CLOSING 15th MAY 2022 DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
Opened in 2013 by experienced host Roy Bolton (originally of the Bushmills Inn), this little slice of rural France is easy to miss from the street, as it looks like a shop (which it was) but, once inside, it's unique.
Having developed from its original shop and café format, it now offers an atmospheric restaurant with six individually designed rooms and suites.
Four are on 2 levels, five have their own small private patio and garden, and all have both feature bath and walk-in showers. Each suite has a French inspired theme: Botanique; Provençal; Afrique (complete with 4-poster and mosquito nets); Allée Bleue; Industrielle; Huguenot...
An impressive library reception area cum residents’ lounge (complete with double-sided fireplace and honesty bar) replaces the former shop, and the highly original restaurant serving tasty bistro classics and local treats includes a ‘Petit Salon’ complete with open fire and a theatrical snug aka the Moulin Rouge.
Chef Stella Bolton's food is delicious and menus are skilfully designed to complement the French ambience - menus include popular sharing platters with tapas-style options as starters and a signature main dish such as Barbary duck breast from the Loire Valley oven cooked and served with orange and Cointreau jus, or Cajun French sea bass with a house made rub - yet there's plenty of familiar fare to please the local palate too, probably including a good 10oz sirloin with all the trimmings.
The drinks menu is equally interesting, with both Old and New World wines offered by the glass or carafe; local beer and cider producers feature too, e.g. Lacada (from Portrush), Hilden Brewery and McIvors Cider, and also cocktails.
It's a very pleasing concept, and something completely different for the area - still easily the most elegant and stylish restaurant on the Causeway Coast, and affordable too.
*Self-catering accommodation is also available: Continuing the French theme, 'Maison' offers 2 high-spec self-catering suites and oodles of charm. Overlooking the River Bush, they have an open plan kitchen/living area with a real fire, separate bath and shower and lots of lovely stuff. Self catering, but can also have breakfast at The French Rooms, by arrangement.
