Recommended Pubs and Restaurants in County Down
There are a total of 28 premises in this area.
The Hillside
21 Main Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE(028) 9268 2765 (T)
Believed to be older than 1771, the pub has a traditional, small front room and serving bar with an open fire. The back lounge (with a roaring fie to be aware of) extends into a bistro style lounge and an upstairs restaurant with a fine vaulted, tongue in groove ceiling. The new owners have a right to be proud of the fine cask ales sold to compliment a superb selection of great food. Annual well attended beer festivals.
(CAMRA "Pub of the Year" award winner)
The Plough
3 The Square, Hillsborough, BT26 6AG(028) 9068 2985 (T)
(028) 9068 9858 (F)
Dating from 1700, with timbers from a 16th. century church, this family pub is renown for the cuisine of Derek Patterson, a chef of remarkable talents and a world wide catering education. The front lounge is beamed and covered with brasses and memorabilia. There is a modernised upstairs bistro and a back restaurant. William Patterson takes care of the bar and the family run the famous "Hillsborough Oyster Festival" in aid of charity.
CAMRA "Pub of the Year" award winner.
The White Horse
49 Main StreetSaintfield
BT24 7AB
(028) 9751 0417 (T)
Although it is new, the bar holds an old flavour. Tastefully done in wood & bare brick with varnished wood floors. The old ground floor Bistro is now an extremely comfortable restaurant/lounge hosting occassional music. The toilets have been relocated. The upper floor has been opened to give a small but quiet lounge using stone walls and leaded windows. Five handpumps, great staff, great food. Worth seeking out.
Marksalehouse2004/5 award winner.
Lizzie Drakes
228 Moira RoadLisburn
(028) 9262 1538 (T)
Once the Maze Railway Hotel, an excellent venue for a quiet drink or a superb meal (make sure to be early as last meals are about 9.30). On the right hand side is a quiet little public bar with a real fire. To the rear is a lounge/restaurant and a long corridor to the toilets with some games machines.
To the left is the main lounge and eating area with comfortable seating. A real fire in a brick fireplace makes for a warm welcome on cold nights. There is a patio/yard with seating but is mainly storage. Music on Sundays. The owners, Malachy & Veronica (now retired but still to be seen) & son Connor, are friendly and so are the staff. Be careful crossing the road from the car park.
Winner of "MARKSALEHOUSE" award 2002/3
Enniskeen Hotel
Bryansburn Rd, NewcastleOld style opulence and a relaxed atmosphere, the hotel is set off the road in its own extensive grounds with a great view of the nearby Mournes. Original wood panelling and fireplaces. Great for afternoon tea, especially after a walk in Tullymore Forest just up the road. Friendly staff. Nice understairs open lounge. Good food.