This popular contemporary restaurant, bistro & café takes its name from the historic event when King James 1st granted a licence to distill 'uisce beatha' (water of life, or whiskey as it is known today) within the territory called the Rowte (Bushmills) in Co Antrim, in1608.
The bright, airy restaurant has two dining areas - a café downstairs, and split level restaurant upstairs where you can dine in comfortable relaxed surroundings while watching the chefs busily preparing your tasty dishes in the open kitchen. The atmosphere is lively, décor is warm and modern, and the menu offers well-balanced food combinations using many local ingredients.
Tempting dishes offered may the 1608 Fisherman’s Pie, a wholesome and generous selection of salmon, cod, crab and prawns poached in a white wine creamy sauce and topped with a generous portion of creamed potatoes, and appealing vegetarians choices such as baked butternut squash stuffed with vegetable couscous, and drizzled with spiced basil oil.
Finish, perhaps, with traditional desserts such as apple & rhubarb crumble – served, appropriately enough, with Bushmills Malt scented custard. And, of course, you couldn’t leave without having an Irish coffee made with the famous 1608 brand. Children are also welcome and evening reservations are essential.
Tempting modern menus, good cooking, friendly staff and good value make this a very popular spot with local residents and visitors alike.
D Wed-Fri 5-9.30pm, All day Sat & Sun 10am-9.30pm (to 8.30pm Sun). Closed Mon, Tue. MasterCard, Visa, Switch.
