2009 Award Winners PUB OF THE YEAR 2009

Balloo House

This famous old coaching inn enjoyed a great stroke of good fortune in 2004, when it was taken over by Ronan and Jennie Sweeney, an energetic couple with extensive experience in the hospitality industry who were determined to restore its reputation as one of the finest country dining pubs in Northern Ireland - and this they have achieved with style and confidence.

Downstairs operates as a full licensed bar daily and it is extremely busy all week; the place has oodles of genuine character and the old kitchen bar, with its flagstones and traditional range, makes a great setting for excellent bistro fare like fresh Kilkeel scampi & chips, dry-aged locally reared steaks, home-made burgers and some less usual dishes such as Finnebrogue venison shepherds pie.

And – while that in itself would be enough to please the most demanding customer – above the bar they have an outstanding fine dining restaurant in a quaint and cosy converted loft. Here, head chef Danny Millar - a well known advocate of local seasonal produce - can stretch his very considerable talents in the evening.

Overall, the lovely relaxed ambience and outstanding food at very reasonable prices are a credit to all involved, and the growing reputation of this fine old inn is well earned.