McKee's Country store & restaurant in Ards

Always a treat to visit McKee's farm shop and restaurant. When you arrive the menu is at the entrance to the restaurant. You now need to put your order in and pay before sitting. This makes service extremely efficient as the food came out really quickly and was delicious as always. The staff are amazing, really friendly and welcoming. The farm shop is one of the best I have been in. All local produce and so fresh. The apple and cinnamon luxury scones are highly recommended.

Mckees food is beautiful. But it would put me off returning as I much prefer the old system of sitting, reading over the menu and ordering. We felt much too under pressure at the queue, reading the board on the wall, while people were waiting behind us. We ordered hastily. Our food was lovely but we definitely would have ordered a breakfast but in the rush and panic, just decided on a scone and coffee.

Treated ourselves to brunch at mckees but hadn’t been since covid so was surprised that it was no longer waitress service. As others have said, the process of ordering/ paying for your meal is rather strange - there is a menu board outside and you have to remember what you want when you go to the till as there is no menu at the till point. I like to browse my menu and take my time over brunch. We had hardly sat down when our food and drinks arrived. Food was fine but something that used to be a treat seems a bit ordinary now. Dont think we’ll be eating there again.

We went at 1230 on a Thursday and queued up outside in the hallway area to await entry into the restaurant itself, once a table was available. Probably waited about 5 minutes. This gives you time to look at the menu board. You have to be decisive and know what you want as once you are let in, you go straight to the counter to order and pay for your food and drinks. Ask for water for the table if you’d also like this. You’re then allocated a table and paddle with your order number. So far, so straightforward. The restaurant layout is good with a mixture of table sizes and a good atmosphere - very busy. Drinks came first, followed shortly by the food. We had the seafood pie and the beef casserole - both were very good. The menu is varied, ranging from scones to light bites, jacket potatoes and full dinners including roasts. The meat is from their farm. Prices are good - £13.95/£13.50 for our dinners - gives you a break from cooking! They do a regular roast dinner for £10.50. Afterwards you can have a browse in the farm shop. There’s also a few flowers and plants. Would recommend a visit.

I was invited here for lunch and I ordered a panini with brie, bacon and cranberry. It was very tasty, but could that combination be anything else? My side-salad was drenched in vinegar, which was less appealing. My aunt had a baked potato which looked very fresh and fluffy, and was a huge size. She ordered a tea which she was assured would come after her main, but they forgot and she had to go looking for it. The system of reading the menu in the corridor no doubt makes service faster, but if you are there for the first time or genuinely interested in the menu it is difficult to make a decision so quickly. There was nothing bad about our experience, but I know their reputation as being incredibly popular, and I really think you would get the same food anywhere without having to drive so far. There is indeed a lovely view, but only from a couple of tables. Most are well inside and because there are lots of customers, it feels impersonal and busy. Not a place to meet a friend and chat.

Went on a Monday lunch. System of ordering is strange and it was hard to read the boards due to other people also trying to read them. Time to think was not possible as then we would have been further back in the queue. System could be improved by letting you sit at table, read menu then come up and order at till. Food was okay, it was nice enough but nothing special for the price. Table we were at had a lovely view but window had a bd craft coming in. Staff were nice and very pleasant which was great. Place does have positives but small things could improve it beyond being average.

No rush back. After standing in the cold to get in, we had to remember what we wanted from the board outside and pay when we ordered. The food, a brisket panini, and a Christmas burger were as plain as you could get anywhere. My wife could not eat the brisket meat as it was too spicy. We were pointed to a seat beside the door leading to the farm shop and every time someone opened the door (constantly) we got blasted by cold air. No one came near us until we were finished eating so they could clear up. We were offered deserts and coffees (which we refused) and left. The farm shop was really well stocked, but there will be No Rush Back to eat there as it was truly nothing special.

First time visiting here and don’t know what to make of it. Have to order and pay before you are seated and handed you cutlery and a number to take with you. Food just very very ok. Asked for more mint sauce and you think I was asking for £20 out of the till by the expression of the team member. Very impressed with the farm shop and wife selection of foods for all tastes .

The breakfast was lovely and the staff were very good. Overall a great experience and I will be back at some point in the future.

After reading that the restaurant has won breakfast award I couldn’t wait to visit. I chose the breakfast bap which contains a generous portion of sausage, bacon and egg. My friend chose the small fry which went down rightly. The staff were friendly and welcoming and our order was served quite quickly. Don’t forget to visit the farm and gift shop where there is something for everyone.

What have you done to this restaurant it is a while since I have been to McKees queued up at the door then asked what is your order we would like a table no what’s your order could we have a menu no it is on the wall in the hallway back out choose food back in ordered given arty with cutlery a measured amount of sauce and a number and told sit where you like. The food was at best average warm plate stodgy soda dried up bacon. Sorry will not be eating there again unless it changes. Could not recommend to anyone.

Called in a few minutes before the kitchen closed to see if a snack was possible. Staff checked with the kitchen and could not have been more helpful. The sandwich and hot drinks came promptly, were fresh and very good. Watching the staff engage with two different adult customers with additional needs was moving- nothing was a problem and the kindness was genuine. In the shop, we bought fresh bread, veg and flowers - all of superb quality (we’ve just enjoyed the fresh wheaten with coronation salad.) The quality and service at McKees is always excellent.

Dirty chair and dirty with food under the table with dirty baby spoon and discarded napkin Food was served lukewarm with minimal service What a shame it used to be so nice

My husband and I haven’t been here for quite a while as our previous visit didn’t live up to our expectations. However, we are reasonable and fair minded people and we figured everyone deserves another chance. So, off we went to have lunch at McKee’s in the hope this visit would be better than our previous one. Sadly, we were very disappointed - again. There appears to be this attitude and mindset on the part of some staff that diners/customers are lucky to be there and it all got off to a poor start when we realised you have to order from a board whilst you are in the queue and a lady takes your order. The ‘large’ chicken stack was anything but large! This is Northern Ireland and when we order large from a menu we expect a sensible decent sized portion..if that was the ‘large’ then we would hate to see the small portion option! Prices have increased considerably since our last visit whilst portion sizes have definitely decreased. We can’t understand what all the hype is about and very much doubt we will be back to give them another chance based on this very disappointing visit.

We have been customers of the farm shop since we relocated to NI at the end of last year and have always loved the shop with all the fresh produce, butchery and bakery. It’s a fantastic farm shop, well priced and offers an extensive range of goods. We went to sample the Ulster Fry as it had just been announced that the restaurant part of this working farm had won the Best Ulster Fry world championship award for 2023. We weren’t disappointed. It was packed as usual, last breakfast orders at 11.30. Firstly the organisation and efficiency is brilliant. Order and pay at the till on entry, then you are assigned a table and given your cutlery, condiments and a table number. The food comes out in the same order and their system works perfectly. Tables are cleared and cleaned quickly, so turnover of tables is very efficient. Onto the food. As it’s a farm restaurant all the elements of the Ulster fry are obviously grown and produced on the farm and you can without a doubt taste that. Everything is so fresh and cooked perfectly. I am not usually a fan of soda bread as I find it very dense and heavy, but here it was light and tasty and not at all greasy although it was fried. Nothing was greasy which can often happen with a fried breakfast. Everything was perfect and it is undoubtedly well deserving of it’s best Ulster fry in NI status! We shall definitely be back!

Called in after 3pm Sat 19th Aug and went to cafe first. Checked menu board before entering (also photographed it to study for next visit), ordered and paid inside door before getting seated. Lady was exceptional pleasent and chatty. I know some comments seem to not like this system, but I think it works very well and most likely speeds up the whole experience for yourself. Specials menu which is separate from main menu board can change daily, but main menu board is likely to be constant. Some times I have gone into cafes, set ages to get order taken waited further on food and still had to pay at end. For a very busy cafe like this I like this system. When food arrived, it was lovely, I had a sandwich and soup combo for about £8, very reasonable for fresh, lovely warm leek and potato soup, and prepared to order sandwich. A lovely warm pot of tea that stayed warm to end of meal. Others with me, equally had exceptional quality meals. Staff are very friendly and obviously well trained with customer service. We followed the cafe with usual visit to excellently stocked and competively priced farm shop. This by no means is my nearest farm shop,but my regular location to go to, for all above mentioned qualities.

As stated in previous reviews you have to read the menu boards in the hallway and decide what you would like to eat. Then you wait to be admitted. Once allowed in, you can go no further until you inform the lady at the cash register what you would like. After paying, you are given an open white plastic storage tray/box containing your cutlery, serviettes crowned by a plastic serving number. Coffee cake was good. Cherry scone was sweet and crumbly.

My husband and I along with grandson visited yesterday can't understand why notice board is still being used .- our four meals were barely warm - 2 large roast beef dinners- beef was lovely - very little gravey and potato. Chick stack was mash not...

Called today for lunch had soup and toastie and 2 deserts service food excellent even called into farm shop and bought few things will definitely be back.

Visited restaurant for brunch before doing some shopping in the farm shop-ordered pancakes and bacon which can only be described as mediocre-pancakes dry despite accompanying maple syrup ( had to ask for more ) and bacon was overdone -presentation was also poor-staff very pleasant but...

On our last couple of visits to McKees it certainly wasn’t as good as it used to be. During Covid they changed the way you entered the restaurant - something that was required at the time. However they’ve retained the format where you have to...

The menu has changed and the service is very slow, I know we are going into recession but the prices have gone up drastically in the restaurant. Still the same quality of food etc in the deli. I know that the menu board at the...

Spoiled for choice now on scones, date and wheaten has become yet another firm favourite, coffees cappuccinos and latte perfect as always.all lovely serving staff.

Went there today 26/10/22 just for a coffee at 11.30 am and it took 32 minutes to get two coffees. There seemed to be staff just standing around while others were trying to work. It usuall is a very efficient restaurant and the food is...

I ordered online to send some treats to friends. It was ordered with no hassle and delivered exactly on time. All delicious.

Main meal Turkey & Ham dinner beautiful Staff great. Bought lots of flowers, food - salads, ready meals and bread - all superb quality. Next time I will fill my freezer.

Visited McKees for lunch. Restaurant was clean and tidy. Staff were very helpful as usual. I got a burger however I was disappointed with the price. In my view it was overpriced. The menu in general was in my opinion overpriced. I was also disappointed,...

Luch was fantastic Great portions and a fabuluos slection, Service was so professional, I bought an afternoon tea to take home to Portrush my mum loved it and mckees packed for me for my journey so good of them. Great hospitality

normally magnificent if not overpriced but you do pay for quality especiallyin the shop,however, what has happened in the restaurant? 3 of us arrived and per receipt food ordered ( of what can be described as a very limited menu ) at 1.00pm , I...

Menu has changed completely and I really struggled to pick a meal choice as I felt they have really reduced the menu. We asked for the chicken goujons instead of the normal chicken however the chicken goujons is not as good as previously, it tasted...

I went for lunch with a few family members because we knew this would be the last time we saw each other before Christmas. It was busy as it always is, which is good to see. I ordered the turkey and ham dinner, the large...

Love McKees. Their food store is absolutely sumptuous, and we always end up with a box of goodies home with us (apple and date wheatenbread to die for). We usually combine this shopping trip with a visit to the restaurant, and in this case it...

My husband and I visited as a couple . It was 1.30 so we weren’t surprised when we found the restaurant not very busy . We both ordered Xmas dinner of turkey ,ham etc , one large and one small . The plates arrived and...

I say lost it's edge because unfortunately they have gone downhill since reopening. They are very expensive but people were prepared to pay more for quality and uniqueness. No top ups. Queuing for ages. Limited meals. Having to choose your meal before you go in....

Went for a visit to McKee’s farm shop cafe with family across the water and definitely won’t be back! Unclean cutlery, dismissive staff and the food was awful like a canteen! Very pricey and not at all worth it

Visited for weekly shop and coffee stop, Hubby was delighted to find favourite rhubarb and ginger scones, seasonal i think, cinnamon usual delight, well spaced tables and friendly hard working staff.

We have visited this restaurant many times and have never been disappointed in our food. I think their new ordering system is a good idea. There are several menus displayed before you enter and decide what you want to eat. The order is efficiently taken...

Unfortunately they have d taken COVID Measures to extreme. Waiter service is now permitted. However you have to queue up and decide what you want to eat before you’ve sat down to peruse a menu. Not my kind of friendly welcome. Did notice fewer staff...

Two of us and we both had the large fry, which is fine, though a pot of tea for two at £3.98 does seem expensive. Anyway, the quality of the food is never really in question, it’s always pretty good; it’s the car park that...

Our family have been faithful customers at the Farmhouse and restaurant and we regularly take the dogs and sit outside and have lunch. On Friday, four of us and the dogs went as usual but were shocked to find that there were several posters indicating...

This place is amazing the restaurant & the farm shop are 2nd to none . Been coming here about a year now & the food is 5 star everytime. I would also like to add the staff are fantastic & very pleasant

This was our first time back in the restaurant since the reopening. Everything was very different but the measures which have been introduced have been made in order to keep everyone safe. We went for breakfast which was nice albeit a bit pricey. As big...

Service is a bit different at mckees in accordance with government regulations, but quality of food maintained, also pay on ordering which saves another queue. Enjoyed our favourite cinnamon scones and excellent coffee, several staff spoke a welcome back. farm shop has been open but...

Just came back for the first time after reopening from the restrictions. The breakfast was great as usual. The coffee came out to us five minutes before the meal. Then written on a sheet of paper we noticed no top ups. By the time we...

Visited on Saturday 20th Feb bought dinner and Cherry tart with cream and custard. Everything good until I opened and the strawberry was rotten and furry the cream was off the smell was awful Use by date was the 23rd Feb. I contacted Mckees and...

Attached to a farm shop, this is a lovely little restaurant, catering amazingly well in the current restrictions. We had tea and traybakes mid afternoon, combined with a farm shop visit. Slightly off the beaten track, but well worth a visit.

weekly food shop, no wait for table in restaurant today, pouring wet day outside, had welcome cups of excellent coffees and cinnamon scones, as was early visit, glad we hadn't big breakfasts as cinnamon scones were huge but delicious as usual. The staff are all...

Lovely little farm shop. We went for lunch & had an excellent meal. Would go back. Love the cinnamon scone!

It is so busy and the queue outside is awful at times but it's a sentiment to how good the food is. The staff are polite and friendly, the food fresh and wholesome. Be prepared to bring back at least 2 bags of shopping on...

To avoid the queues we visited for lunch at 2pm and were shown straight to our table. Staff are always very friendly and lovely to have table service, with views over Strangford Lough. I opted for roast of the day, and there is an option...

Went for lunch with family on Saturday afternoon, queued in marquee for 40mins before being brought inside to wait at the restaurant entrance. No issue waiting 40mins for a good lunch, however to find that people were coming from the shop and joining the queue...

Excellent meal once again with a highly recommended Large Ulster Fry and Lemon Meringue with Tea. Always a very pleasant experience with helpful and friendly staff including Malcolm, Louise and Anne 👏🏻 Will be back again..

Been here before sadly today 10/8 went downhill nice friendly staff was a bit of a wait to get a table which is fine large notice stating only allowed 1 hour 15 minutes at each table which is fine BUT; ordered quickly but it took...

Good service , menu interesting and tasty. Nice surroundings pity it is so noisy, no thing to soak up the conversations no certain etc.

My husband and myself are semi-regular visitors to the restaurant, we don’t often travel on the road where Mckees is but when we do we always pop in for something to eat. There’s usually a queue to get a table, but that’s not a hardship,...

A great country store and adjacent restaurant with a view of Scrabo Tower and Strangford Lough. Excellent food and service. The store itself is also well worth a visit.

This time we had soup and wheaten bread and then a traybake for afterwards but I have eaten larger meals and their delicious scones. Always a great welcome received and the quality of the food is fabulous.

Still loving our weekly visits to mckees , the service is excellent, yes may have to queue at peak times, but it moves quickly, this week hit a busy time, but staff were welcoming efficient as always and food spot on, adore those cinnamon scones....

This is a great family run business. A butchery, and grocery store including home bakerd products. A great coffee shop serving both snacks and meals by friendly staff.

Last batch of lasagne was ok. The stuff bought from deli counter was absolutely disgusting. They put aubergine or something like that in it and it was very finely processed .Yuk. Make your own. Just a warning for anyone with high expectations you'll be bitterly...

Received a gift card for Christmas so tried out the lunch menu. Great selection to choose from, kids menu is great. Staff were friendly and helpful. Was very busy but we didn’t he really to wait long until seated. Would love to have tried a...

Mc Kees is situated in the Craigantlet hills with fab views of lakes and mountains . They serve great homemade food and have a wonderful Deli . Their cinnamon scones are to die for !!, This hidden gem is not to be missed .

I’ve been here many many times. It’s probably my favourite place for lunch. The shop is bursting with good fresh produce and you will always end up buying more than you went in for. The restaurant is really large with plenty of seating, but be...

Called in at the Farm Shop for a few bits and pieces and came away with more than I intended because the produce is so good. Bought some pre-cooked meals (chicken & bacon champ bake and chicken & bacon pasta bake)and some gammon steaks +...

Been several times with family for breakfast and lunch. Good choice of food. Plenty of seats. On site shop with farm produce for sale. Food has always been great.

The food in this resaurant is excellent and the staff in the restaurant are really helpful along with a nice smile and attitude. I have just figured out why the staff in the Farm shop are not the happiest people at this place, it's because...

This restaurant is always busy so be prepared to queue up everytime. Went on a Saturday, busy as usual but only waited 15 mins or so for a table. Ordered spicy chicken gougons and home chips which came really quickly. Very tasty indeed.... this is...

This place is just on my doorstep and make the most amazing cinnamon scones you will ever taste! Staff are friendly and helpful, the restaurant is lovely with nice views from the conservatory. The product in the farm shop is very high quality.

It is busy as it is so popular. Our service was good and food arrived quickly. Lots of choice. Beautiful presentation. Good shop

Love this place so much. We had breakfast last Saturday here. Service was very fast, and the breakfast was just lovely. Will 100% be back.

We visited for a late Friday morning breakfast. The restaurant was busy which probably explains why customer service went out the window. We ordered cooked breakfasts with tea and coffee. The drinks were served first but there was no sign of the food almost 15...

Stopped for lunch with my parents, great food and staff friendly and efficient. Nice browse round the shop after.

2nd time here. I was disappointed that the sausage and onions were not on the menu. So I had the salmon instead which was lovely. Staff are lovely too

First time in for lunch. Having previously only had a nice coffee. Firstly it's a Saturday very very.busy. deli is suburb had a quick look before having to queue up line went down in about 10mins and the seater handed.menu's to us as we.go nearer...

I went with my sister, nephew and niece. It was my first visit. I had heard about the wonderful farm shop and that they had a restaurant. I really enjoyed the meal. Wonderful food, Great value. I had scampi which was very good. For dessert...

Visited a few times for breakfast with family and would definitely recommend. Will be going back for lunch soon. Good choice on their menu reasonably priced. Friendly staff. It can get busy at times.

very good fresh food and the service is excellent well worth a visit. the shop is good for ideas on present.

Great staff, reasonable prices and great food, just what you want on a lazy Saturday morning. Definitely worth a visit

Having visitors for dinner on Sunday and not knowing what to give them we went to McKee's butchers section and discussed our problem. They advised us on there own reared leg of lamb. Boy did it look good. Preparing the leg with garlic and rosemary...

The food is always top notch here. Dog friendly too! A gem of a place, plenty of choice and a top quality tea room/restaurant.

Busy restaurant but service is generally quick. Pleasant staff. Breakfasts and scones grand. Great range of deli and prepared meals available.

Yum yum. Lovely wee cafe, delicious desserts. I enjoyed a mini dessert, which certainly wasn't mini. Lovely staff. Even a shop to purchase, meat, veg, cakes etc. Worth a trip.

We have visited McKees many times and have often brought visitors to enjoy its fare. Our last visit was for just the two of us to savour the beautiful countryside, that surrounds the restaurant, as well as the food. The menu always offers good variety....

Favourite place to lunch with my boyfriend, he introduced me to McKees almost two years ago and I have loved it since! My order usually stays the same as it is so yummy !! Caesar Salad, raspberry and white chocolate scone, and a caramel latte,...

While this is off the beaten track up on the Craigantlet Hills, it is definitely well worth a visit. Food was delicious (I had a vegetarian burger with goat's cheese and mixed salad) but the staff here are very helpful and friendly. Spacious restaurant plus...

We love this place ,wonderful fresh homegrown produce beautifully cooked and baked ,Colin the owner is so lovely and friendly and always makes you feel welcome ,You can come here ,have something gorgeous in the Restaurant and then buy lots of local Farm Shop Produce...

Met friends for afternoon coffee at McKees, all tried new Apple and cinnamon scones, quite delicious and very substantial, usual great coffee and friendly service. Another winning combination.

Ate in restaurant had super service and delicious food. The deli/ gift shop is not to be missed! You will spend more than you intended - but you’ll love it

Heard super reviews about this Restaurant , yes food was OK..... nothing special by any means. Had to wait outside in a hallway until a table for 3 was free was not acceptable, 2 Couples who were behind us in the line were called before...

Worst ever had to send omelette back replacement wasn't much better. Can't understand a so-called chef can produce such a bad offering for a simple dish. My son had mini fry didn't look too appealing either.

I have been going to mckees the past few weeks instead of the butchers for my meat. It’s top quality meat with a lot of flavour. They have a range of so many different meals. The salted chilli beef is amazing! Also the pasties are...

Great food but go early to avoid queues. Great menu selection from sandwiches to main meals. Be sure to leave room for dessert. Great selection. In fact life is short have dessert first !

A superb lunch as always in McKees with a wide choice of meals available. The restaurant was almost full when got there at 12:30pm and is obviously a firm favourite with those who know the quality and range of food. From a light snack to...

Taken here for a birthday breakfast before Christmas! You can go wrong. Good feed and a good price! Always busy, quality and volume of food! Yummy!

I visited the restaurant on the 10th with my 86 year old aunt. The food was a bit pricy but excellent quality. After the lunch we bought son goods from the shop and proceeded to the till to pay. My 86 year old aunt was...

I really love to go to McKees to buy great food and to visit the restaurant. The food and service at the restaurant is top notch. The food is of high quality and could not be much fresher. The staff are very friendly and treat...

McKee's has had a face lift and it has a fantastic butchery section. We called on the Saturday before Christmas and as usual they were very busy. Among the items of food we were looking for 2 boned chickens unfortunately there were none on display...

A very popular rendezvous, combining an excellent restaurant with a farm produce and gift shop. The only criticism is that when the restaurant is full, as it often is, it can be quite noisy. That can make conversation difficult.

McKee's is a fine place to eat with lovely food and great service however I felt like I was part of a herd packed to total capacity ,but definitely worth a visit

The farm shop has been given a complete make over it is excellent and matches the restaurant for a very high standard to eat and shop, well done.