Although not the easiest place to find, this hidden gem is well worth seeking out. A roadside pup between Lisburn and West Belfast that is believed to be the oldest tavern in County Antrim (est.1660), it now provides the setting for a thoroughly modern dining experience. Owner Martin Caldwell updated the premises to become a 'pub with dining room', re-opening early in 2015 as The Speckled Hen - the quirky name a happy throw back to his grandmother, who always said that her speckled hen produced the best eggs...
The old-world bar and snug are, as Martin says himself, 'reminiscent of somewhere like Johnnie Fox's'; in contrast, the Hen’s Dining Room is deliberately kept simple and modern, with painted brickwork and bare tables: the main focus here is on the food - which is outstanding, and could easily outdo many a much swankier place. There's also a charming beer garden, with outdoor cabanas where customers can have a drink or bite to eat.
Offering a range of menus through the day - including a popular brunch, a bar menu and a 'real food' children's menu as well as more ambitious Dining Room menus - Chef Cathal McGreevy, formerly of Deane’s Belfast, and a four man kitchen team work wonders with seasonal ingredients to create some of the best food around.
There's a strong commitment to supporting local producers, as demonstrated in a list on the menu that proudly credits all local suppliers. Their excellent produce can be enjoyed in delicious and thoughtfully presented restaurant dishes like wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil with aged parmesan, Rump of lamp, wilted greens, smoked bacon, minted peas - while the bar menu offers upbeat versions of more traditional pub grub, like Surf and Turf, Burgers and Local Craft Ale Battered Fish and double cooked chips. Particular house specialities include Honey Chilli chicken - and a popular Steak and ale pie, made using their own ale.
The cooking has great flair, and it's matched by warm, friendly and prompt service - and an exceptional drinks list, including cocktails, in addition to well priced wines.
Anyone with an interest in craft beers and ciders will be in heaven here, as they stock enough to merit a separate list that includes a hundred craft beers and thirty ciders as well as an impressive selection of craft beers on tap in the pub. Their own nano brewery started production in 2016 and, not only is the Black Mountain Brewery now well established, but they have own brand gin, vodka and whiskey, The Hen's Blend, on sale too.
Offering fine-dining level cooking in a relaxed pub setting, The Speckled Hen is full of energy - and this hidden gem is well worth seeking out.
