A beautiful 400-acre demesne set in the rolling County Down countryside, Montalto Estate has a colourful history dating back to the early 17th century.
Since 1994 it has been owned by the Wilson family, who have gradually opened it up to the public, firstly as a wedding and events venue and, since 2018, as a fully fledged visitor destination offering beautiful gardens, trails and walks, a shop with dedicated areas for garden lovers and children that sells quality items you won't find in every other viistor centre - and a really lovely café.
'Reconnect with nature' is the theme behind everything the Wilsons have done here, and the aim is to preserve the heritage and natural beauty of the estate while 'inspiring and delighting' the visitors they now share it with.
That philosophy is central to the Café, which is stylishly simple and planned to offer 'a homely eating experience' with indoor and outdoor zones and comfy area to retreat to if you want to relax and read. Planned to complement the estate outbuildings, including the adjacent Stableyard, it's a lovely space with a real sense of nature in the unusual decor and - as well as plenty of outdoor seating - a double-sided gas fire that makes it a cosy in place to be in winter.
Definitely not just an add-on to a visitor attraction, the Café is a destination in its own right and, with its constantly evolving seasonal menus showcasing produce from the estate and the local area, it's a draw for regulars from around Northern Ireland, as well as a wonderful discovery for travellers from further afield.
Head chef David Earle has led the kitchen team since the café opened and they love nothing better than to introduce visitors to the superb produce that the area has to offer, including Great Taste Award winners such as Burren balsamics, Abernethy Butter, Carnbrooke Meats, Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Thompson’s Family Teas - and some winning products from the Yellow Door, where David worked with Simon Dougan before coming to Montalto. (Some products are also available to buy and take home, including Buttermilk artisan confectionary, Wild Island Dressings, Kokoa Collection hot chocolates and The Artisan Kitchen marmalades and jams.)
As well as growing produce on the estate, all the baked goods are made in-house (don't miss the speciality bake, blueberry and white chocolate scone) and they have free-range hens, and an apiary - all of which is reflected on menus that can change almost daily as new produce becomes available, although some favourites have become house specialities so they're always on the menu. The breakfast hash, which includes Comber potatoes, eggs from the estate and Gracehill black pudding, is a regular for example, and at lunchtime the signature dish is a delicious local take on croque monsieur, which is made with Yellow Door sourdough bread, Coleraine Cheddar, Givan’s ham and Grá Bia artisan chutney...
The same philosophy applies to the drinks list as well - acclaimed local wine merchant James Nicholson has compiled the wine selection and there's also an impressive range of locally produced beers and spirits (Whitewater and Hilden breweries, for example, along with Ninth Wave Gin and Hinch whiskey), while non-alcoholic drinks include cordials made with produce from the estate and local coffee roasters Ristretto and famed Thompson’s Tea from Belfast top the beverages list.
All round Montalto is brilliant place to visit - and you won't find a better local food offering anywhere.
