Recommended Pubs and Restaurants in County Down
There are a total of 28 premises in this area.
The Buck's Head
Dundrum.(028) 4375 1868 (T)
This pub/restaurant has been here many years and has had many owners. What has never changed is the quality of the food and the relaxed feeling in the bar or the large back garden. A stop-over for bus tours and family outings at the edge of the main road. Yet, upon entering, the traffic noise disappears and it is easy to linger over a good meal.
The Maghera Inn
Maghera village.(028) 4472 2236 (T)
Taken over and refurbished, it has lost its advertising as the "perfect little country pub". A friendly pub serving home cooked meals for families. It is not far from the local riding stables and Tullymore and Castlewellan Forests. You might even bump into the famous Bernard & Kerry Sloan from Whitewater. Just be careful coming out as it is situated on a blind bend. The lounge has been extended into a large restaurant and some of the flavour has left the place.
The Esplanade Bars
12 Ballyholme Esplanade, Bangor, BT10 5LZ(028) 9127 0954 (T)
(028) 9146 3883 (F)
Situated at the far end of Ballyholme Bay, the Esplanade has a relaxing lounge bar to the front, edging onto a patio (no children after 8.00, but has a child changing facility) that overlooks the full stretch of the bay. A back bar through the off license at the side and The Gryphon Restaurant upstairs. Good food, cask ale (also special bottled beers) and friendly staff. Can get very busy but well worth seeking out.
Revivals Restaurant
41 Old Coach Road, Hillsborough(028) 9268 9624 (T)
(028) 9268 9633 (F)
Off the beaten track along a narrow country lane (at the top of the hill) but well worth finding. Excellent atmosphere, extremely friendly staff and food your taste buds would kill for. Not to be missed. Try the Asian beers.
Jenny Watts
High Street, Bangor(028 9127 0401) (T)
One of Bangor's oldest pubs (around 1780 and once "The Old House at Home") this is a great place to go for a Sunday brunch & jazz session. Enjoyable pages from old PTQ magazines. Excellent food. Hot summer days can be enjoyed on the patio. (Children welcome). Parking at rear. Once served cask ale and hopefully it will return.