Overlooking the River Lennon, which flows through the picturesque little town of Ramelton and is the reason for its enduring popularity with fishing visitors, this charming pub and restaurant is easily spotted by its cheerful red-and-white paintwork.
The Bridge Bar has always been a landmark in the heritage town and it has been in the Mackey family since 1988 but, following a closure, the restaurant reopened in August 2021 under husband and wife team, Roisin and Matthias Llorente - whose rustic Irish-French fusion cooking has well and truly put it on the map.
The building sits tightly on the main Ramelton-Milford road and you enter the first floor restaurant through the traditional downstairs bar. Everyone who walks through the doors comments on the friendly welcome and genuine hospitality, which never fails to impress - and this atmospheric place is also famous for live music (quite an achievement in a county renowned for its music).
The restaurant upstairs is cosy and has an old world feel about it with small rooms and an unusual layout. Mattias and Roisin both bring experience from their time in leading restaurants (and their own previous restaurant, Bia Bistrot, in Edinburgh) and their creative and well-priced menus are focused on local seasonal produce and packed with local names, including hero producers like Ballyholey Farm and Albatross Seafood. While not over-long, menus offer plenty of choice (Bites, Mains, Desserts) and dishes such as Roasted Bone Marrow and Salmon & Black Sesame Rillettes pack a punch with their vibrant flavours and rustic presentation.
Service by smartly turned-out and well-informed staff adds to the enjoyment of a meal here and the drinks list is a joy too, with lots of natural and biodynamic wines, local Kinnegar craft beers and non alcoholic options on offer - and if you are lucky you might catch a live Jazz or Traditional Irish session downstairs after your meal.
A great place to know about when visiting Donegal.
