if you can.

With so much food to savour and so much drink to swill you’ll need another holiday just to work it all off. Don’t worry, we have that covered too.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 141

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Slemish Market Supper Club

Ballymena

Address

Various Locations, Ballymena, County Antrim

Telephone
+44 (0 7547 804 975

slemishmarketsupperclub@gmail.com

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Join award-winning chef Rob Curley for a once-per-month fine-dining extravaganza as he guides you through a meal made with only the best ingredients, all sourced from the Slemish Market Garden and surrounding areas. This is a pop-up culinary…

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviews
Dining at Rosspark Hotel

Ballymena

Address

20 Doagh Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT42 3LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2589 1663

info@rosspark.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in 10 acres of grounds in the beautiful County Antrim countryside within easy reach of the airport and harbour, formal and informal dining is excellently catered for at the Rosspark Hotel, where a world of wonderful cuisine is waiting for…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
917 reviews
Deanes Meat Locker

Belfast

Address

28 - 40 Howard Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6PF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 1134

info@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

When you combine the sheer skill of Deanes chefs with the superb quality of the well renowned Hannan Meats and the accuracy of the Asador Grill you create a product that simply excels . . . . and that’s at the heart of Deanes Meat Locker.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
10 reviews
Secret Garden Cafe

Ballymena

Address

Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7QA

Telephone
07974257627

finance@bigoccasionscatering.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The Secret Garden Cafe located in the grounds of Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena operates 7 days a week, providing refreshments alongside hot and cold food.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
FARO Café & Pizzeria

Whitehead

Address

7 Victoria Avenue, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7526 310 472

Hello@TheWhistleStopCafe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Embark on a culinary journey at The Whistle Stop Cafe / FARO Café & Pizzeria , close to Whitehead Railway Station on the Causeway Coastal Route and within walking distance of Blackhead Coastal Path. Enjoy our all-day breakfast, burgers, light…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
229 reviews
Nobel Café

Ballymena

Address

102-104 Church Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 4302

nobelcafeballymena@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Café

Nobel is an award winning contemporary café located on Church Street in the heart of Ballymena. selling fantastic fries, tasty breakfasts and luxury lunches with friendly, fast service.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
261 reviews
Marconi's Bar & Bistro at the Marine Hotel

Ballycastle

Address

1 - 3 North Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2222

reception@marinehotelballycastle.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Marine Hotel occupies an unrivalled seafront position in the heart of the Causeway Coast & Glens. It offers an ideal place to relax and unwind; enjoying some of the best Irish hospitality the north coast has to offer.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
300 reviews
Mary McBride's

Cushendun

Address

Main Street, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2176 1511

cormacmckeegan@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Winnies 1975

Broughshane

Address

69 Main Street, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 2226

info@winnies1975.co.uk

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Winnies 1975 is a quaint café and gift shop set in the heart of Broughshane, which was crowned UK Village of the Year 2018.

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Galgorm Estate Gin Tasting Experience

Ballymena

Address

Galgorm Resort, 136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2588 1001

reservations@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Unique gin tasting experience at Galgorm Resort, near Ballymena as they showcase hand selected gins every Thursday to Sunday in the surroundings of The Gin Library, winner of Best Bar in Connacht/Ulster at the Sky Bar of the Year awards.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviews
The Dark Horse

Belfast

Address

34 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 7807

darkhorse@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Dark Horse is a European style coffee house nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter.
Available for private hire Thursday - Saturday.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Kings Road Coffee Shop

Whitehead

Address

1 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7354 469104

Hello@wearekingsroad.com

Type

Type:

Café

Kings Road: Charming, historic café in Whitehead. Cosy atmosphere, dog-friendly with an outside decking. Diverse menu, including hearty breakfasts and sweet treats. Loyalty rewards available. Experience warmth and hospitality.

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Millar's Bar Ballycarry

Ballycarry

Address

46 Main Street, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2042

info@millarsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1754, Millar's Bar in Ballycarry offers traditional fare and refreshing drinks in an historic setting. Patrons can also enjoy live sports and entertainment in this cosy establishment with a rich history. Dog and family friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - In certain areas only
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
The Spaniard

Belfast

Address

The Spaniard Bar, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2448

spaniardbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hidden within the Cathedral Quarter is this little gem of a bar. We pride ourselves in offering the most intimate atmosphere along with an outstanding selection of Rum. Join us and sip on our famous Dark n Stormy or Extraordinary! Not to be missed!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
315 reviews
The Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant

Broughshane

Address

57 Main Street, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 1366

thatchinnfo@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Pub / Nightclub

18th century thatched, family friendly bar and restaurant set in the award winning village of Broughshane with a great choice of menu and unique historic features.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1080 reviews
Fish City

Belfast

Address

33 Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1000

events@fish-city.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Belfast's first sustainable seafood restaurant, you will enjoy an extensive menu of some of the finest seafood at Fish City, including fresh, locally sourced Carlingford oysters, Strangford Lough mussels, and the much loved and award-winning…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
The Reporter Bar Belfast

Belfast

Address

Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JF

holly@thereporterbarbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated on Union Street, neighbouring the Irish News offices and the old Belfast Telegraph building, the intimate bar’s warm and welcoming interior is clad with artefacts and memorabilia, illustrating the city’s colourful history through the eyes…

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The Causerie at The Europa Hotel

Belfast

Address

Europa Hotel Belfast, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9027 1066

causerie@eur.hastinghotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With some of the best views in Belfast, this bustling contemporary bistro has provenance stamped all over its menu. The a la carte menu is available all day. Signature dishes include Glenarm Organic Roast Salmon and Northern Irish Dexter Sirloins.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
654 reviews
The Smoking Monkey Cocktail & Sports Bar

Ballymena

Address

74-76 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 5234

info@grouseballymena.com

Type

Type:

Pub / Nightclub

Ballymena's newest cocktail and sports bar, The Smoking Monkey, is a space like no other in the heart of this bustling market shopping town.

More Info
EDŌ Restaurant

Belfast

Address

3 Capital House, Upper Queens Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6FB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3054

info@edorestaurant.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

EDŌ (Aye-Doh) is a stylish modern bistro in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The menu features an extensive variety of small plates, taking influence from the best ingredients and cooking techniques from across Europe, whilst using the top local…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available