The Plough Inn

Established in 1752, this former coaching inn is owned by the Patterson family who have built up a national reputation for hospitality and good food, especially seafood. Somehow they manage to run three separate food operations each day, so pleasing customers looking for a casual daytime meal and more serious evening diners.

The evening restaurant is in the old stables at the back of the pub, and renowned for seafood and fine steaks; booking is required. There’s a characterful old bar, where fairly traditional bar food is available, and the original Plough Restaurant, which has a separate entrance from the carpark, is also traditional in style.

However the rest of the pub is now stylishly contemporary, including the adjacent building where you will find the trendy Barretro Café & Bistro, which is open most of the day. In the main building, a stylish bistro above the old bar offers quite substantial international dishes; bookings are taken there for business lunches, although not in the evening.

While there is obvious youth appeal, people of all ages feel comfortable here and the staff, who are clearly very proud of it, are friendly and helpful. It is very extensive, so allow yourself time to have a good look around and get your bearings before settling down to eat.

[The Plough Inn was our Pub of the Year in 2004]. *The Pheasant Inn at Annahilt is a sister establishment (see entry) as is The Tannery in Moira.