Gowdys of Down Royal in Lisburn

Very poor food. Nothing fresh & very much well over priced. Mac and cheese balls was rubbery pasta which was dry deep fried. These were in no way fresh. 2 small balls for over £8. Same for the mushrooms. Main course of Slow Cooked Feather Blade of Beef for just under £19 for the amount of beef wasn’t great and taste wasn’t the best either. Sides of ‘hand cut chips’ certainly not hand cut. Straight out of a frozen bag into the fryer. Over priced and low quality food. Wouldn’t recommend

I have eaten here several times, most recently on Mother’s Day. Gowdys never fails. Great choice of menu for all dietary needs and lovely, friendly service. Guinness is served well. I would recommend booking a table for weekends. The Sunday roasts are brilliant. Good value with the 2 course options. Will return soon.

Waited nearly one hour on food when Food came it wasn’t great service awful . Definitely will not be back . Toilets where disgusting

As always, the staff were great. It was very quiet on this day just after New Year & I don't know who was in the kitchen, but they served up excellent food, nonetheless. A special thanks to Lloyd who was in charge that night.

Booked here for a family gathering recently, not for the first time either. Always felt very welcome and well looked after no matter the occasion. Staff are all very attentive, food was great Highly recommend

Called in after golf for a late lunch. We had no booking but got a table from a very pleasant member of staff. The food was delicious and all the staff great. Will definitely be back!

Excellent 👌 food excellent 👍 service.

We had our annual Christmas Dinner here. We had it in the Cottage beside the main building. Very well decorated, and the open fire made it very cosy. Food was first class, and the staff were very helpful.

Food and service were great as usual ,very Christmassy inside very cosy def recommended

Absolutely hands down best family pub ,best food ,and most friendly staff u could meet. Never had a bad meal here,staff always smiling and helpful.

Our first ever visit. We were very impressed with the menu and we really enjoyed our starters and main courses. We arrived after 3pm and we were delighted to be served lovely hot food with delicious flavours. The Guinness was good and the wine was lovely. Cosy fires, Christmas decorations made it feel special. Thank you.

Beautiful restaurant. Lovely food and brilliant atmosphere. Great service and friendly staff😀🥂

Massively improved food since kitchen staff changed. Fabulous waiting/bar staff

Fabulous new chefs=Fabulous food This place has really upped its game in the last couple months. Excellent friendly staff. Give it a try!!

Came in for lunch with my partner this afternoon, food was great and our server sam was very friendly, service was fantastic 😁

Had a lovely meal at gowdys for our daughter in laws birthday and the staff were very friendly and helpful would go back again.

Family friendly, relaxing atmosphere, great friendly staff, good food.

Food gorgeous, Great Service Thankyou

Went in for my moms birthday, really good atmosphere. Staff were amazing, food was delicious! Will definitely be back!

Arrived just after 1pm hoping to get some lunch. Waited over 5mins to be seated, then went to the bar area to see if there was a member of staff. No staff to be seen anywhere. Very disappointed.

Nice atmosphere and staff food delicious

Entertainment for kids with bouncy castles etc great food atmosphere and friendly staff

Lasagne if you could even call it that was pitiful full of grease and no pasta sheets between only one on top covered with cheese Few staff were very rude Will not be back

Great outdoor space for kids and food has improved lately

Food was ok but forgot about one stater so meant had till wait longer on mean course and then ask us till move us as table was booked for another party not our fault took over a hour 4 main course but staff very friendly

Only got our starters after an hour and 20mins of waiting, which for anyone that had no starters had to wait another 30 mins, which wasn't ideal. Then to be told we had to move as they needed the table for another party while we were eating our desert was unbelievable. Food wasn't great, won't be in a rush back.

I have mentioned Gowdys before and it’s always been 100%. Staff excellent- food excellent- great menus with specials. The icing in the cake today has been their new extra ordinary Irish, Calypso. Royale, monte Cristio and Jamaican. Developed in house and totally stunning. I’d love to try some other place to beat these- oh and served with chocolate mints which just go perfectly. Well done Brian and team - you are definitely onto a winner.

First time in Gowdy’s and was looking forward to an enjoyable Sunday meal with my family. Nice setting and good service from staff. To say I was disappointed with the food would be an understatement. I ordered turkey and ham. As soon as it was set down it was clear this was not going to be an enjoyable meal. The turkey was processed, frozen roast potatoes were used and the veg had lots of tiny pieces of broccoli but with not one head of broccoli. I went for brownie and ice cream for desert. Was really good though it’s just placed on a plate there and made elsewhere so I suppose they can’t go wrong with that. The place was busy so maybe I chose poorly, but I think for what I paid that fresh produce would be the least they would offer. It strikes me as a place that has settled for producing sub standard fayre. Has so much potential. Won’t be back. I’m sure many first timers feel the same.

Really lovely place, wonderful staff. And of course 5 star food.loved the place.

Lovely pub, situated just down from the racecourse, lively and busy ,with a buzz about it, love it.

Been twice in last two weeks, food is good as usual, however the service isn’t what it used to be. Getting attention initially was ok but when the main meal was finished the service seemed to disappear. Leaving customers with used plates and cutlery and no follow up to see if any more drinks or desserts are wanted isn’t really the way to keep customers. I thought the first time was a one off, but we got the same service within a week. Service needs attention

Last treat of my holiday. A warm welcome 😊👍

Average food on the more expensive side Service was good Wouldn't rush back 😔

Today we held a joint 70th/18th party in Gowdys. To say the service was exceptional would be a gross understatement. From the moment we walked in through the doors and were met by Thomas to the moment we left, the staff couldn't have been any more professional,polite or helpful. The food was absolutely first class and served quickly and with a smile. The girls serving our party really helped to make everything run smoothly and efficiently. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas and the team for such a pleasant afternoon. With the weather also being quite good it was fantastic that the kids were able to make use of the outside play area and bouncy castle after the meal was over and the adults were relaxing having a chat. We cannot recommend Gowdys highly enough. We will definitely use this establishment for further meals/party's in the future. Many many thanks to Thomas and the whole team for making the afternoon such a lovely relaxing time.

Expensive, the food is okay though I should say that I am Andalousian, Spain. And the food is quite different here than there. My three stars are not as accurate as the Irish people who know much better than me what to expect in this pub/restaurant.

Birthday party on Saturday food was excellent.

Fantastic Sunday dinner. Sunday Roast and Sirloin steak were both fantastic

Terrible food, fish batter was soggy no taste, the garlic cubs had no garlic, never informed us about specials menu, very disappointed

Good hearty food, good variety on menu. Played it too safe on the pepper sauce however - Bit more heat needed

Fantastic great food, great service.

Excellent food, wings amazing, and the special crispy pork belly was brilliant.

I was in a party of seven. We had six different meals and there were seven empty plates at the end. That should tell you everything you need to know. It was very crowded that night due to race goers having a good time. We were in he conservatory which was not ideal but there is a good menu and plenty to choose from and no dearer than anywhere else at present. Would definitely go back.

Love it mYbe a bit dear of a country pub but

We were at gowdy,s last night it was very poor and overpriced, my partner had beef and bird stack ,the steak was very small and poor quality the chicken wasn't chicken breast it was chicken gougons way over done ,I had the chicken stack with tobacco onions which were burnt , instead of chicken fillet,I had chicken gougons which were over cooked as well , when I pointed out to waitress I said anytime I get a chicken stack it always comes with proper chicken breast fillets never chicken gougons,she more or less called me a liar and said I've been here 3 years and that's how it's always been done ! Which I thought was very rude £8.95 for a glass of prosecco is a disgrace,to sum it up overpriced and very poor quality !! Won't be back very disappointed!!

Recently visited for a 50th birthday party good size function room food was really good and flavoursome. No big queues at the bar staff friendly and helpful, toilets clean and tidy would definitely recommend.

The food was fantastic, the guinness was really good, the service was top notch, but it was a Saturday night and should maybe have been a bit of entertainment on.

Night quiet friendly atmosphere staff are welcoming food is amazing

We hadn’t been to Gowdy’s for several years but it didn’t disappoint. We were seated at a really nice window table near the enormous log fire and enjoyed the festivities including a visit from Santa. The four of us all ordered the pate as our starter and we had a mixture of roast beef, turkey and ham and the turkey pie for mains. The food was both delicious and hot and the staff were amazing and keep checking on us to ensure everything was good. We are hoping to get back to Gowdy’s soon but are delighted to write this review on this amazing establishment .

Went for Christmas Dinner with twenty of our community bingo group, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, food was excellent, lots to choose from. Warm friendly atmosphere . Highly recommended 👍☓

Massively disappointed family have been here many times before and our annual Christmas dinner was no exception got put in the library which is right beside front door and every time the door opened it was freezing, multiple staff walked past us to attend to an event or something that was taking place took over 1 hour to get food order taken and starters on table then nothing, our plates just sat there had to get someone's attention to get plates moved, overall awful experience, food good as always but unfortunately will be going else where after that experience, when paying bill did get an apology for delays as there was an event on but come on if there's an event you know about either don't take dining bookings or bring in more staff.

Recommended by a friend first time there would go back

After a previous ok visit this time was disappointing. The food was not great - I brought most of the roast beef home for my dogs as it was very tough. After ordering a starter of soup a different flavour arrived so had to return it and reorder.

Food and ambience was good... Had a good dinner experience with friends

Had excellent meal last night. Jacobs ladder was superb and full of flavour. Would highly recommend going for a very reasonably priced menu and excellent meal. Been lots of times and will certainly be back very soon.

Warm and kind friendly service and staff all brilliant 👏 👍

Beautiful meal all in all just one slight criticism, they need to rethink there sauce portion sizes, the tiny sauce pot of pepper sauce or gravy does not go along way!!!

Had a really lovely meal in Gowdys with some friends recently. Service was very good and food very tasty. Great ambiance until a guy wearing a political/ sectarian shirt which to be honest I found extremely offensive and intimidating, arrived for a meal. No need for this whatsoever. Perhaps the management need to introduce a dress code to prevent this? This is my 2nd visit to Gowdys within the last 2 weeks. Our 2 parties spent the guts of £500 in total.

First visit here today, but wont belong before we are back. Food was excellent and good value both in quality and quantity. Great outdoor area, and friendly and helpful staff.

Great food and great atmosphere. Staff are amazing

Sister had a beef and chicken dish she really enjoyed it.. I decided to have the fish and chips.. bit dissapointed as I felt they must have put the fish into 2 hot of oil as the batter was cooked on the outside but not on the inside so it was soggy. I told this to the waitress and she said that was the 2nd complaint about the batter. and it was maybe because the fish was sitting on top of the pea's ( I don't think that was the problem as I immediately removed fish from the peas) Still think fish was cooked to quick in very hot oil.

Guinness ok,needs a good clean 👎

Great pub next door to Down Royal racecourse for pre and post drinks. The bar staff are great and always get you served even when rammed. Live music and great Guinness, what is there not to like!

Great Sunday roast beef dinner. I'll be back

Food was delicious, staff was excellent and prices were reasonable. Lovely atmosphere and decor. Looks a nice spot for drinks too. Would recommend.

Food was lovely, service was good, maybe a little pricey but that's everywhere now I suppose. 1 teeny complaint, the chicken was just a little too tough and the pork belly could have been crispier on top. But lovely meal overall.

Absolutely beautiful from start to finish!! We were greeted by a lovely young man with a very welcoming smile and couldn't be more friendly!! I later found out that he was called Sam!! He was so happy and bubbly!! The restaurant itself is beautifuly laid out with loads of space! The food was of a very high standard and we enjoyed every bite!! Quick service with big smiles and nothing was a bother!! This would honestly be one of the best pub/restaurants we have been to and we look forward to returning!! Thank you Sam, you are an amazing guy!! Claire and Robin McGreeghan

Found this place by mistake and it worked to our advantage. Great food, served up by friendly, welcoming staff. Well polished service all around.

Went here for mother's Day, so there were about 8/9 of us. Had a lovely table off to the side, only downside is the door is behind you so sometimes there was a bit of a draught at your back. (that's only at this table, not sure what the other areas are like) The food was good, it was your standard roast dinner nothing special, the only bad thing was the Yorkshire pudding, it was massive (like size of a side plate) and massively burnt, literally turned to dust when you tried to bite it. The starter was good, some hot wings, definitely tasty. (Please bear in mind this was just my meal, no-one elses, everyone ate everything and said it was good) The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Had a bouncy castle, swings and a slide out the back for the kiddos which was good for taking them outside while your dinner dropped. Not my local and a bit far for me so probably wouldn't go again honestly.

Lovely pub with a great selection. Really friendly staff and good parking. Good choice was great with something for everyone

First class service and food!! 😁

It was Mother's Day, the staff were doing a really good job trying to see to everyone's needs and for the most part, doing exactly that. Considering the number of customers, the food was reasonably good, although the roulaide was a little disappointing; so why only three stars, I hear you ask? Well firstly, I rarely give a perfect score, so that accounts for one. What was really anoying and the cause of the second star loss, was the position of the table. We were about six feet away from the bar and had staff and customers walking around us from every direction. Maybe this table would not normally have been there and was just set up to cater for the expected additional numbers but it was not a comfortable sit, especially considering that we've only just emerged a very infectious pandemic. Yes, this space may have looked like an opportunity to maximise profit but it was wrong at so many different levels. I may return to dine at Gowdy's in the future but this experience will always flavour my choice.

Service was excellent. Food was amazing. It was fast to arrive and freshly cooked. The batter on the chicken was crispy. Chips cooked to perfection. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. I will be back next time I’m working over here there.

Pleasant surroundings close to Down Royal racecourse. Food quality was good served by attentive staff. Open fire was welcome on a cool day. Menu should provide something for everyone.

First time my partner and I have had a meal here, We were seated and served by Sam, Who makes a mean dark and stormy, From the second we met him he was friendly, charming and professional, we ordered from his recommendation and it did...

Good solid pub grub, slightly overpriced for what it is though

Gorgeous meal as always. Caters for my gluten free diet brilliantly! Nicola and Lawrence are the best staff around. Great service!

Great food ,great service,lovely staff

Menu and service top class, love this place🌟

Lovely restaurant and great food

Excellent service, menu is maybe a little restricted and prices are not low but the food is great. Would definately recommend as a 19th hole off the golf course next door, as we do!

What can I say!!!! Amazing as always!!! Food beautiful compliments to the chefs!!!!! staff so nice!!! We luv it!!! Have tried lots of places but keep coming back to goody’s! Frances your so accommodating and always sort us out! But Sam hey u would cheer...

To be completely honest I wouldn't go back, I ordered a Margarita Pizza of the Children's Menu because I'm not a person who would eat a full meal, I waited about 20 minutes for a pizza to come out the size of my hand, I'm not paying £6 for something you would find in a children's play kitchen. Absolutely ridiculous, I would like to see the size of the burger of the Children's Menu, probably the size of my palm. Gowdy's I understand these things are off the Children's Menu but still they should at least be the size of a small Dominos Margarita pizza. Please fix the sizes and portions of these meals, even that wouldn't fill a small child.

Excellent food and Excellent service.

Went for Christmas dinner with my girlfriend and the portion sizes were shocking. There was 3 small cuts of carrot 2 small turnips cuttings and miserable slice of turkey and the same of ham the stuffing was about the size of 2 x 50ps. Disappointed...

Lovely old country restaurant lovely atmosphere well set out very friendly staff lovely old fire still working makes it very cosy grest parking dinning in with family

I love this place, food amazing, staff wonderful and also clean. ❤

Great food and the staff was lovely

Meal was lovely from starters through to desert.chicken stack was lovely.definitely be back.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening at Gowdy’s seated in the library area to the left as you enter which is pet friendly. All of the staff went above and beyond and even surprised us with doggie treats and a fresh bowl of water for our...

Busy spot on race day, bar is nice inside, classic interior

We recently discovered Gowdy’s have a pet friendly area so we were able to bring along our wee dog so we could enjoy a lovely meal. Everyone was so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us during our visit. We were so surprised to see...

Visited here for evening meal with friends. Greeted with a lovely open fire and fabulous staff not over attentive. I had the bacon chop with champ and cauliflower cheese and wasn't disappointed. Dessert was Guinness toffee pudding and ice cream. A wonderful time has by all and couldn't fault it.Can't wait to go back!

Beautiful meal... staff all dressed for Halloween and as pleasant and helpful as always. Highly recommend very relaxing nobody rushing you or standing over you. Loved it.

Having endured a sudden family bereavement we were recommended to try Gowdys for tea and sandwiches after the funeral. I contacted Sam at very short notice and he could not have been more accommodating. The food, service, staff and venue were superb. It really helped...

Cosy fires, great outdoor spaces right beside race course. Varied menus, bar and restaurant. Also space for weddings parties, family birthday s etc. Excellent staff very friendly.. Book ahead for Xmas, and race days.

Great food and friendly helpful staff. A very popular spot for family days and nights out.

Food beautiful, friendly staff great night😀😃

Good and service very friendly staff

My family and i went for meal on Sunday the food was ok they all enjoyed it the staff really pleasant at all time's my only fault was the place was very dirty as if before lockdown they closed the doors and when they could open done so without cleaning the pannleing was thick with dust and cobwebs the ladies toilet were disgusting

We were invited here by a volunteer from the nearby Ulster Aviation Society and were really impressed with the service, quality of food and overall ambiance. The lunchtime menu was very good and not too expensive. Overall, we had a very pleasant time here and...