Between Ballycastle and Bushmills there's a host of spectacular sights, but surprisingly little in the way of good places to eat - which makes this charming little spot stand out.
Joan and Nigel McGarrity opened their small tearoom in 2012, and it quickly attracted local support as well as delighting visitors, so it is fast blossoming into a small traditional restaurant.
It's just up a lane near the quaint little fishing harbour of Ballintoy and its iconic whitewashed church. The setting is beautifully rural looking out over fields where sheep are bleating, and the building retains the character of a seaside cottage, with colourful succulents planted in the low Causeway Basalt stone walls around the garden and patio, and a half door in bright red.
The simple cottage style continues inside, where the welcoming red door opens straight into the single room dining area where there's a woodburning stove and old world tearoom ambience. There's also a good sized patio area with umbrellas for rain or shine. It all exudes warmth and caring, in a traditional way, and makes a lovely setting for deliciously simple food.
It's become a great lunch stop and everything is as it should be, with a short menu card and exras on a blackboard. Expect good straightforward locally sourced main courses; seasonal soups and stews, or salmon on a bed of champ with fresh peas in a small pot for lunch, perhaps - tasty and filling.
The day begins with breakfast, or you could just pop in for a freshly baked scone and a cuppa - served in proper china cups and saucers.
Desserts and cakes are terrific (try the Austrian coffee cake...), and staff are extremely friendly and efficient.
A short, well priced wine list offers all you could want - three very pleasant house wines are all less than £13, and there's a well chosen choice of four reds and 4 whites in the £15–30 range.
And, with gift items like paintings and cards for sale, you can take home a memento of this charming place too.
You'll be glad you found it.
