A sister to the well known The Plough Inn (see entry) in Hillsborough and The Tannery in Moira, this welcoming cottage style bar and restaurant is discreetly tucked away in the green County Down countryside and has earned a following locally for its tasty food served at very reasonable prices.
Everyone loves an old world pub, and this one has a pleasant country charm, with old carts and rural memorabilia beside the excellent parking facilities. Inside, there’s a traditional, relaxed feeling in the busy and atmospheric restaurant, where friendly and efficient staff greet guests and quickly take orders from an extensive à la carte menu with daily specials.
Starters such as a trio of skewers (tiger prawn, Hoi sin pork & teriyaki chicken) or barbeque dusted calamari with Asian slaw, chilli & mint mayo and lime avocado salsa are typical of an Asian influence, while a house main course speciality of suckling hog medallions with bramley apple mash & sprouting broccoli demonstrates a more Irish feel; there’s a separate menu section dedicated to dry aged local beef, and also very attractive vegetarian, gluten free and children’s menus offered, so there really is something for everybody – and regular special events include Game Nights.
All food is local, very freshly prepared and generous, and even the most basic dishes are packed with flavour and well executed. A low to mid priced wine selection also offers great value; all this plus good service and a children’s play area makes this a excellent place for a family outing.
A private function room on the first floor is available for parties.
Seats 90 (private room, 16, outdoors, 40); reservations recommended; fully wheelchair accessible; children welcome before 9pm (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities, playground); bar food served all day daily, 12-9pm; L 12-2.30 (to 3pm Sun), D 5-9 (to 9.30pm Fri/Sat & 8pm Sun). Set Menus; also a la carte; house wine £13. Closed Mon (restaurant); 25-26 Dec; 12-13 Jul. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Switch.
