Dating back to the 19th century, this handsome traditional inn near the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is run by husband and wife Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin, who have recently completed major refurbishments.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, it has that lovely owner-run friendliness makes an ideal base for exploring the area or a stop-off to enjoy a good meal with local flavour.
Game of Thrones fans will especially love the front door, which is one of the ten doors created from fallen trees after Storm Gertrude and installed in pubs near filming locations around Northern Ireland, and also a room themed after the popular TV series.
Overnight guests expecting a traditional floral bedroom will be surprised by the pristine, contemporary style of the (very comfortable) renovated rooms, which are sure to please - and visitors travelling with their dog will be delighted that they can book a dog-friendly room here, and that they are also welcome in the bar. In the morning, a hearty cooked to order breakfast will include an excellent Ulster Fry - and very good local coffee.
Very much a food destination, Sean McLaughlin is the chef and he offers a wide ranging menu with daily specials all week from noon. There will be something for everyone, regardless of taste, and traditional dishes like Beef and Guinness Pie are always popular, but seafood is the top favourite - and the famed Strangford Lough Mussels are the star of the show here, in a 'moulerie' menu that showcases them in six delicious sauces using ingredients from local producers like Corndale Chorizo, Jawbox Gin and Northbound IPA, as well as classic style. They are really excellent and the chips served with them are perfect for dipping into the sauce. To accompany, the beers on tap may be mainstream European - if so, do ask ask about craft beers as there are many brilliant breweries locally, including Lacada
When it comes to dessert resistance is futile, so why not go for it and have the excellent sticky toffee pudding - you'll be glad you did.
All round, with its character, comfort, friendliness and good food, this place is a gem.
