Balloo House is a cosy pub nestled in the beautiful Northern Irish countryside, not far from Strangford Lough. With over 400 years of delighting guests and a menu of pared-back punchy classics, it's no wonder the pub has been awarded Michelin's Bib Gourmand (for exceptional food at a reasonable price). While the main pub is a relaxed space, the upstairs is a more lively grill restaurant with a private bar and even a fire pit cocktail terrace. These features are some of the many facets that make Balloo House an excellent setting for private dining, weddings or just a pleasant weekend away.
Snack on Irish charcuterie, marinated olives or curry roasted nuts while you peruse the menu, which features a range of creative dishes that celebrate the finest local produce. Kick things off with a classic carrot and coriander soup, chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche, or a crispy ham and cheese croquette with picalilli and puffed pork crackling.
Mains step things up a notch, with meat feasts like lamb shank with braised red cabbage, dauphinoise potato and lamb gravy, slow-cooked pork belly with BBQ hispi cabbage, English mustard mayo, black pudding and champ or Himalayan salt-aged steak with braised mushroom, roasted tomato, onion rings, beef dripping chips and peppercorn sauce. Those seeking seafood can enjoy a lightly spiced monkfish with cauliflower and Bombay potatoes or Strangford scallops with garlic and paprika pil pil, prawns, mussels and a sourdough baguette.
For a simpler bite, there are pub classics such as fish and chips, burgers, curries and smoked haddock chowder too. Desserts tie things off neatly with the likes of a lemon meringue tart and raspberry sorbet, sticky toffee pudding or an almond and blackberry Bakewell with blackberry sorbet and apple. There is even a selection of boozy coffees for that last hit, including Irish coffee with Bushmills or a 'royal coffee' with Hennessey brandy.