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The Mill At Ballydugan

Hidden away in rolling County Down countryside just outside Downpatrick, the site of this 18th century flour mill is very atmospheric: looking out onto ruined stone outbuildings, it is almost like being in a medieval castle courtyard.

The Mill would be worth a visit if only to see the magnificent restoration undertaken by the owner, Noel Killen, over more than fifteen years - but the building now houses a bistro/coffee shop on the ground floor, a more formal restaurant on the first floor and, above it, function rooms and accommodation.

Bedrooms are appropriately furnished in traditional country style, with exposed beams and brass-and-iron beds, but have also the convenience of phones, TV with video channel, tea/coffee-making facilities and safe.

The restaurant is open to non-residents, and is frequently used for private functions, mainly weddings.

: OLD TEXT (2001): General Manager Burnett Cooper and head chef David Kenny are working hard to build up the food side of the business, with the emphasis on local produce, especially fish. Quite wide-ranging table d'hôte lunch and à la carte dinner menus are offered daily, typically including starters like an excellent steamed cockles and mussels in a coconut & Thai broth and a seasonal soup such as asparagus & garden pea and main courses of cornfed chicken with spring vgetables, risotto & truffle oil and pan-roasted loin of lamb with basil mash, chunky courgettes & roast pepper jus; interesting vegetarian options are also offered. Prices are not unreasonable (starters from £3.50 and average evening main course about £12) and, bearing in mind that this ambitious project had been operational for less than a year at the time of the Guide's visit, it was promising. Although the cooking is not yet quite consistent and service needs to be sharpened up - while charming and polite, there is a lack of attention to detail - but local reports suggest that it is improving all the time, which is encouraging: Downpatrick needs the Mill. Seats 50. No smoking area. L daily, 1-3, D daily 7-9.30. Set L £12.50, D à la carte; house wine £11.50; s.c. discretionary. Conference/banqueting (120/86); secretarial service. Garden. Children welcome, under 5s free in parents' room (cots available free of charge). Rooms 10 (1 shower only, 6 no smoking, 1 for disabled); B&B about £35 pps. Restaurant seats 50. MasterCard, Visa, Switch.

Directions:

Downpatrick enroute to Newcastle past race course take first right hand turn and follow road to the Mill.