The Crafty Hound in Lisburn

I'm not normally the type to write reviews like this, but after the sheer embarrassment we felt leaving, I couldn't left this unsaid. We took a walk today with the dog and called into the The Crafty Hound for two pints. The evening started so well, we got talking to lots of locals about the dog and other things. We even bought a ballot. On our second pint, and as we were talking to a lovely couple next to us, I heard a woman shout "Get out! Get out!" I turned to find a woman shouting in my face, telling us to get out, saying to other people "There's a dog in the bar," and proceeded to open the front door as if I were to follow her out. The woman then shouted "The dog is not allowed in the bar!" Taken aback as I was, from her first shouting at me, I wasn't sure if this was a local drunk woman or someone involved with the bar. It was then made clear that she was the manager of the bar. She proceeded to shout to the staff "There's a dog in the bar!" They didn't seem concerned. We didn't think it was an issue, as we'd been sitting in our seats for so long. I told this woman (The bar manager), "Don't talk to me like that please!" We then instantly left the bar. The bar manager was clearly inebriated with a glazed look in her eyes. They dare to call themselves 'The Crafty Hound' and 'dog friendly'. After this incident, we feel there is nothing dog friendly about this bar and the only thing 'crafty' is how the manager feels she can speak to her customers. Needless to say we won't be back near The Crafty Hound and I urge all fellow dog owners not to cross the doors of this establishment. We understand that dogs may not be allowed indoors, however did not expect to be addressed in such a rude manner by an inebriated representitive of the bar. We left feeling embarrassed and affronted, which is disapponting, after the lovely start we had to the evening.

Stopped here for dinner with friends. Server was patient with us and got everything right. Steak tasted wonderfully. Everyone else seemed satisfied with their meals, as well.

Party of 18 people for my mums birthday. Today 21st April we were celebrating my mums 70th birthday. It was a complete surprise for her and the staff helped achieve the illusion and making her feel special. We can’t thank the staff enough for all their efforts in helping make the day run smoothly, help with decorating and in making sure all our guests were welcomed. Everyone agreed that the food was amazing, the service was excellent and the whole day was truly amazing.

Sunday lunch. Only our second visit here and this time online booking was really handy and also a reminder the day before. No problem getting seated at 12.30 but thought it was a very dark inside unless you were right at the window. Good choice of drinks and we were served pretty quickly. The 1/2/3 course menu was okay with vegetarian option although not clear if starter/dessert combo was possible as one of our party wouldn't have managed a big meal. Food was hot and tasty although dessert choices were limited. One issue was that we had a least 4 staff serve us a three course meal which led to a couple of mix ups. The staff were busy and there was a family party/buffet going on beside us which is maybe why they were so scattered about. The three of us weren't long racking up £100 even though only one of us had all 3 courses and we weren't all drinking. We would go back but probably not for Sunday lunch again and will ask to sit at the window next time. Would also be good to see the one and two star reviews being responded to.

I've been there for a drink and it was honestly such a great pint of Guinness and the lady behind the bar was so lovely. Unfortunately had a bad experience here today, Easter Sunday. We had booked a table but once we were seated we waited for 40 minutes and then gave up and went home hungry. Couldn't wait any longer with a hungry three and one year old. There weren't enough servers, it was plain to see. No apology given either.... The young waitresses were out of their depth. I see a few other reviews have been similar to this so hopefully something changes from this feedback.... Will be back for a drink but probably not for food :(

Love crafty hound! Food and service is always fantastic and the bar has a great atmosphere! Their roast beef dinner is the best there is. So happy to have here as our local.

Fantastic food, great pints, amazing service Had an event here and everyone was very pleased

Great service with friendly staff, got our food fast and was delicious! Very nice atmosphere in the building as well as great prices.

Great food for a good price! Had a group event in their upstairs venue, the staff was lovely and very helpful with anything we needed!

Very nice spot and lovely staff all round Great service from both the bar and restaurant Wide range of food options for different times of the day and delectable

🙆‍♀️Came here to film a short movie, all the staff and areas were great and they welcomed us happily, the food is also great here defo recommend coming. 😍

The Crafty Hound will go down in history as the bar ever. Top scran, cheap shots, and cool staff. What more do you need? Puts spoons to shame. Big up the Hound, you know the rules.

Pool locals are next level, great facilities for filming and great pints / food. People are lovely and the place is kept well

Been here lots of times and having the wife's birthday up stairs this weekend free if you have buffett for 20

Booked for mother's day. I knew it would be busy so I booked for 4.15 to allow plenty of time to assume for it being busy. It took 45 mins for someone to come take our drinks order amd when we ordered starters I was told my child couldn't have a starter as it wasn't included in the price. Then they had a ticket system where you had to sit and wait permission to go to the carvery which meant waiting almost another hour. At this point my son hadn't eaten until 5.50 which is an hour before his bedtime and an hour amd half after we arrived. Staff were helpful when they were present although that wasn't ofter and the food was OK but not great. I've been before and the service and food was great so this experience was so disappointing. I was hoping to spoil my mum amd instead she was upset amd disappointed I chose such a bad restaurant. My biggest complaint would be that theade a 2 year old wait almost 2hr in a high chair sitting next to a carvery amd wouldn't allow me to get him food That was the most disgraceful part of the whole evening.

Mothers Day lunch Arrived just a little after 12pm it was quiet only about 3 tables in service fantastic they kept checking if you need more drinks if food was okay . The food was delicious - at about 12:30pm it started to get busy. I was there with just me and my son as husband had paid for us to go out for Mother’s Day lunch I never been out for Mother’s Day lunch first time and they ruined it . We sat there for 45 minutes after eating waiting for someone to come over to at least clear the plates and get dessert order but nothing . Another table came next to us thought okay they will see we finished and come to tend to us no nothing . I have a 2 year old and he was very content thank god but kept asking for his ice cream as I promised him . Still no one came over so at 1:45 I thought after sitting and waiting from 12:45-1:45 for someone to come over I was just going to leave and go somewhere else for dessert. Lovely little place at the beginning amazing but when they get busy they need to have either more people or remember their tables I worked in hospitality for 4 years and never have I ever forgotten a table for so long . Disappointed I won’t be returning sorry . I literally got up and plates were still on table I needed a drink no one came over . When it gets busy they need a better system . Or don’t seat people in the corner if you won’t remember them .

Hidden gem in the heart of Lambeg

Service was a little slow but good honest food, decent portions and very reasonably priced. Spacious and child friendly, will be back.

Visit with my family food was 5star plenty off food on the plates and kids portions was very good portion

Visited this lovely place for a family birthday celebration. We were warmly greeted on arrival and promptly seated. The surrounding seated area was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The food was well presented and very tasty. Our grandchildren were also well attended to throughout the afternoon. All in all a very pleasant experience and very relaxing one for our daughter who was celebrating a special birthday.

We have visited this establishment many times over recent years and even with very young children. Our visits have tended to be for Sunday lunch, which has always been good. On visiting a Friday afternoon in the run up to Christmas, we were met with a mixed reception; probably as we hadn’t been on it since lunchtime! It was hard to find a family centric spot and it took some work; eventually we got as close as we could. Despite there only being a large office party and one other family, service was pained. On ordering, the food came and was disappointing. Kid’s hotdog reminiscent of the Leisure Centre in 1987, the roast beef was dry with anemic veg and certainly not enough gravy to compensate. The sirloin, coming in at c.£33 was woefully over cooked and tasted very odd indeed. Immensely disappointed and even thought twice about reviewing - as only wanted the best for this place - however after an immensely disappointing experience - the bill was still £40 more than it deserved to be. Perhaps they were catering for office parties only - would have been good to know.

Hard to give anything other than average as that's what the food was. £18 for fish and chips, £17 for a burger and chips.. and £3.70 for a tin of coke is almost criminal! Massively overpriced considering.

£20 dish of stuffed turkey-tasted ok and it was enough for a man, but overpriced-nothing special. £30 dish-steak. I think it was disaster-not rested enough, not served in requested cook. An overcooked meet was swimming in something on a plate. We were waiting for a single dessert for 20 min. The place looked busy but why the customer need to pay a double price: not good service, not good food. It was a second time we visited this place and we can share our experience: sorry, never back again: too expensive for average food

Meant to have food at a gathering but took so long to arrive had to move on to another place.

I went here for lunch at the weekend with my son . I did the usual and emailed the establishment my cv and achievement breakdown .Approaching the front doors we were greeted with a long line of perfectly sharp cutlery leading us to the door and to out table. The staff applauded me obviously due to my business portfolio and achievement breakdown. The table itself was completely covered in cutlery, dozens of sets apart from 2 small circles where our drinks were already waiting lol. The waitress came over and took our order immediately, usually I like to wait 12 minutes but the waitress took down our order using several different techniques (notepad, computer, telepathy, carrier pigeon etc) and in several different languages and communication techniques including brail, speech , and sign language. She asked would we like more cutlery but I said "I think we are set" lol. While our food was being prepared I went through my checklist carpet wornness, menu cleanliness, cutlery sharpness, tray handling, gravel quality, a4 page aggressiveness level and tv positioning. I took it easy today and didn't go indepth lol. The kids hotdog meal was phenomenal, obviously freshly baked roll and Michelin star quality sausage. My main was delicious , soft yet crunchy roasties, piping hot mash , freshly steamed veg with succulent, melt in the mouth , non stringy beef. When we finished they brought us more cutlery. The waiter didn't need to ask if I enjoyed my meal because he could tell by looking at me. He told me by his eyes he would let the chef know and I told him through my eyes "it wasn't just the chef chief " They gave me a cutlery set to bring home. Fantastic place 15/10.2

Lovely Sunday lunch. Very fast and pleasant service from the Staff. Very accomodating of allergies and were more than happy to go and check all ingredients and make adjustments to the meals including a yummy kids dairy & soya free banana milkshake☺️ Only small complaint, was the restaurant and toilets were a too cold which wasn't pleasant with young children and baby but on the whole nice calm and welcoming environment. Will definitely return.

Called in for early Sunday lunch. Had roast beef & was superb. Yorkshire puddings superb. Friendly helpful staff. Would happily return again.

Good bar but they do freely allow vaping inside. As a non vaper this is alarming.

My local,always on point,good grub and good pints,very attentive service and reasonable prices.I recommend a Sunday Roast,great portions and options available if you don't want just a roast.

Four older girls, meeting for food and chat. We were delighted with the range of choices Three choose from the vegan list as the choices were so inviting. Sweet Chili chicken was chosen from the main menu. The restaurant was pretty busy but the staff were very attentive A lovely evening, beautiful food, all four of us were wowed!! Thank you Crafty Hound! We plan to return

First time to eat in this restaurant. Went with friends for a casual night out. From we arrived to we left staff looked after us food very tasty great selection on vegan menu. Definitely will be back.

Great grub and friendly service

Lovely friendly pub, food is fabulous, staff are brilliant, highly recommended.

We had our baby boys chrisening meal hear on Saturday with 21 of our family and we all had diff types of dinner and not one people left any every meal was beautiful and the service was second to none we had a few adjustments to be made as table seating and we wanted a sweetie table for kids ect and not one thing was a problem staff went above an beyond for us all everyone us will deffo be back we couldn’t thank them enough 💙

Very nice boozer! Very much worth stopping in for a bite and a wee shwallie !

Fantastic place. Highly enjoyable and recommended .

We had a really good meal here a week ago... the three of us had only main courses....the beef... chicken and chorizo pasta...and the seabass...all were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious 😋....but I have to give a huge thank you to the waiting staff who did an impeccable job at service and their manners were second to none 👍 Going back this Friday.... really looking forward to it 😉

The tastiest gastro food I’ve had in years. So much flavour and care put into dishes. Friendly staff and lovely cosy pub atmosphere!

Shocking customer service, waited almost an hour on 2 starters, when we asked about them we were given no apology, then exactly the same happened with the main!! Hard to believe, given that the table next to us came in 20 minutes after us ate and left before ours had come, still no apology, left the place before our main came as they said "it's almost ready" so was closing time! Won't be back to this place! Avoid at all costs.

Brilliant staff, food as good with a great drinks selection.

Tasty foods, large portions. A hidden gem

Met with a friend and was thrilled with the many vegan choices! Main main was extensive also.. We finally decided.. She non vegan and vegan for myself. Sat outside and were attended so well by the waiter. Planning another visit soon as I want to try more of there interesting options on the menu. Easy Parking and beautiful food.

Roast was really nice could have used a bit more gravy but other than that it was lovely

Sunday menu was not good. Beef was like rubber, and the pasta was forgettable.

So disappointed in our meal!! 3 adults..Sunday lunch. APRIL 23.2023...2 courses ...waitress didn't know what the soup of the day was? Turkey& ham so dry...no cranberry sauce...gamon OK...beef over cooked had to ask for gravy for all meals.. desert left a lot to be desired..all so basic. No atmosphere.. shabby... dull. Friendly staff good parking ..this was a treat for a brother who we hadn't seen for 4 years...we were embarrassed. Used to be a really nice place to eat...

I took my family and mother-in-law to dinner for my 5 year old sons birthday and have never regretted anything more. My son who's birthday it was ordered a hotdog and chips which was two very poor quality sausages in a dry burger bun and chips that I can only assume we're frozen cheap chips. They ran out of Yorkshire puddings for the roast beef dinners. The kids starter stated melon and fresh fruit which was a few strawberries and black banana. Items from the main menu not even available. £26 for a 10oz steak that was 30%+ fat. Very minimal gravy with the roast beef dinners and not even a gravy boat should you require more. The steak was on top of a mountain of onions which were not requested or stated on the menu, not good for someone who despises onions. £4.50 for diluted juice . Everything was really overpriced especially for the standard of food and when a complaint was made to an older lady member of staff it was meet with disinterest and cheek and she basically walked away from the table without taking any future information or action regarding the complaints. Absolutely disgusted that my son had to spend his birthday like that and my family and I will never set foot in the place again.

I took my family and mother-in-law to dinner for my 5 year old sons birthday and have never regretted anything more. My son who's birthday it was ordered a hotdog and chips which was two very poor quality sausages in a dry burger bun and chips that I can only assume we're frozen cheap chips. They ran out of Yorkshire puddings for the roast beef dinners. The kids starter stated melon and fresh fruit which was a few strawberries and black banana. Items from the main menu not even available. £26 for a 10oz steak that was 30%+ fat. Very minimal gravy with the roast beef dinners and not even a gravy boat should you require more. The steak was on top of a mountain of onions which were not requested or stated on the menu, not good for someone who despises onions. £4.50 for diluted juice 😳. Everything was really overpriced especially for the standard of food and when a complaint was made to an older lady member of staff it was meet with disinterest and cheek and she basically walked away from the table without taking any future information or action regarding the complaints. Absolutely disgusted that my son had to spend his birthday like that and my family and I will never set foot in the place again.

Lovely food but took time to arrive

Staff unpleasant. Barman tried to short change me. Barmaid has a bad attitude. Won't be back.

Had the chicken ciabatta it was unedible soggy bread greasy .. over priced £18.50 couldn't eat it, I never complain told the staff member as he lifted my plate clearly didn't like the food as my plate was full ... My partner had mussels we had 2 cocktails which were buy one get one free and 3 pints and out bill was £73.80 .. they didn't even offer to take my food off the bill .. food disgusting over priced won't be back

Really disappointing Mother's day afternoon out with my family . The carvery was lovely but by time 6 of us went downstairs to get it and bring it back half of the table had almost finished and then to have to go find our where 2 of the desserts where as the rest of the table had finished and for only 1 of them to be brought out is ridiculous and another long wait for the final dessert. To add insult , no apology when raised and additional items added to the bill that weren't ordered. Very poor.

Lovely lunch at The Crafty Hound 😋

Nice meal out on a Friday night.

Went out for family birthday meal and it was a delicious meal. Very friendly staff, great ambience within the restaurant and lovely food. Staff really accommodating when ordering and helpful! Will be back soon

Great place for a nice night. I would like to point out how helpful the manager Jennifer was. Great place 10/10

Very good food and good service!

We met friends who were staying in Newry, as we're in Antrim we picked a half way restaurant. We were let down by or original choice but the staff here were more than helpful , at short notice. The food was excellent as was the service. The surroundings were also nice, with a cheery atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in around Lisburn with no hesitation. Superb service & value.

Excellent food and very good service. Would recommend to anyone fantastic!

Good food. Went for lunch but the place was absolutely freezing. Service was very good.

Had dinner this afternoon in The Crafty Hound for the first time & I cannot recommend enough! The food & cocktails were amazing but the staff were really what made it a lovely afternoon! Each member of staff that we spoke to were just lovely & the service was quick without feeling rushed! Can’t wait to come back :)

Had a lovely lunch here today. Great food, helpful staff and good atmosphere. Would recommend!

Great small, local gastro pub. The place was clean and tidy. The staff could not have been more helpful or friendly. The food was great. Could not fault

In for a few drinks with my missus friendly staff reasonable prices

Some staff neec to make Artistes feel more appriciated and not try to renegoiate fee agreed at end of night and performance

Amazing all day breakfast. Seriously impressed and great value for money. Will definitely be back.

Stopped for quick lunch while passing. First time ever being here.

We usually head to this restaurant as a chance to enjoy the food. Before it was fantastic - never an issue with food but HUGE issue recently on service. When myself and my husband arrived we were quickly seated and then quickly forgotten about. We waited about 10/15 minutes and no one came near us to take a drinks order. It wasn't even busy and this was a Saturday. He ended up going up to order drinks which came fine. As the night progressed, it took ages to get food ordered then when we all settle to eat out mains - two of our ordered sides were a no show. When we told the staff this, they went in and sorted one of them and not the other? Needless to say we did not stay long.

Looking for somewhere reasonably priced that served food that didn't just come with the usual chips and found this place online. Good reviews so thought we'd give it a try for Sunday lunch. Best decision ever! Food was outstanding and staff brilliant, attentive but dont rush you at all. Will definitely be returning here. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

Great feed, great service every time, highly recommended!

Lovely food , good atmosphere staff really friendly, Guinness good too, limited vegetarian selection though.

Very nice place but a bit pricy

Had a lovely evening . Really good food, large portions and staff very attentive. Really enjoyable night.

Awful meal over cooked fish pasta swimming in water. My son's meal was no better worst restaurant in the area by far. .

Went for food on Saturday night with my partner, mum and dad, haven’t been to the crafty yard in years and will definitely be back again. The best thing about it was the service from debs, she made us feel so comfortable, was good crack, made my mum a cocktail that wasn’t on the menu and made sure we were fed well with plenty of cocktails. Food was amazing also such a big improvement from last visit many years ago.

My husband, friend and I ate here last night. Started with cocktails which were gorgeous. The starters were lovely as was the mains. My husband had the rump steak and said it was the nicest he had ever tasted. Service was great with all the staff. We were looked after very well. Want to give a shout out to Debs who was amazing. Will definitely be back.

Excellent customer service, food was fantastic. Couldn't ask for any better. All staff very friendly and professional. Would 100% recommend, service was fast and efficient and food tasted best of quality.

The very lovely Debs was front of house, and greeted our party of 11 on arrival. It was my husband’s birthday & the service was excellent from start to finish!

Great service, Great food 👌 il definitely be back 😁

I always forget just how good this place is!! We went in for a refreshing drink and ended up staying for a meal. The food has been good and well priced for years, and yesterday was no exception. The menu is extensive with some surprising things included. Definitely will be back soon.

Popped in for a Sunday afternoon drink and some food. Excellent service and fantastic food. Highly recommend.

We had booked a table for 10 people a Fortnight in advance. We showed up on the day to be met with barriers and closed doors. We even phoned which was picked up and answered from inside saying they'd closed due to staff shortages. They had not informed us even though we'd left contact details at the time of booking. We could not get a table anywhere else due to it being fully booked elsewhere with it being 12th July.

Sunday roast was lovely, staff were very friendly

Not much selection in food lots where off the menu no salmon I brought 9 people from canada because its normally nice food but was basic menu so disappointed 😕

Sunday dinner is the best of all!!!!

Really lovely interior, quirky and comfortable. Food is delicious and the staff are so friendly.

We had one gluten free on our party we were assured that her meal would be amended but when it arrived it hadn't been the dish was taken away but not replated the gnocchi had just been removed but one piece still left on the plate my friend didnt want to make a fuss as we had our dinner in front of us she had also asked for potatoes but had ti wait another 5mins also a drink was ordered for the table and had to be asked for 10mins later we would go back the rest of our food was lovely but my friend wouldn't

Nice local pub / restaurant. Plenty of room inside and out.

Table for 8 handled with ease. Excellent craft beer. I had blade steak which is a difficult cut but it was tender and very tasty. Everyone had a great meal except my niece who ordered an Aubergine Parmesan but doesn’t like aubergines!? It was a good veggie meal. Recommended

Been here for food it is lovely also did a gig in it the staff are friendly and good fun

Called in to Crafty Hound and I must say my meal was absolutely so tasty and presentation was lively.

Disappointing experience. Service was unmanaged with novice experience. Our server was very pleasant and was trying his best but it was clear further training was needed. The food was ok, after hearing great things before their menu change, we were hopeful the food would speak...

Staff not very good at there job un trained took about 45 minutes to bring anything that was ask for was not like this the last time I was in sorry

Just went in for a drink & the music was very good, great night

Had lunch with my friend recently at the Crafty Hound and can honestly say the food was amazing. Highly recommend the Bang Bang Chicken as a main course. Service was excellent with special mention for Val our waitress. Nothing was too much trouble and she...

Called today for Sunday lunch, as our restaurant of choice, (The Beechlawn at Dunmurry), was fully booked. We were shown to our table quickly and my wife and I ordered the Roast Beef dinner. It also arrived quicker than we expected. I was surprised and...

Can't recommend this place enough. Moved out to Lambeg recently so wanted to see what the local was like. Been for a meal 5/6 times and it's always been delicious. They have changed there menu recently but till very good, the bang bang chicken and...

Had a very enjoyable meal and drinks here with great company, a really nice experience after the accommodation we had booked.

Lovely I have a new one lol lol I’m getting ready for work tomorrow so I’ll be home by about that yo

Sunday dinner was beautiful. Very well presented and tasted lovely. Nice surroundings and calm bar not too over packed or noisy

Was here today with my family and food and service where 1st class. And very friendly staff. Would highly recommend you to try.