Fodder NI in Down

Lovely locally sourced food with a beautiful tipi setting.🌟 Delicious juicy burger and yummy flatbread. Staff were friendly and totally spot on with their recommendations for both food and suggesting we walk around the lake after. 💚The atmosphere inside the tipi is buzzing. It's clear that the staff and management are passionate about the sourcing locally and being as organic as possible and very fresh produce. ☕🍰We loved it so much we came twice once for lunch and then back for a coffee and cake..... Chocolate and peanut butter cake and the brownies ..... Were to die for.... Wolfed them down so no photo. Highly recommend Fodder and can't wait to return next time we visit Northern Ireland. 💕

We were very disappointed with our visit to Fodder. They seem to like to be QUIRKY, but it was a step too far for me. Limited menu, the cola they serve is like poison. Brand leaders are probably popular for a reason! The seating was uncomfortable, toilets disgusting, l was expecting a much nicer place. The one redeeming factor was the staff. They were very friendly and helpful and it wasn’t their fault that the place has a strange menu and vibe! I like my comforts, and for me this is not the place.

Love this dog friendly venue - and visit quite a lot. Had Fodder breakfast there recently and have to say really disappointed. Bacon fat needs to be crisp not pale cream, beans cold and tasted acidic, lovely small tomatoes still attached to stalks so cant really eat properly and the home made soda - tiny tiny portions! TBH the dog got quite a lot of it. Lovely staff and great friendly service.

I had the full breakfast and a pot of tea. It was more expensive than the usual cafe - but this place isn’t usual. The location, buildings and menu all make for a very pleasurable outing. One thing is that the toilets facilities could be extended.

We visited on a very rainy day but the welcome and the teepee were warm. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Taken by a friend. Had an iced coffee and a Fodder Bap in the tepee tented area. Tasty bap. Lovely setting. Near the lakes and walks nearby. Very pleasant off the beaten track.

I visited the Farm Shop and tried the salad selection which was amazing. What was even more amazing was the flavour of the Dexter Sirloin steaks I purchased. I grilled them on my gas barbecue with some asparagus and served with home made champ. Mouth watering, succulent and flavourful. I love steak and eat it fairly often, however, in my view these steaks were probably the best I have ever eaten. On a different level to be sure. Give them a try - you will thank me, and Fodder!

Absolutely love this place, fabulous setting, food is outstanding as are the staff, they couldn’t be more obliging or friendly and nothing is too much trouble, very attentive to dietary requirements, in particular..allergies, this is our go to restaurant, would highly recommend

Firstly, I don’t get why people would give just one star! The food is incredible. The beef is a very high standard and their dishes are so well prepared. The staff are very, very friendly and attentive. They were particularly attentive regarding my mother’s allergy, altering their burger to remove any milk products (cheese) and noting the practices in the kitchen relating to allergens. The setting is just perfect and, from the second visit onwards, we were recognised and treated as regulars! We’re new to Northern Ireland, originally hailing from Yorkshire, and the staff have really helped us learn more of the local area. We say it every time, but thank you for every wonderful experience!

This is a lovely spot off the beaten track. They have lovely short trails to walk with the dogs, with beautiful scenery of the forest and the lake ahead. The food is not great but we would definitely recommend the coffee and hot chocolate. A beautiful place to visit in Winter with all of the fairy lights lit above the teepee tents. Will visit again.

We have frequented Fodder for the last year or so. It's far enough away to feel like a real treat to head here on a day out, but close enough that we are lucky to be able to visit often! The first day we visited the food was like nothing I had ever had before, the visits between then and now had once or twice not been just 100%, but this has never been down to lack of enthusiasm or lack of care from the management. We visited today and it was like experiencing fodder for the first time all over again. The service is always amazing, but the food was stand alone today. We had the dexter burgers, seasoned fries, slaw and the nicest garlic mayonnaise I've ever tasted in my life! Laura had informed us that there was a new head chef, and it's obvious she knows what she's doing! We never mind a wait (which we didn't have today) but I think it's key to remember that this food is cooked fresh, by humans, and giving them the grace of time is key to a better experience. Thank you for another lovely day to fodder with plenty more to come 😊

First time visiting Fodder, was pleasantly surprised how relaxing of an ambience it had. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Great selection on the menu. Service was first class, food was amazing and little wait time. I had the garlic mushrooms & my wife had the beef deli bowl, she couldn’t recommend the salad enough. The coffee was beautiful and pleased it was local produce. We will definitely be back and highly recommending to friends and family.

Firstly, I can't comprehend the negative reviews about this place. Totally the opposite to the experience I had there. The welcome when we arrived was akin to a home away from home. I have travelled the world, eaten in many places, all kinds of food, and the culinary experience was second to none. The ambience, low level harmonious music, friendliness of the staff, excellence of the dishes (it was the first time in my life that I had eaten raw beef and it was delicious, to the point of using a spoon to gather the last morsels to shovel into my mouth - I could have eaten two). I also tried the veggie burger - it was equally as delicious. We took take-aways to scoff later. I would heartfeltly recommend this establishment as a hidden gem to one and all; it will be on my 'to-go-to' list on any future trips to Ireland. As a creative, it is a place of refuge where one can calm the senses and re-focus.

An absolute gem!! Stunning location, a great experience eating in the teepee and the food was amazing! Just loved it here!! …we did some of the short trail walks which were through woodland with bluebells everywhere! A really special place!

Firstly the setting is lovely. Food and service are shocking. Had tried breakfast a while ago and wasn't impressed but decided to give it a try for lunch. This was a mistake. Food is ridiculous for the price. Dry burger tastes only of onion. No other flavour. Dexter beef ????????? Service is poor. Rude, unhelpful staff. Won't be back.

Burger needs help, bun cheap but not cheerful Beef very dry & overcooked and reason given was bbq not in action& veggie burger was dry and tasteless. Really was not something we wish to repeat and no apology given or reason for poor presentation and quality.

Really disappointing. When we first turned up there was a wait to get parked which was fine as it was a busy day.. continued then to order food and they said it would be a 30 minute wait, waited well over an hour for our food to arrive only to find the order was wrong.. went up to explain the order was wrong and the girl at the till literally didn’t care and did nothing about it.. I asked to see the receipt and she was only able to display a docket which showed the wrong order..waited another 30 mins for the order to be resolved and still no sign.. food we did get was mediocre..ended up leaving disappointed.. my husband went to change our son in the bathroom only to find no baby changing facility’s in the men’s bathroom so I then had to go to the ladies to change him which would have been awkward if I wasn’t there.. we then went to get back in the car only to find a car parked right behind ours and we were unable to open the boot to put our pram in the car.. a disaster from start to finish which is a shame as I’d been really looking forward to going..

Went for lunch as visiting the area and had been wanting to give it a go. When we arrived we were advised it would be about 10 minutes before a table was ready so we were given menus and asked to wait outside. 2 families arrived and went inside while we were waiting - I presumed they were waiting inside for a table but when we were then asked to come in as a table was ready I was surprised to see the groups already seated, even though they had arrived well after us. We placed our order and then we waited 45 minutes before our food was served. It’s wasn’t busy but food was only coming out of the kitchen every 10 minutes. When I spoke to the waitress she said they were a chef down in the kitchen. I explained if we had of been told we would have to wait 45 minutes for our food we would just have gone elsewhere. They should advise people of the wait before seating them. We weren’t the only people complaining, it really was ridiculous. Won’t be back I’m afraid, the food was ok but not worth the wait or the £26 tab for 2 mains and 2 waters.

The most appalling food that we have experienced anywhere in the world. My wife had a bowl of "Red Lentil and Garlic soup as soup of the day." not a lentil in sight just an appalling slush of a soup base with wild garlic leaves floating on top. My Hamburger was a mealy hamburger ,and bap with chips.

Awful tasteless burger. Maybe the chef should try them before bothering to serve them. Coffee/tea took forever. Feels like students/friends run the place / poorly.

Perfect place for a cute food, hot chocolate and walk date. Service were very good and staff were lovely

10/10 place. Amazing staff. Amazing food. Locations is great and it feels like stepping into a new world. Will definitely be back

Please do not visit this place. Expensive Rip Off. Sustandard food. Expensive drinks. When we left we were all in agreement. Never again and we would tell both friends and family members to avoid.

Hard to credit that you’re sitting in a large double wigwam structure, but just a few miles from Downpatrick. There’s some sort of external heaters, which blow hot air in, but keep your coat on! We had a family visit, feasted on the Fodder breakfast,...

Beautiful location. We had the burger. The meat was from their own cattle and was full of flavour. The relish in the burgers was really good. £55 for 3 people. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The coffee was really good. Our dog was...

First time I ever felt the need to submit a review! Went with family, grandparents, kids and dogs. Very average dry burgers, limited cheap cheese, no mayo, one salad leaf, basic bun, very dry. No different to a burger you’d get from a motorway cafe....

We love the ambience of this place and the friendly staff, however we ordered four hot chocolates, two of which were kids, and two slices of cake which were tiny.. to the point where I thought they had sliced an average cake slice in two.....

Lovely atmosphere, service was rather quick considering it was busy. Food was amazing. Friendly staff lovely spot to visit for lunch and just to get outdoors. We will definitely be back.

The place was cold and it took over half an hour for the meal to come. The meal was cold and poor value considering the price. Would not recommend

Seen this place on TikTok a few months ago and it's been on my 'wish list' ever since and now, we're finally here. Just polished off a Fodder Breakfast (£8.95), washed down with a Cappucino in a tin/enamel mug. We were the first to arrive...

Was a big fan of this place but will not return. Went for food today and they had real animal hides ziptied to the seats! Very off putting! If you are a vegetarian or vegan do not come here - even my partner who is...

Great place if you're looking for somewhere a little different with a nice wee walk afterwards. The food was lovely, the staff were very accommodating and the coffee was delicious!

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff. The tipi is so welcoming with fairy lights and an open fire. We had breakfast which we chose the fodder bap and the french toast. Both were delicious, all washed down with a great...

Spotted this place and actually drove past it initially. Glad we turned around and went back. Lunch inside a huge double teepee with a fire pit. Trestle tables and benches completed the rustic look. We ordered the special of the day- The Dexter Sandwich,delicious, with...

Mixed feelings today @ Fodder. Upon arrival, everything is sign posted an parking is great, waited outside the tipi an was told we would have a short wait to be seated, which is fair enough. Good to see Fodder busy! The guy on the door...

Lovely location in Finnebrogue woods. Large tepee with fairy lights and open fire. Family friendly walks on well marked paths short, medium and longer but even that isn’t too long. Farm shop and gift shop on site. I had the porridge pot which was delicious...

My friend and I visited fodder for lunch and were really impressed. Firstly the woodland location is amazing. Staff were efficient and attentive. I had the vegetarian sausage roll and salad and it was one of the best veggie lunches I’ve had. Great coffee and...

Stopped in on way home from mountain biking at Castlewellan. Busy as usual but food was excellent and staff really friendly and helpful.

Terrible customer service. Waited nearly an hour for food. Wasn’t even told there was a wait, nor was there an apology when we finally got it. When we did get it, it was lukewarm - oh and to top it all off my hot drink...

As regular visitors having had generally good experiences at Fodder we drove for 1hr to get brunch there today 24th December arriving at 11:10am. Their official website stated they would be open until 2pm. When we arrived it was raining. We were told the tipi...

Nestled in Finnebrogue Woods just outside Downpatrick,Fodder is a little tented restaurant in a picturesque setting. Enjoyed a Dexter beef burger with seasoned chips and a delicious hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows with meals served on cardboard trays and wooden cutlery all for recycling.Afterwards you...

On our Son’s recommendation, had a really lovely late lunch here after a walk in Castle Ward. Good food (soup really tasty), friendly service and fantastic ambience in the teepee with log fire, fur rugs, twinkling lights and classy Christmas decorations. Great farm shop and...

Went for the 'long walk'in Delamont before lunch here. Perfect location, beautiful and definitely quirky spot. Maybe we were lucky but have to say service was extremely good and food was fab - hot dog, lamb special and seasoned fries! Prices just about right. Will...

Today was our second time eating at Fodder and I have to say it is absolutely beautiful. Quickly becoming my favourite spot for a day out! We arrived at 12 today, staff were so friendly and attentive and the food with with us within 10...

Waited 1 hour for food (longer than the 40 minutes we were told), food was expensive for what it was. The food tasted great but when you get a burger that is two thirds smaller than the bap for £8.50 then something isn’t right. We...

Waited 20 minutes and asked 3 staff to take our order. Finally took our order and it was 45 minutes later we got our drinks. I had to complain to a staff member who was busy chatting to friends showing pics on her phone who...

Fodder is a great place for families, kids and anyone else really. Well run, clean location with attentive staff who went out of their way to accommodate our large family with seating. Burgers and fries were delicious. The setting is beautiful, I felt like I...

Went in search of family meal, super pleased. Amazingly friendly staff, five star food - everything tasted handmade and well sourced! Best find ever.

Magical setting, but will not be back until you fix the road. So.. fill in the potholes please. And.. I want to go back.

Nice surroundings but seems expensive. 2 teas, 2 coffees, 4 breakfast baps cost £38. My bacon bap was a bit tasteless. Maybe best to enjoy the nature trails then go to Killyleagh for coffee/eats

Ive had the burger and seasoned chips twice now and they were absolutely outstanding both times. Cooked on barbecues outside it has a really rustic feel to it. This spot is very busy even during the week - but that is because they are so...

Had some beautiful celeriac and jerusalem artichoke soup with sourdough, can’t wait to go back for more soup. Beautiful selection of cheese ham and salads from the deli, all great value for money.

Absolutely loved this place! Hot chocolate was to die for and the nature was was lovely - a bit far out from home but will definitely be returning

What can you do with 2 kids during half term when almost everything is shut? Go here! The food was so tasty and obviously high quality meat and the kids loved the trail with the little activities along the way. You can order online and...

What a relief to get out again and this was perfect for us. Outside dining, well spaced and the dog came too. Lovely burger and hot crispy chips. We were well set up for a good walk after enjoying the meal. Pleasant staff, good social...

Called in on a busy Sunday morning. Good social distancing measures were in place, had to scan code on table and order on line, a few in the group lost 3G and had to use other members phones. Ordered a burger and a couple of...

Food is delicious, but I feel unfortunately overpriced for what you receive. We stopped for breakfast, staff were lovely... I love the concept but was left feeling like it missed the Mark... but make no mistake the food is delicious! I think the execution of...

My husband and I have visited on many occasions, usually for a coffee and sweet bite after walking the short trail. It’s such a lovely location and the fact that it’s dog friendly as well just makes it even more perfect.

I visited with my husband and adult daughter on Sunday. Carpark was very busy, but we found a spot. We loved it here! It’s different in a good way! We queued to order and then waited outside the tepee area for a table and our...

Visited here on Sunday around midday. Got very busy after this. Really quirky, was a great experience. Coffee was amazing and the carrot cake was the best I have ever eaten! Food was a little pricey but it's an experience and they don't charge for...

Have visited several times recently and never left a review so thought I should! Fodder is set in woods and there’s a lovely ‘trail’ where you can have a short walk as well as the teepee where you eat. They sell delicious cakes and traybakes...

I visited last week and after going to other establishments and how they are dealing with the current crisis, I decided to share my thoughts. My husband was required to shield and we had heard great things about this place and looked forward to having...

Was so looking forward to going to fodder but was so underwhelmed. We ordered 2 hot dogs and 2 coffees and it came to over £20! The food was just average, plus I spilled one of the coffees and had to reorder and pay for...

Didn’t quite know what to expect but was completely wowed by the teepee and it’s interior. The lovely open fire and lighting added to the ambiance. Staff were really friendly and thoughtful. Coffee and sourdough toast toast with homemade jam hit the spot. Definitely worth...

We called here last Saturday on our way to Slieve Donard, on the recommendation of our son. My first reaction when I saw the set up was wow! It is like nothing I’ve ever seen and we will definitely be back with our Golden Retriever. You visit the hut to order food, pay then go into a giant double tepee to eat. Beware though we both had fur trimmed hoods and smelt of wood smoke for quite a while, not unpleasant but just a heads up. My hubby got a burger it cost £9 and he said it was the best he’s ever had. I got a child’s cheese toasty (gf) which is always smaller, it came with a few crisps on the side and was nice, simple but good. My only irk (and I told them) they served our drinks very quickly and the food took about 15mins, so our drinks were all gone by then. I just asked them to refill my teapot with hot water. It might be an idea to go round with refills. There is a trail to walk with dogs if you have one, or steal one from someone lol. We want to return to do that. Apparently the hot chocolate is lovely too, so gonna give that a go. O yeah, we also shared a gf brownie which was delicious. So, if you’re wanting something different, give this a go, you wont regret it. Also, the staff were super friendly which is always welcomed.

Loved the teepee with the open fire - really quirky surroundings and dog friendly, which is fabulous as you can take your 4 legged friend with you for lunch after a walk in the woods. The menu is quite limited which is understandable as all cooked fresh so if you prefer a wide varied menu this isn't the place for you. However, the food that IS there is GOOD. We had the beef burger and hot dog, followed by delicious chocolate cake. The service was excellent - small mistake made with the brownie we originally ordered but this was more than compensated for with a 'gesture of goodwill' with the chocolate cake and in no way did this error mar our visit. Loved it and will definitely go back.

Lovely beef, sourdough bread salad. Excellent coffee, great thankyou. Tipi lovely and warm, sale on of frozen Dexter beef products. 30%.off.some favourite cuts.xx

Visited with friends a few days ago. I was most disappointed with the food I ordered. My 'bowl' of mediocre- at-best soup was more like the size of a small cup of tea, and it came with 1 measly, thinly sliced piece of sourdough about the size of a cheese cracker. This place has a way to go if it wants its customers to come back in the future

Fantastic little place to get some great food after a lovely walk in the woods with the dogs.The vegan burger is outstanding and I highly recommend it.Service is a little bit slow, but understandable since the food is being freshly cooked on outdoor grills. And it’s well worth the short wait!

Fodder has become a firm favourite. It is quirky and special, located in the woods, serving tasteful, imaginative quality food, by friendly welcoming staff who are accommodating and generous. Food options are limited but sufficient to cater for everyone. The beef platter is particularly good. And that they support local suppliers is commendable. There's a choice of eating in the container that houses the restaurant, the large tipi or on beautifully presented picnic tables, and the option of working off your lunch, or working up an appetite, by walking the exceptionally pretty trails around the estate. Dog friendly too!

The big draw of this place is the setting, in Finnebrogue woods, and the meat products. All food is cooked in plain view on the outdoor grill and the woodland trails add a little extra for the dogs and kids, both of which are welcome. The food is reasonable, but I have been a few times now and the service really needs attention - there is always a wait to order, and it doesn't seem streamlined - the guy taking the orders has to run out to the chef, whilst other young staff sort of stand around. Would table service be better I wonder? I get the sense that few of the staff are trained in a cafe service environment. Then it takes the food an age to come to the table, which isn't good if you're on a lunch break, as it needs to be crammed in. Teepee is lovely though, with nice open fire in the middle and deer skins to sit on. I'm sure it will do very well. The setting elevates the score to very good, but service distinctly average!

Really worth a visit. Only open Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday and if you purchase something in the cafe you are free to have a wander in the woods. A small outdoor cafe ~ eat inside a teepee or weather permitting on bench tables outdoors. When I visited yesterday big vases of wild flowers were on each table. Very good food cooked outside & there are vegan and vegetarian options. Dog lovers are welcome and I noticed thirsty canine friends getting bowls of water. Children will love the woodland trails there's lots to climb and even a swing near the lake. Will be back.

Tucked away on the Finnebrogue estate en route to Killyleagh, this place is surprisingly good. Ordered a Dexter burger and hotdog which were delicious. Both woofed down in the cool, calm and cavernous wigwam. So impressed we bought a BBQ box from the farm shop. Friendly staff and good value.

I met up with an old friend that lives near Fodder and recommended the place, after visiting and the reviews are very true, great concept very casual with good food and service plus good prices is all a winner.

We went today for a Father's Day treat, and can safely say we've found an absolute gem!

Quirky setting, friendly staff, absolutely lovely burger. Beautifully cooked and very tasty. Will be back!

Drove past manys a time, glad we stopped, friendly staff, great food and drinks, all served in a massive teepee with a roaring log fire, definitely be back

As others have said, you order food in an upmarket container and eat it in a large teepee. On a cold March day, the teepee wasn’t warm, but the fire in the middle really helped. The coffee was excellent and the food was better than average. However, the setting makes it a fantastic experience. There are some nice woodland walks to work off the calories

Fodder is a great place for food and a very good coffee. It’s one of those rare places that going to is about the experience of being there as well as the food and coffee itself. The reason? Well, you get to enjoy your great food and coffee in a Yurt! (yes I had to check the spelling). There is a fire in the middle that is well attended and gives a lovely smoky (far from obnoxiously so) aroma to the air. Having been recently on a cold, wet Wintery day it was warm and cosy inside, even more so since they’ve hung a big heavy curtain on the inside of the door to cut down on drafts.

Went with my colleague for a light lunch Really quirky place Order food in a coffee bar but eat in a Teepee It was a very cold day and despite the open fire the Teepee was rather chilly Nice soup average sandwich I suspect I would call again just for coffee or maybe on a warmer day

Had planned to call into Fodder to see what it was like and if possible that they might do nice breakfast or brunch. Slightly disappointed that they do not do breakfast given the location and that they sell such fine looking meats. It was a nice experience to have tea and coffee in the teepee with the open fire. Yes was bit smokey but sure what else can you expect. It is different and might be worth a wee call into to see and experience it. Just think they missing a great opportunity with were they are, not offering some sort of breakfast menu.

I had the misfortune to eat lunch at Fodder today. My partner had the stew, served on a baked potato, which at £8 we expected to be sensational! It consisted of a tin plate with a few pieces of meat, some carrots and watery gravy served over a soggy baked potato! The temperature was at best tepid.

Past this place in the car decided to cycle here, lovely setting in finebrogue woods very friendly staff and we were the first people to use the cycle rack, small area for seating in shop but they have tippee to sit in which has big fire in the middle, very quirky great coffee and cake we will be back