Based on 849 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 849 opinions finded in 2 websites
Opinions
We have no score for rooms as we have only dined at Downshire Arms. The building is quaint and the decor hasn't changed for many years but this is all part of its charm. It is refreshing to walk into the lobby which is accessed from the rear car park. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The food is excellent and always freshly cooked and piping hot when it arrives at your table. The staff are very friendly and very helpful. Nothing seems to be too much trouble. The car park at the rear is small and fills up quickly but there is lots of easy access parking within a few minutes walk of the Hotel. I really do recommend The Downshire Arms fir its great food and serv8ce, you will not be dissapointed!
colin mcafee . 2024-10-27
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Gorgeous meal. I had the roast beef dinner and it just melted in the mouth. My brother had the steak and Guinness pie and he thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff were lovely and would have a bit of craic with you.
Lyn N . 2024-08-06
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Went for a bite to eat on Saturday the food was very good and the staff were spot on
george Mcveigh . 2024-05-12
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Called for lunch recently and we werent disappointed- service was good and food was of a good standard- atmosphere was good too - lovely open fire was very welcoming on a chilly afternoon
Kenny Guy . 2024-04-29
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Had a beautiful lunchtime meal, each meal was served was gorgeous, we enjoyed our meals and the atmosphere was very relaxed
Evelyn Clark . 2024-04-18
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Was there for lunch food very good pleasant waitress staff all very helpful will go again.
Stuart Stevenson . 2024-04-14
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Had Sunday dinner today. Great tasty food, quick and very friendly service. Very affordable. Will return
heather burns . 2024-03-31
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Nice place for a short break, lunch and dinner. Good, yummy food
Gino Capone . 2024-03-05
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First time in the Bar of the Hotel ,staff were excellent and friendly ,really nice atmosphere in the Bar .Barman put on match for us without hesitation,will be back definitely.
Ricky . 2024-02-24
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Food was just ok. The veg needs cooked more and better service. Main course took 45min to get to us and we felt as if we were left alone.
Craig Crossey-Truesdale . 2024-02-19
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A bit of a mix up with my bosses booking so he ended up here! Can’t comment on the rooms but the staff were lovely and the service for food was great. Food was also scrummy and we both enjoyed the dinner !
Lisa Stone . 2024-02-09
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Most satisfying in every aspect staff very courteous and hey
Anthony Noel . 2023-12-26
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Brilliant, the staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. The food is excellent. I really recommend this hidden gem
Mark Hillis . 2023-12-17
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The food was excellent for the 3 of us, we had 3 courses, and the quality was flawless. The Sweet potato coconut and chilli soup was perfectly balanced in flavour. Pasta, beef and chicken were ordered, all cooked to perfection, and deserts scrumptious The young lady serving was very polite and helpful. Looking forward to going back soon!!
Chief G . 2021-10-11
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Truly unique. We have just returned home from a 5 night stay. From.the minute we walked in we were greeted with warm smiles and an amazing reception area. This hotel has so many original period features it's beautiful. The bedroom we stayed in was so comfortable and spacious with all you need. I can't praise the staff and management enough, there is nothing that's to much trouble always going above and beyond to make sure you are having a great time. The bar staff are so attentive you don't wait long for a top up, of which we had many! The Food just WOW the 5 days we were here my husband and I along with other family members sampled a lot of the menu. All dishes were cooked to such a high standard and beautifully presented. Not one of us could pick faults with any. Massive compliments to all the chefs. To sum up the Downshire, it's the most fantastic hotel nowhere else has ever topped what this hotel has to offer. A massive thankyou to Nigel and James. Leanne, Chelsea, Andrew & Pam and all other members of staff who's name's I didn't catch. You will be seeing us again very soon.😊
Helen B . 2021-09-23
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Called on the way home from Newry to Belfast and we were starving. We got the last place in the car park and were greeted by a sing along from a beer garden at the back of the hotel. I work in the industry and was hesitant about going any further as we wanted a quick bite and no fuss. However …. We were approached by door staff who were very polite and helpful. Offered to find us a table in the beer garden. We told them we wanted something to eat and they told us you might be lucky, ask at reception for a table. We were offered a table in a side function room on our own. Suited us perfect as it was clean and comfortable. Receptionist seated us and took our order. Food was very good and tasty. There was a lovely vibe and a great atmosphere as we could hear the buzz from the beer garden. All in all a good experience and we will be back. In these difficult times staff did a good job and we felt COVID safe with Masks and sanitising evident. Would suggest a drinks menu for tables, and maybe an outside area for people wanting to eat.
Gareth B . 2021-07-12
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A great place to go during the day or for a night out. Great atmosphere and buzz about the place even with social distancing. I had the vegan burger (highly recommend it) which was delicious and cooked to perfection! Really great selection of veggie and vegan options to choose from which was great to see. The menu really accommodates for everyone. The service was excellent. Staff were super friendly and were always on hand to take drink orders with next to no waiting time. We were in the outside area which is beautifully done and really spacious. Overall, a really warm and friendly place to have food and drink. Whether you’re a local or passing through, you should definitely check out the Downshire!
Garbhan B . 2021-06-21
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Absolutely superb food with family for a birthday celebration. All the family enjoyed their meals. The beef brisket was delicious and a great menu choice to cater for all. We will definitely be returning very soon!
Storyteller410298 . 2021-06-20
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Had a takeaway meal from here on 15th May 2021 and if I could describe it as the worst meal I ever had I would, but I can't. As there is no words in the Oxford dictionary to describe it, however there is lots of words in the English language that do so. Sadly I can't use them on here as I think this review would be removed. It was that bad the dog turned it nose up at it so that says a lot for it. Even more to the point some of the order missing when we got it home. If I could rate the food and the way it tasted I would rate -10 + -10 × infinitely and you may get the answer one day.
rodneyg453 . 2021-05-22
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Visited today and could not fault it. Been visiting here for 20 years and I have never had a bad meal. Staff are so helpful and polite, they just couldn't do enough for you. Food is excellent served in a very swiftly and timely manner. With the current pandemic I can honestly say I felt so safe, tables are well spaced out and staff maintain their distance and wear PPE, sanitiser available and all facilities are so clean. Temperature taken on arrival which was good, great piece of mind. Cannot wait to return once resturants are allowed to re-open.
JemGems . 2020-12-19
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It is not often that 4 people come out of a restaurant and we all had fantastic meals! I could not fault the food and service, it was second to none! Everything tasted so fresh, was cooked beautifully. The girl that served us was lovely and helped make the experience even more special. We don’t live in the area but we will definitely be back. If you are passing then why not give this place a go! You won’t be disappointed.
Brian703 . 2020-08-11
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Visited with a friend at Christmas and enjoyed a lovely meal in front of the open fire. Service was excellent and food to a high standard. Very reasonably priced also.
Belfastdavy81 . 2020-02-23
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Absolutely superb... food/drink excellent ,service brilliant and totally relaxing... nothing was a problem to the staff
Victor W . 2020-02-02
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Ich war für 2 Übernachtungen in diesem Hotel. Am ersten Abend späte Anreise und das Zimmer hatte vielleicht 15 Grad Ich habe das am zweiten Tag reklamiert und das Personal war sehr freundlich und hat sich gleich darum gekümmert. Das Hotel an sich ist schon ziemlich in die Jahre gekommen, im Eingangsbereich und Restaurant wirkt das schon ziemlich bequem jedoch das Hotelzimmer ist schon ziemlich abgenutzt. Im Bad ein Warmwasserboiler der nur lauwarmes Wasser bringt und auch das Mobiliar müsste mal getauscht werden. Die Zimmer sind sehr hellhörig, somit hörte ich wie mein Zimmernachbar schnarcht. Das Hotel ist gut gelegen mit ausreichend Parkmöglichkeit, zur Bus Station sind es ca . 3 min zu Fuß. Es war OK aber ich werde nicht wiederkommen.
938hansj_rgenm . 2020-01-31
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Food was good but service was very poor. The restaurant was not crowded but the staff seemed new and were not sure of what tables they were bringing the food to. Also very slow, waited for over 1 hour to get starter.
angelacS7490XC . 2019-12-22
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After having a previous poor experience I went back on Thursday afternoon with my wife and daughter for bar food and what a difference!! I had the beyond meat burger (nicer than meat IMO), my wife had Camembert thingy and daughter had the honey chicken chilli. Each dish was delicious and cooked to perfection. Well done!!
ProfessorSammy . 2019-12-15
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A Tuesday afternoon Four adults — four different main dishes and a few sides Everyone’s food was excellent and great value for money Fantastic staff Highly recommended GO
MatureCouple55 . 2019-10-29
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We were invited here yesterday, Sunday 15 Sept 2019 to celebrate our daughter’s birthday. There were ten of us seated in the restaurant, 3 of whom were children. The starters went down a treat and I really enjoyed the pâté. The main courses were lovely and hot and there were no complaints whatsoever. The staff were very attentive to the children’s needs and that was very much appreciated. Of course deserts were enjoyed by those who couldn’t resist a desert. All in all we had a lovely time at the Downshire and the food and service was excellent.
Elizabeth P . 2019-09-16
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Home cooked food with a wide menu. Definitely try the Seafood Chowder as a starter ! The menu is well catered for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free, and if you ask they will always come up with something that might not exactly be on the menu
A1LGL . 2019-09-05
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Was told at 9.15 when entering on Saturday evening the bar was closed by an older man at desk, When it's states otherwise on Facebook and website. When stating we wont be back again to "eachother" quietly leaving annoyed but not wanting to make a scene, the man decides to run behind us and basically shoved us out the door. It is unacceptable to treat people in this manner and this "man" should be dealt with by owners. I have told friends and family members who frequently visit and recommended this place to us what happened. This member of staff has lost you quite a bit of custom which is a pity.
Donna F . 2019-07-30
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Returning customer to Downshire Arms. Great ambience, good food hot on serving. Perfectly cooked with knowledgeable waitress service. Will definitely return.
Navigator15565054563 . 2019-06-17
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Arrived at the hotel with a very warm welcome from reception Great start for our 5 day break,rooms ready.The locally sourced menu along with daily specials is prepared and cooked from the heart. Will not be disappointed with the choices available. Every day there is mouth watering delights to choose from!The main bar can suit all ages with a friendly chat with bar staff and other customers,with all sports being shown on various Tv's.Family run (including all staff as family)are amazing well done!!!!It's a must to pay a visit
Marcus L . 2019-05-20
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Always liked this place. Good good reasonably priced. A bit dated but never disappointed.Always like to go there
Ann J . 2019-03-11
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We've used the hotel for their excellent pub lunches on several occasions. Between a special lunch menu, which usually has a roast of the day and their a la carte, it's a good selection of dishes. Having had their generous open prawn sandwich in both half portion and main course size on different days, I can vouch for the genuine prawns in a delicious sauce and well presented salad on wheaten bread. Totally satisfied by roasts of the day on different days. Very reasonable at around £26 for two people including a 'glass'. Excellent staff who are both efficient and friendly.
MarB524 . 2019-03-06
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We called into the restaurant for a family birthday dinner as it's a favourite place for my Father-in-Law & after our meal I can understand why he likes this place. The settings are very cosy with open fires around the rooms & very helpful staff on hand. We where brought to the restaurant after a quick drink in the Lounge & had already given our food orders so didn't have long to wait with our drinks already waiting for us. The food was really good with ample portions & good quailty. A lot of the group went for Turkey & Ham which was excellent while I decided on the Spinach Ricotta Ravioli with chargrilled Chicken which was also very good. This Hotel/Restaurant has been a firm favourite in Banbridge for years & the standard has always been high which keeps people coming back & will continue for some time yet.
hawkmatthews . 2019-01-30
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Two friends and myself met up at the Downshire Hotel,, Banbridge few weeks back....We expected the usual high standard of food but it was the complete opposite. The meat was tough so, we had to send the whole three plates back....we re ordered different dishes but was not much better. We complained to the staff but we wont be back anytime soon!!!
Gillian H . 2018-12-16
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Good service, great burger. Reasonably priced. Free Car parking out back is great in a busy town centre
Mark T . 2018-12-13
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Friendly relaxed atmosphere Portions were big and tasty I will be back Not expensive Value for money
oldies987 . 2018-12-11
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Great staff assure you of a warm welcome, a genuine feeling that nothing is too much trouble and the perfect blend of chat/leaving you be.
mikecD3697UF . 2018-12-03
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Had a meal and a few drinks with friends. The front office staff were extremely helpful, the bar staff and waitresses pleasant but its just the atmosphere in the place that I can never get. It was dull and uncomfortable but not owners fault who comes in. The bar area, depending on time of day is either full of odd balls or posers pulling. Love the outside area and cellar bar. I will be back though its still the best place in town for a meal
FellowTraveler33518 . 2018-10-03
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Went in for lunch place was busy but the service was quick.food was good and great portion really enjoyed my lunch. Will return
alan d . 2018-10-02
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Called in on the way pass, on Monday 1st October 2018 for an early Tea. Parked around the back in their car park near the doors, noticed a few car parking signs, some people must be parking illegally when they want to go into the Town centre. Went into the receptionist and said just going into the bar for a bite to eat, she replied would you put your registration of you vehicle into the tablet, it's just for us for a reference that your using the premises and not parking illegally. Not a problem then headed up to the bar, asked the bar staff for drinks and 2 menus she said to take a seat I'll bring them down with the drinks. As we where eating in the bar the menu was more of a handy pub all day menu which suited our needs. Ordered or meals, about 20/25 minutes later it arrived, not bad, pleasant enough just your normal pub grub. The meal for the 2 of us and 3 drinks was about £35 which was OK. I have stopped off here a few times over the years can't say I've had a bad meal, it used to be the place to go for a meal a few years ago, but competition with other restaurants is hard in this town.
raymondporterretired . 2018-10-02
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I have been going here for alot of years.Food has always been good.Not now small portions, tasteless. Staff very unfriendly. Years before when their parents owned it that's was special because they had customer service to perfection and treated everyone nice .It's a shame brothers don't follow suit just a please and thanks would be enough
231rr . 2018-09-23
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Recently ate in the Bar- food was OK, but just bland. Not worth going out and spending money on.
Jonathan M . 2018-09-23
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Popped in for some bar food over the weekend. Staff very friendly, seafood chowder was nice but the "chunky chips" looked and tasted like leftovers and toasted sandwich was overdone. Not much to ask for a decent toastie and chips!! Much better in the town.
ProfessorSammy . 2018-09-18
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We paid a quick visit here for lunch, there was a good menu but we were going out to dinner later and only wanted sandwiches. They were lovely and we enjoyed them but when it came time to pay we were asked to do so in Rception rather than the bar area where we had eaten. Despite waiting in Reception for approx ten minutes there was no one about to take payment. We could easily have disappeared out the back entrance to the car park but we went back to the bar and payment was duly taken. If they were able to do that then, why didn’t they just do so in the first place?
Candygirl156 . 2018-07-28
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We came here yesterday for the 2nd time. The outside and inside decor could be more enticing. The staff are genial. The toilet has been modernised and looks better.
tawl1504 . 2018-07-17
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My sister and I had dinner there last week. We ordered the special burger. When our order arrived it was so huge one would have been enough between us; but we managed to eat most of it. It was absolutely fabulous. Great value for money and delicious with plenty of sides. We will certainly be visiting the Downshire again next time we visit Northern Ireland.
jeanmccarthy36 . 2018-06-17
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Great place to watch a game, sports and have pints. Went for some pints after shopping and the drinks are cheap and there is a good selection of Irish brews.
Blake M . 2018-06-14
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Congratulations to all staff. What an amazing week. The service and food we experienced during the week was outstanding. We ate our way around the menu, its difficult to choose a favorite. Locally source where possible and fresh. We had our wedding meal in the top restaurant wow outstanding, the best beef all our guests agreed. All other options where equally delicious. The food is always presented beautifully and served hot. The chef is obviously passionate about food which reflects in the menu and standards. Cant wait to come back and eat some more. Well done just fantastic
Helen B . 2018-06-03
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Banbridge has some great wee places. We love going to the downshire on a Saturday night. We had food a few weeks back and it was great. The staff are lovely and the place has an oldish feel about it. I'd recomend the food there.
ChristineCoDown . 2018-05-24
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We popped in for a spot of dinner. We had two starters and two steaks for mains. The starters were ok, a bit old fashioned and lacking in presentation, not earth shattering to eat. The huge disappointment was the steak. My husband ordered fillet steak which was meant to be medium but turned up very well done. I ordered a medium sirloin and it was basically well done as well, just not as much of my husband. However it was severely tough, lacked any seasoning and felt like it had not been rested. The Diane sauce also looked like it had been boiled - slightly lumpy with lots of tiny bubbles you get if a sauce accidentally boils. We don’t normally say anything but the server asked us specially about the steak and I explained. To be fair he offered to get another but I had eaten most of my dinner at this stage so declined. When we went to pay the bill the server was with the front of house, explained they had a new head chef and it was likely the meat was tough due to it just being a bad cut, I am I suggested as both steaks weren’t great it was likely due to cooking as they were both different cuts. What prompted this review was the lack of discount. The front of house knew we were not happy but still charged us £67 for two starters and mains. A small courtesy discount would have made up for the disappointment of the meal. Instead we paid for a meal which could have been made much nicer at home, with very little effort. It certainly wasn’t a good advertisement for their new head chef, and we are not inclined to go back.
essy87 . 2018-05-22
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Wonderful staff who are always so extremely helpful and willing to help. Food excellent. You always feel very comfortable while at eating.
Ryan M . 2018-04-17
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We were in Banbridge with an hour or so to spare so decided to stop for lunch.
shelly-ann . 2018-03-21
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Staff were very helpful and friendly. The dining room was busy as was the bar because Ireland was playing Scotland in the rugby - great atmosphere. Food was very good and portions were large
Niamh3 . 2018-03-14
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Just 2 of us popped in for lunch on a Snow day ! Great fire in the bar kept us toasty. We shared a mushroom arinchini with a rocket salad for starters. Then I had beef bourguignon. Fab!! My friend had what she called a...
Marie B . 2018-03-03
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I ate here while working in the area recently and was pleasantly surprised.
Steven O . 2018-03-03
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A lot of the menu is pre made pre bought and only reheated to serve !
holidaylovers123 . 2018-03-01
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Being a local bar we frequently pop in for pub grub and night out drinks. Unfortunately Saturday 4pm Rugby /...
DandCR . 2018-02-11
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Ambience excellent, restaurant beautifully decorated. Service excellent and quality of food brilliant with good menu options. However one minor complaint...
mabel d . 2017-12-18
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Haven't been for a while but as always I was not disappointed. Always greeted by friendly staff. Choose our meal...
Stephanie S . 2017-11-11
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Stayed here for a small family gathering in Banbridge,we stayed in room 5 & our room was in keeping with...
Darren L . 2017-10-14
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We had some craic in the bar before having an excellent meal. The meal was served by helpful and professional...
Trevor W . 2017-10-02
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After shopping in Banbridge and fancied a bite before heading up the road.....
NornIron123 . 2017-09-23
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My partner and I booked for a saturday night meal. The venue was busy but had that cosy & busy but under control feel to it. Sure enough , drinks order taken , wine served and starters underway. Starters arrived and were very good, mains arrived and were also very good, although the portion sizes were rather large and I ( who would consider myself a reasonably big eater) left alot on my plate. This was no refection on the food, just the sheer quantity which was unnecessary .
mark m . 2017-09-13
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Took a last minute decision to call in after a day in Dublin, as we were with family we were not that impressed to be shown to the bar especially as we appear to be the only people eating in the whole building. At this point my expectations were not that high, thinking we were going to get something from the freezer.
andymc9633 . 2017-09-04
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Finalmente ho potuto gustare la carne irlandese rinomata per la sua morbidezza e bontà. Il locale è caratteristico e familiare. Personale simpatico e disponibile.
Roberto C . 2017-08-25
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Paramos aquí para comer un bocado en el bar. Decoración de estilo antiguo bien. Las camareras eran muy amables y atentos. El menú tenía una buena selección de platos. . Las raciones eran buenas y la comida era muy sabrosa. Recomiendo encarecidamente este lugar por la calidad de la comida y el servicio. La primera vez que pare en Banbridge, pero volveremos.
tripsterDonegal . 2017-07-29
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Llamado a almorzar con la familia. Pedimos un par de comensales asado y un plato de pasta. Las cenas de asado estaban bien aunque el jamón era un poco duro, pero la pasta era todavía difícil y duro.
stylusbelfast . 2017-07-14
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Amazing dinner with the family!!! Had the ribeye on the bone, and my girlfriend the fillet steak and both were perfectly cooked and of a very high quality! We live in London and it was honestly one of the best steaks that we ever had! Highly recommend!
Stephen D . 2017-07-01
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I visited the Downshire tonight with 5 school friends. We were seated in a small dining room which was cramped, echoey and separate from the main bar/restaurant so it felt a little isolated. The service was quite poor as 3 times one of us had to leave the room to find a waiter. I ordered salt n chilli chicken. The chicken was quite tasty but there was very little sauce to the point that we had to order extra sauce. It was as well the craic was good as the setting and food weren't up to much!
Lhawthorne . 2017-06-28
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Stopped for lunch Saturday 10th June, booked by a friend who I was catching up with and certainly didn't disappoint. I had the Sea Food Chowder and it was incredible; great chunks of beautiful fish, prawns and a sauce that was delightfully think & creamy. Friends had classic burger and the roast dinner and both looked fantastic, home made and simply delicious. The place itself it great, service superb and the value for money, yes definitely! Heading back to Belfast later this year and can't wait to eat here again xxx
Paula W . 2017-06-11
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Booked this hotel after a recommendation and I wasn't disappointed at all. Set within walking distance of the shops and easy to get to from the airport. Ample car parking available for guests, good sized rooms which were clean and modern, last but certainly not least the food at the Downshire was just perfect will definitely return.
Joannedonovan . 2017-05-13
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I can definitely recomend the Downshire for breakfast. Get there before 11am and you will be served a tasty substantial breakfast right through the day untill dinner time. I am not normally a lover of black pudding but this particular black pudding was delicious. The sausages are also excellent. It was all served up by the lovely Leanne and Donna. A lovely morning, check it out. Leonard.
Leonard A . 2017-05-12
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Friendly staff, good choice of food, food was tasty and overall good value. The food itself was good pub food, nothing fancy and I mean that in a good way! Would recommend a visit!
The_Hornet_919 . 2017-05-03
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Been here a few times now and every time we have loved it! However this time it wasn't great! Staff were lovely but our mains were not great. We ordered fillets which just tasted of salt.. They were very salty to the point here and there the chips had chunks of salt and so did the steaks. We had to stop eating as it just couldn't take it no more. On top of that my steak wasn't cooked right, i asked medium rare and got medium well. Coming from a knowledgeable background of steaks i can say it was 'over seasoned' and 'over cooked'. It wasn't because of the type of steak. I wish my experience was different as we were hungry and looking something to please us. It will be a while if i do come back.
Nownownow123 . 2017-05-03
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Firstly, the staff could not have been better. Really warm and friendly lady on reception. Called for tea. If I'm honest I am being really tough not scoring this a four. Cant even pin point why. Food was good and service was good. May have to go back and then score a four. But would encouage you to go here.
Alistair T . 2017-04-19
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Fantastic Easter Sunday lunch. Starters, mains, and deserts were all delicious. Friendly staff and very warm and homely surroundings. A very enjoyable day.
A TripAdvisor Member . 2017-04-17
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I visited with friends and was looking forward to a pleasant meal out.They have a good menu and indicate which meals can be served gluten free.I chose a noodle dish and asked for the gluten free version.I made it clear that it needed to be gf and asked if it would come with rice noodles. The waiter went "sure, yes" and I reconfirmed that it was gf food I'd ordered.After a long wait, my meal arrived and I was suspicious as the noodles didn't look like gf noodles. I asked the young waiter if this was my gf meal and he said yes.My friend had also ordered the noodle meal ( non gf) and when hers arrived I became more suspicious as our noodles looked identical. Luckily, I hadn't touched my food as I just had a doubt about it.I asked the waiter again and he said he'd check in the kitchen.He came back and said " sorry" that indeed they had served me ordinary noodles and he took the food away. I felt so bad constantly having to double check that my food was ok to eat and so relieved that I trusted my instincts rather than listening to the false reassurances of the staff.Being Coeliac is not a lifestyle choice - it's a serious medical condition and one that this restaurant did not take seriously.I felt some staff did not take this matter and potentially dangerous situation seriously enough and when I raised the matter I was unsatisfied with their dismissal.I was told that the manager/ owner would contact me and I left my details.Sadly, over a week later and I've had no contact so can only presume that the apathy towards customers radiates upwards.Would you serve nuts to someone who had declared a nut allergy, constantly reassure them that it was nut free and then dismiss their concerns when they become ill as a result????????
Elaine B . 2017-04-03
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There where 7 of us out for meal on Saturday night meal was absolutely lovely had to wait a while on it but was worth it
ckarencorr . 2017-02-14
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Very high standard of pub food and excellent service from very friendly staff. Has the very nice and welcoming feeling of an old Irish bar!!
Rosedelamac . 2017-02-05
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Delighted meal catching up with a friend. Great sunday lunch of turkey and ham with plenty of fresh vegetable selection. Followed by an old childhood favourite of mine, creamed rice pudding with nutmeg. The dining room truly embodies great character and a relaxing ambience. We will return soon. Thank you for a very pleasant experience!
A TripAdvisor Member . 2017-01-31
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Dreadful food in an out dated hotel with cheap tasteless food wod never return to downshire service was also not good and like something you wod expect out of Iceland
alanrice . 2017-01-29
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A large group of us attended for a meal this evening and it was a fantastic experience.we asked for a starter that wasn't on the menu and the hotel provided it. Service was quick, efficient and friendly.The prawn starter was amazing as was chowder, mushrooms and soup.Our main courses included steaks (cooked to perfection) salmon, Two Bird roast etc- all served with great selection of potatoes and veg.Desserts were also fabulous although the chocolate and orange brûlée was just a little too rich!All in all a fabulous evening of good food and excellent service from a very accommodating staff.
Dora B . 2017-01-19
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Met a friend here for dinner. Two courses. We both loved the food which was plentiful.The place looks like an ordinary midsized town hotel, but the food was of a much much higher standard!We were served by three of the nicest guys. No older than 19/20 (possibly younger), they were better than a lot of full time old pros.I had my usual chicken liver pate starter. A lovely big wedge slice of some of the nicest patê I've had in awhile. The downside was that it was served with toasted ordinary slice pan. A bit of toasted brioche or Melba toast would've been better!For mains I had a delish chicken and beef chili burger.Positives:Excellent food.Pleasant & Efficient staff.Wide menu.Nice atmosphere.Negatives:Slightly slow in food arriving.Toilets should've been a bit cleaner.I'll go here again. Way better than I expected and serious kudos to both chef and waiters.
ALGG30 . 2017-01-14
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Went here with a friend for dinner. Definitely need to pre book as really busy. The place was buzzing with a good age range of people. Food was excellent and service good. Staff were friendly and helpful and the whole dining experience was great. Will definitely return.
Opal22 . 2017-01-07
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We called in to the Downshire on 21/12/16 had been recommended by a friend. Even though we had not booked and it was very busy a waitress managed to find us a table.I ordered the steak sandwich with garlic fries while my wife had the traditional turkey and ham .The food was lovely traditional style cooking and the service even though they were very busy was excellent
maxiBelfast . 2016-12-28
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Called here tonight for the first time it was a last minute plan. The place was packed but the staff kept an eye out for a table for us and got us one without any hassle. Fast table service for drinks & food despite the place being packed. Food was amazing, i had the burger which was simply the best iv ever had! Everyone else enjoyed their food to. Would highly recommend & will return.
Shauna M . 2016-12-23
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We came here last night having heard good reviews. The outside and inside decor is standard. The staff gave us a warm welcome. The toilet was a bit old fashioned but it was clean.We had our meal in Barry's Lounge. The room was a bit small. I ordered the chicken gougons with sweet potato chips and peppercorn dip. The service was quick and the meal was really nice. The price wasn't too dear. On the whole, I recommend this restaurant.
Thomas L . 2016-12-21
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Fantastic 3 course meal. The dining room was busy but the staff were still very attentive and helpful. All 4 adults had 3 courses and the food was delicious. Portion sizes couldn't be faulted and very reasonably priced. The kids also ate plenty (and they can be picky eaters). A thoroughly enjoyable sunday spent here! We will be back in the new year!
A TripAdvisor Member . 2016-12-12
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Have eaten here a couple of times now with the family, more recently on Sunday past. I can not fault the food, service or venue. Staff were very attentive from the moment they took our order to clearing the table. Great selection of food which was amazing! Even the kids were well catered for. It got very busy as it was a Santa Sunday event, but you would never have known as food was promptly presented and waiting staff continued to check throughout if there was anything else we needed. Wonderful venue, family and child friendly. Will definitely be back!
annieble1981 . 2016-12-12
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Popped in here for Sunday lunch,wonderful turkey and ham and roast beef dinner,well presented,tasty and obliging staff,cranberry sauce homemade not the usual jammy stuff out of a catering pack,beautiful gravy ,nice veg and potato very good; it should be an easy thing to prepare this type of food,its not rocket science but the number of places which dish out this type of food in a tasteless heap are many.Harry's bar down the street comes to mind.
Trlg . 2016-12-11
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Never can fault the quality of food, it may take a long time to get to the table, but when it does, it good. Big portions - maybe too big for ladies of a certain age. Staff pleasant, but at times always attentive.
50happytraveller252 . 2016-12-08
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Stopped on way home from Dublin for quick lunch. Struggled with menu to get something light and healthy. Got mushroom pasta dish very overpowering didnt eat much. husbands scampi and chips good. Have always had good meals here...disappointed.
GOULAGON . 2016-11-29
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Booked a table as it was a Sat Night, we where shown to our table straight away and presented with menus in a polite and courteous way by our wait-person. Drinks order was taken and bottle of white wine was delivered and deposited on our table with no effort either to present the wine either in a cooler or even offer to pour our wine? Small point but good service is a must in my opinion.Food order was taken and food arrived quickly and tasted like it was presented on our plates very nice and wholesome. Our waitress did return to check our meal and I was delighted to say everything was first class.There was a delay when I asked for a cheese board as waitress was not sure if there was any cheese left? Thankfully she return in 4=5 mins and confirmed that there was in fact cheese available, which I duly ordered. When it arrived it was good selection wand well presented with mixed fruit and crackers and 4 x cheeses. We both enjoyed coffees and might have had a Port if offered but staff assumed that there job was done and left us after coffee's. Meal was reasonably well priced and we then opted to go into bar for 2 x Gordons & Tonics, bar was packed and a great 2 x piece band was playing with only standing room available. Bar-staff where again professional and toilets where clean, with no seats available we opted to leave and visit another local bar where we got seats beside a open fire and enjoyed a few night caps until our pre booked taxis arrived after phoning them to let them know we had moved to Tam Barneys bar.Downshire Hotel was very good but with a little more thought to customer needs and after meal care they might have enjoyed more of my spend that evening as we met another group of 4 x people who had also ate in Downshire but could not find any seats once they has vacated their restaurant seats. "JUST A THOUGHT MR DOWNSHIRE".
Familyman1961 . 2016-11-28
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We ate here with friends on a Tuesday night in early November and had the restaurant to ourselves. We had a selection of starters, popadoms, pate and soup which were all plentiful and tasty. We all had rib eye steak for main course which was cooked to perfection and came with a sauce and all the trimmings. A good night with decent food Thanks
RobertGM47 . 2016-11-15
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Out for lunch with a friend. Both of us had the steak sandwich- came served on ciabatta with mushrooms, onions, and pepper sauce- we split generous sides of chunky chips and onion rings. The chef also served ours with stuffing (requested by us). It was amazing. Fabulous tender moist steak and sides cooked to perfection. Very busy, but prompt friendly service. Very good value for money.
vinjosajo . 2016-11-15
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Delicious food and a very welcoming atmosphere! Busy friday evening but drinks and food order taken as soon as we were ready. Great portions and staff were very attentive. Highly recommended for a lunch or evening meal.
A TripAdvisor Member . 2016-10-25
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Went here on Friday night with 6 friends before we went out for a leaving party. Booked the table for 7pm ordered our first drink and didn't receive it until 25 minutes later. No one took our food order until 35 minutes of being there and we didn't receive it for about a further 25 minutes!! By this stage we were still waiting on our 2nd drink aswell. There was plenty of staff they just didn't seem to want to be there! Don't get me wrong the food was lovely but it puts a dampener on the whole thing when you get bad service from start! Now went to pay when we were leaving. The girl behind the desk Leanne I think she's called not very approachable she could crack a smile or 2. All in all the bad over powers the good so we won't be back here.
laurahud13 . 2016-10-23
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Here for a staff night out and food was great and we all left very full. Staff were very friendly and everyone was very pleased. Plenty of space for large groups and a good selection on the menu.
petelonton . 2016-10-23
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