Within walking distance of the city centre and easily accessible by car, this busy spot looks like a pretty row of houses and, with its colourful hanging baskets, the facade cleverly disguises a large interior. Contemporary décor and muted colours complement an airy atmosphere, and it’s a relaxed, comfortable place for flavoursome food at a reasonable price.
Friendly, efficient staff, simple table settings and uncomplicated menus reflect a refreshingly down to earth philosophy. With a strong commitment to quality, food is sourced locally when possible, and scones, breads and desserts are home baked.
Varied menus begin with a good breakfast that includes freshly squeezed orange juice, the full Huntsman and lovely brown bread, and later there are favourites such as Huntsman fish cakes, char-grilled steak burger and lightly spiced Indian curry with lentils and sweet potato. A separate children’s menu doubles as a colouring competition.
Popular choices on the evening menu include Huntsman fish pie, duo of lamb – lamb rack and confit lamb shoulder - and dry-aged sirloin. Specials might include an innovative fish (and very tasty) fish dish such as baked salmon and prawns on crushed potatoes and chorizo salsa - everything is cooked with care and well presented, this is a very busy place and they manage the numbers consistently well.
A compact, fairly priced wine list majoring on New World bottles complements the food well, and a craft beer and cider menu offers both bottles and on tap varieties.
Accommodation:
It's hard to credit it now, but when the original Huntsman Inn opened more than 30 years ago, it was surrounded by green fields.Today it is very much part of the city and offers views over Lough Atalia with convenience to the centre and private parking. The smart, contemporary en-suite bedrooms are comfortably furnished to hotel standard and offer all the usual conveniences including free WiFi, satellite TV with computer facilities and DVD player - and great value.
The breakfast menu reads reassuringly well, offering plenty of fresh and well sourced foods - freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly baked scones and brown bread, Collerans and Herterich’s breakfast meats, Connemera Smokehouse smoked salmon - and the promise follows through, with good cooking (scrambled eggs singled out for praise, which is unusual) and really tasty food. And excellent staff make the experience, by providing very good service.
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