This café in a department store is the perfect pit-stop during a marathon shopping session, but it’s also a destination in its own right. Lisburn people know it’s great for everything from breakfast to brunch, lunch, coffee and dinner. Those strawberry and coconut scones are a meal in their own right.

We love their motto “Where Time is Irrevelant”. Who wouldn’t lose themselves in chicken and ham-pie with chips all made from scratch in their kitchen? They’re on the hot counter come noon alongside yummy soups, stew of the day and speciality breads to name but a few. Fresh salads and cold meats too.Needless to say, they use great local produce where possible.

Their Pink Pavlova is their signature dish and has to be seen to be believed. But then again, you might prefer the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake or the Lemon Meringue. This place is nirvana if you have a sweet tooth, No wonder they make so many cakes for parties.

Why not save yourself from having to cook dinner and try something from their takeaway deli, no washing up either!

Their food is so good that customers urged them to open late. So they do, every Thursday night until 10:30pm.

It’s always a good start to a meal when the atmosphere is so cosy. We love the wee snugs, the whitewashed walls and the dark timbers. The traditional 17th century building might take you back in time, but the food is bang up to date.

Their style is Irish with an international twist. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is as local as it can get, pan-fried fillet of beef flamed with the famous whiskey which gives the Inn and the village its name.

The Dalriada Cullen skink is a reminder of the area’s strong links with Scotland, but there are plenty of tastes of home too, like the Rathlin Island scallops and the Kilhorne Bay crab macaroni.

Desserts are sinfully rich and irresistible. It would be rude not to try their sticky toffee pudding with fresh cream. Just make sure you take a walk on the beach afterwards. Then come back to a malt whisky in the bar which is still lit by gaslight.

They’ve even got a private cinema! It doesn’t get much better than this.

If you’re out for a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, this is the first eaterie you’ll come across. This award-winning place (the latest is Pubs of Ulster ‘BEST NI FOOD PUB 2012’) has stunning views across Belfast Lough and the County Down hills. You can
go casual in the Café Bar on the ground floor or glam it up a bit in Lanyon’s Seafood & Grill Restaurant on the first floor. Either way, you’re going to eat really well. We had the Lissara duck salad in the Restaurant and the lobster prawn main course. How reassuring is it to see it written on a menu that the fish selection may change depending on the local catch?

The vegetarian choices are always imaginative; things like goats cheese wellington and halloumi with cous cous. Leave plenty of time to enjoy your meal in this place. They purposefully don’t do “fast food”. Everything is cooked fresh to order and is more than worth the wait.

Great outdoor terrace too, perfect for sipping a drink while gazing at the Lough. Just a pity we weren’t there the day actor Sam Neill (The Omen) launched his Two Paddocks wine. He said the view was “one of the best anywhere in the world from a restaurant”!

We love how this restaurant got its name. It was built on the site of a former barnyard. Get it? It’s been going strong since 1988.

Expect to feast on local delicacies like King Scallops from Strangford Lough with cauliflower puree and a herb pea dressing and seared venison steak with honey roast parsnips and juniper jus. These are classic flavours that always work and they know it.

The Twosday menu is a great idea. The choice of dishes changes weekly and the cheapest is free. It’s the type of stuff you would make at home but it’s cheaper and blissfully easy to get it here.

Think spaghetti Bolognese, chicken curry and cottage pie. Lots of people have their wedding receptions here and it’s great for conferences too.

From barnyard to brilliant!

For flying visits and much more.

You’ve probably flown past it a hundred times on your way to Belfast International airport but have you ever stopped to think what’s inside the Ballyrobin Country Lodge Hotel?

You may be in for a surprise! Not only does this centuries old building ooze as much homely charm inside as it does out, brand new modern bedrooms have added unexpected chic with boutique comfort and style. All bedrooms and the public areas have wifi access for our residents completely free of charge.

As for the food? You’ll have to travel a long way to find food as good. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a bite before your flight, a business lunch or a special occasion, Balllyrobin’s mouthwatering gastro menu is worth checking in for alone! The perfect venue for an intimate wedding or private dinner.

Ballyrobin Country Lodge takes great pleasure and pride to source our fresh menu content from the local farming communities. From Ewing’s fish to Silver Hill duck, Lisnaskea chicken to locally sourced vegetables and potatoes.

Head Chef Jim Mullholland and his team have spent considerable time and effort to ensure our customers receive the best quality of produce whilst supporting the local economy.

See what you’re missing today at Ballyrobin Country Lodge- Just minutes away from Belfast International Airport and easily accessible to all major routes in Nothern Ireland.