The Plough Inn in Lisburn

Ordered small fry which was mediocre and semi warm. Service without a smile. From experience until recently free tea with breakfast food as described but not any longer now. Paid £15.65 sharing a pot of not hot tea which was supposed to be separate. Consider this to be beyond the pale. Can't understand why Management doesn't take action based on Trip Advisor review summary for this restaurant. Return visit - no, elsewhere.

Great service, good advice on selections (we asked) and great food. Loved the layout and feel of the place, really relaxing and good for groups or as a couple in our case.

A quick last minute bite! Doorstepped the Restaurant at the Plough for a quick bite to eat following seeing Les Miserables at the Odessey in Belfast. The team were very helpful and offered us a table for a 1.5 hours dining slot which was perfect. We had the Super Nacho Bowl to share and the fresh scampi 🍤 for main. All was excellent and I noticed all the staff VERY regularly approached each table asking if “everything ok with you meal and do you need anything else” This basic question 🙋 that many other dining establishments could learn from. Back to basics and make just the customer feels welcomed and cared for. It made you feel welcomed and that the team wanted you to enjoy the full visit and experience. 5 ⭐️ of experience and very professional young team. It’s been a number of years since I visited and would highly recommend this iconic spot to eat. A small but clever addition was the swivel dining chairs 🪑 that enabled the more elderly or less mobile guest to get in and out of the table and seat 💺 with easy.

I recently dined at The Plough Inn, and unfortunately, the experience wasn't quite what I expected. The food was a bit of a letdown — not only was it tougher than it should have been, but the menu also turned out to be completely different from what was advertised on their website. This was disappointing, as I had already decided on what I wanted before arriving. Adding to the unpleasant atmosphere, there were other guests who were practically yelling their conversations, boasting about irrelevant topics just to sound important. I doubt the staff would have done anything to address this, as it seemed to go unnoticed. Overall, it wasn't the worst experience, but I expected better from a place with such a reputation.

This used to be a great spot, but granted I haven't been in a while. It's probably the most expensive place in 50 mile radius, which I'm ok with if it's good quality and service. Truth be told the food was average at best ! But the worst thing was "Uncle Fester" apparently he's the manager, but probably the most rude person I've met. He's not easy to understand in his fake deep voice, and If that's what you experienced, then you are lucky !! To ask for a table and be treated like some idiot because you didn't book, lets be clear it's a country pub, not a 3 Micheline Star restaurant. Anyway if you want to charge the prices, get a manger that has served his time in a restaurant, rather than a dirty pub. Certainly won't be back !!

Dear, dear, dear……very disappointing. Had a reservation but was seated upstairs and around the corner and was quite dismal. Staff were lovely but the food was not. The roast beef was overcooked, fatty and tough, mash was dry and roasties hard. When asked by the server, who was lovely, if all was ok, he laughed it off when I said no. My meal was removed from the bill and not offered anything else. Left hungry and extremely disappointed. We will not be back………

Had 2 drinks from front bar a few weeks ago, a bottle of cider and a coke zero cost me around just over £12, maybe it was a mistake I should have challenged it, but felt ripped off.

The food at time of posting this is exceptional. Small but perfectly executed menu which does not fail to dazzle. Worth travelling for.

We had a beautiful Sunday lunch in the plough. The interior & ambience is superb so cosy & inviting especially on a miserable Sunday afternoon!! The menu was extensive so much choice with an additional specials menu. For a family of 6 one ate of the kids menu she had a starter of the main menu followed with chips & goujons said they were tasty. We had a mixture of starters from scallops to prawns the presentation was something you’d see in a fine dining restaurant & the food was delicious so full of flavour….. delicious! Mains the family had beef Sunday roast it was melt in your mouth & the chicken Sunday roast all with all the trimmings, the feedback “it was class”. Empty plates is a great sign from our kids. I had the monk fish curry I’d ate it recently in another establishment and I’d much prefer the Ploughs take, plenty of fish & prawns. I’d highly recommend the plough our only complaint is that it’s not on our doorstep as we’d be regulars for sure!. If you haven’t tried it you are missing out we are already arranging our next trip!

Arrived for lunch but ignored by staff while we waited to get a seat. Ordered beef stack and according to menu is 4oz burger with chicken breast and pulled beef £20, arrived with 2oz burger, 2 sliced chicken goujons and spoonful of pulled beef. Very pricey for lunch and staff seemed busy and less attentive.

The Plough Inn is a fantastic choice for a memorable lunch. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is charming, with a cozy yet elegant feel that makes you want to stay awhile. The service was top-notch—attentive without being intrusive, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. The food, however, was the real highlight. We only ordered main dishes, and they did not disappoint. I had the salmon, which was cooked to perfection, with a delicious blend of flavors that made every bite a pleasure. My husband opted for the battered fish, and he was equally impressed. The fish was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right. It’s clear that the chef takes great care in selecting high-quality ingredients and preparing each dish with skill. Overall, The Plough Inn exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in exceptional food and warm hospitality.

The Plough Inn is a fantastic choice for a memorable lunch. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is charming, with a cozy yet elegant feel that makes you want to stay awhile. The service was top-notch—attentive without being intrusive, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. The food, however, was the real highlight. We only ordered main dishes, and they did not disappoint. I had the salmon, which was cooked to perfection, with a delicious blend of flavors that made every bite a pleasure. My husband opted for the battered fish, and he was equally impressed. The fish was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right. It’s clear that the chef takes great care in selecting high-quality ingredients and preparing each dish with skill. Overall, The Plough Inn exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in exceptional food and warm hospitality.

We recently went back to visit The Plough for the first time since it has been under new ownership. I must say it has received a new lease of life. The decor has been refreshed, and the menu is revamped. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was buzzing. We hadn't planned to stay on, but the music and craic meant our night was filled. We would highly recommend a visit.

The fish and chips were absolutely phenomenal. Service was a little slow, but it looked like they were a person down! The space is gorgeous

We really enjoyed our evening out. My hubby had the pigeon. Excellent meals. Staff were very nice. Nothing was a problem.

Great food, lovely atmosphere and service

Great service from very friendly staff that appear to love their job, great interaction with the kids. Good experience all round. The Guinness is good too 👍🏻

Food first rate... steak well cooked to my taste... Hillsborough cod was also well prepared... service excellent ..

Used to love coming to this place but it’s got just so expensive and really not good value. £18.50 for a not very exciting burger with a few chips thrown in. If you want bacon it’s an extra £1.50. I mean it was tasty enough but for £20 it’s not value for money. Will have to find a new favourite place as this one is just extortionate. No complaints about service. Attentive and polite

A great place for lunch! Food is delicious and is in reasonable portion. Don’t miss their banana sticky toffee pudding !!

Nice but very expensive. Coffee and scones for two £18:50. Scones were nice but even at this price the coffee was a small cup. There are plenty of other places offering similar food and service and a much lower price!.

It has been awhile since I was last in the plough and it didn't let me down. The food and the service was first class. The ambience of the plough is like no other Well worth a visit.

Great atmosphere, would have loved to see something better for vegetarian in mains. We just ate all the snacks and starters and love the nachos and hallumi fries.

Good choice of food and service.

We had our dogs with us so we had a table out at the rear of the Inn , nice area with a roofed part if was raining . Food was excellent, good sized portions , with a side plate of vegetables. A dish of water for the dogs to . Worth a visit

A dining out experience. The atmosphere was electric. Packed restaurant. Definitely worth a revisit.

Great selection of food. High standard as well. Highly Recommended. Good atmosphere for a catch-up with friends in the bar. Friendly staff

Very relaxing atmosphere, food & service were great.

Fantastic food and great service! Great set with different rooms up at different levels, great location next to the Fort and the park too

Just wanted to leave a review for an exceptional meal last night in the Bistro. A lovely menu - we ordered the monkfish curry, lobster and chicken Kiev - delicious. Lovely staff also and we were not rushed away from our table afterwards which allowed a lovely catch-up with friends. Thanks to all

Great service , Great staff and great wee Town

Service was awful, wouldnt come back

Don’t plan to be in any rush!! Ok maybe I was premature! The food is amazing. Change review from 1 star to 4. The service for drinks and food was sooooo sloooowww. Four people serving four separate tables within a single space - could’ve been done by one person easily. The bar is 7 metres from our table so the drinks should have been quick. Service to all four tables was slow - not just ours. BUT The food was really good.

Fabulous place we to eat, drink and hang out . Service was good , welcoming and kind..my wife loved the hamburger!

If we could give zero star's we would. A table was booked last week for a Friday evening meal from the time we walked in the staffs attitude was absolutely terrible when we complained about there food not being cooked properly and cold we just got feeble excuses I'll never set foot in your premises again.......

Place was empty,said they couldn't serve 2 people dinner. Won't be back near the place.

Quite simply- first class and very good value...a lovely way to conclude a day's sightseeing in Hillsborough including our guided tour of the Castle!

We went to the Plough last week as we had received a gift voucher as wedding present. It was still in date but when we went to pay we were told that they didn’t accept these vouchers anymore as it had new owners. This is shocking behaviour by a business not to honour the gift vouchers. There was nothing during to booking to let you know that this was the case. It totally ruined what had been a nice evening. The owner was to ring us to discuss the situation but it has been a week and still hasn’t. Totally unacceptable behaviour. We won’t be back.

Popped in for some small plates before a walk around Hillsborough Park. We had the Salt and Chilli Squid and camembert starters with a basket of warm breads and olive tapenade. The food was lovely and the serv8ce brilliant

Staff will make you leave 30 mins before closing to suit themselves. New owners making mistakes. Last orders over 1.5 hours before closing. Turned ALL lights off to make people leave before closing. Family have come here for years and not seen attitude like this from staff.

Very tasty roast beef dinner & stuffed chicken breast.. was treated to two Yorkshire puds (thank you) thank you for looking after us so well.. we will definitely be back 😋

Closes earlier to suit themselves, will make you leave. Issues with new ownership. Been a Plough customer for years, last orders were early then were told we had to leave 30 minutes before closing, after plenty of hints and comments from staff, including turning ALL the lights off over 30 minutes before closing. Last orders was an hour and a half before closing. Where does this business’ priority lie? Not with locals. Back to the Hillside we go. Had friends to visit over from England so was an embarrassing experience.

Great, can't recommend enough, the red Thai Curry is out of this world.

Was treated to here from a friend and to be honest top job food service and atmosphere 100%

Really lovely lunch today very tasty good value and lovely staff

Came for lunch first time here absolutely brilliant travelled from Armagh handy from motorway had chicken and scampi great Guinness superb dessert

We had a brilliant evening out for my husband’s birthday. Lovely food & excellent service, really enjoyed the evening & highly recommend it. Will definitely be back

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Plough Inn. The waiter was very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and tastes fresh, The Pub had many great seating areas to enjoy a drink with friends.

Excellent food and service good value for money

Food adequate athough overpriced and portion sizes rather small but when came to pay had a gift voucher which was for Plough Inn and did not expire until April 2024 but staff declined to honour it. Wont be back

Wonderful food and a brilliant venue, with Hillsborough Fort and Lake Walk right behind to help work up that appetite. The variation on veg was particularly beautiful 😋

Visited The Plough for Sunday Lunch with my family. The staff were great, very attentive and nothing was a bother to them. We had three courses and each course was outstanding. Lovely atmosphere and made feel really welcome. Very much looking forward to returning soon.

Best place to eat with the family, we go here often and absolutely love the place. No bad experience yet. My little girl has food allergies and nothing is ever to much for the staff, their knowledge is great and are always very attentive. Food and prices is all amazing and no matter how busy the place is it never makes a difference to the service provider. The manager does a great job in running the bar/restaurant. We will be back often.

Had Sunday lunch here last week. Simply phenomenal!! Will be back next week. It’s just superb!

Went for lunch with 9 girlfriends for a catch up. Food was fab as always and the cocktails even better.🍸 Great atmosphere and staff very attentive and friendly. Hope to return soon.🤗

Went here for a Valentine’s Day meal as the food has been awesome lately! My fussy self and my partner were not fussed on the set menu so were offered a table by the fire and a different menu. Food was quick, fresh and so tasty. Staff helpful and kind as always. Place clean and up to standards. A great spot for a drink by the fire, great music and so cosy! Always end up calling in most weekends! Thursday night pub quiz - £1 for a plate of tasty grub during it also! And great prizes!

We absolutely love coming to The Plough. The bar staff have a great rapport with their customers, they are always so friendly and chatty. My partner and I were here a few nights ago for some great pints and great craic. Bar snacks are out of this world, I forgot to take pictures but the food was absolutely stellar. From the service, the live music, and a joyous atmosphere, this is such a cosy and homely wee spot. You couldn't ask for more. Thanks so much to Keith and the lads for looking after us so well, we can't wait to see you again soon x

Fantastic atmosphere in the new marquee when the rugby was on, food is beyond amazing and the staff are always helpful and good craic. Always a great experience at the Plough.

Had Sunday lunch here a week ago. It was simply fantastic- kids loved it. Treated like little princesses since we entered the door. My wife and I had the same starter which was awesome (prawns) and then one roast and one steak -phenomenal!! Kids also loved theirs and having held out for dessert were blown away. Atmosphere was so family friendly - staff are awesome; so friendly and thoughtful. Dad defo intends to return for the rugby specials this weekend, sounds awesome

My experience at The Plough was nothing short of top class. From the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped in a warm, festive atmosphere that immediately put us in the holiday spirit. The attention to detail in their decorations and the cozy ambiance made for an unforgettable dining experience. The Christmas dinner itself was an absolute delight! Every dish was expertly prepared, bursting with flavor and showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. From the succulent roast turkey to the indulgent desserts, each bite was a taste of holiday perfection. However, what truly set The Plough apart was their exceptional service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcomed. Their attentiveness and genuine hospitality truly elevated our dining experience. I can't recommend The Plough highly enough. It's a five-star dining destination that never disappoints.

As always the staff are so attentive and make you feel very welcome, food is always good but it’s never fine dining which is good and what we like! Casual decent good food! We always try to arrange to come for a catch up dinner with friend 2 / 3 times a month etc New owners have acquired the Plough since December and price have increased massively! Starters are priced from £11.50 / £13.50 seriously inflated! We decided this week to change our venue and we went to James street south belfast. This place is classed as fine dining and better value than our local, with most expensive starter at £12 We shall keep an eye on menus at the plough, not saying we won’t return but we’ve definitely had to look outside the box. Don’t ruin the plough please and get real with the prices.

Great spot for a pint and a bite to eat

food is decent but service is always so slow and off putting

The food was fine when it eventually arrived but the service was terrible. We have booked a table but when we arrived there was a long queue of people and simply no staff to be seen. When we were eventually seated it was 20 minutes before they took our order. We waited a very long time for our food (simple brunch items) and coffees took even longer. Food was a little cold but there seemed no point in complaining - and nobody came near us so no one to complain to! Really disappointing. Lots of customers were commenting on the poor service.

Celebration meal, good food and service.

Great service , Great bar, Great atmosphere!!

Had breakfast in The Vintage room. The mini fry was £11. Poor quality ingredients, deep fried sausage, bacon had obviously been cooked earlier and kept warm rendering it dry and tough, soda bread was greasy and the potato bread had no discernible taste. If you want a proper breakfast in Hillsborough I suggest you visit Joxer.

Breakfasts outstanding. We run bed and breakfast business but often it’s lunch time before we stop to eat and if we fancy a treat made for us the Plough is the def local go to!

My friend and I dined here at The Plough this evening and we have to say it was such a lovely experience.. The staff were second to none and the food was excellent. It’s been a long time since I visited here and now we cannot wait until our next visit. Thanks so much…

Great value for money and service greatly appreciated thank

We Were originally met with a warm experience in the beginning, After a short while we decided to obtain some food and come back to enjoy our pints which the plough provided. We were rudely equated with a sour young woman who abruptly told us to leave the bar at once, this young blonde lady clearly needs to learn some manners as the customer service was appalling, we were then forced to clean our tables and bring our pint glasses to the front of the bar or else we were faced with being banned from the Bar for life, My son who did not participate in the indulgence in food was forced to stay behind and put on his hands and knees to clean under the table or else his personal identification would be permanently withheld. humiliating experience and would not recommend for anyone in the future, In all my many years of life i haven’t experienced manners so disgusting. My christmas period has been ruined. Stay away!!!!

Can't comment on the food as I only had drinks here. Friendly, helpful staff. Relaxed atmosphere. A lot bigger than it looks outside with so many different sections. Doormen were friendly and helpful and were able to control the crowds as it was very busy over the Christmas period.

I had the roast beef im afraid it was really poor - dry and tough - roast potatoes underdone and the Yorkshire pudding which didn’t arrive as it should have with the meal inedible - to top it all they charged an extra 2.50 for a tiny bowl of gravy which should have been provided in the first place - in all a very poor experience and I’m afraid not a place to eat at all

We just popped in for a drink and decided on just a few nibbles. I had the risotto with sourdough, which was really tasty and well cooked. Hubby had a lovely homemade veggie soup with lovely fresh wheaten. We have eaten quite a few times in the past and rarely disappointed. The best though, was a really lovely pint of Guinness. Not all Guinness is equal.

Delicious meal out for our wedding anniversary! Plenty of choice on the menu. We went for main and dessert. The scampi was to die for - so fresh, piping hot. My husband really enjoyed his steak. They didn’t have a dessert menu which was disappointing but they had various things to choose from in a dessert counter. I’m not a brownie/chocolate dessert fan but my husband is, have to say it was incredible. I ordered lemon tart which was lovely and refreshing.

Good food, good service and great atmosphere. In my view one of the best spots to eat in Hillsborough. Consistently good and a decent menu.

Had to wait for half an hour for a table but it was worth it as the food was delicious, first time in the pub won't be the last.

Lovely little cosy place, food was stunning.

Fantastic Food with friendly Staff

Food is 10/10 , service is great, and kid friendly! Lovely little place , fab for a Sunday lunch.

After ordering our xmas dinner 2 weeks in advance and told to arrive 20 mins early. We waited 1hr 45 min to get serviced. Not be going here again .not even an apology from anyone. 👎👎👎 AVOID ...MAYBE TO DO WITH NEW MANAGMENT...

I am far from a restaurant critic so with that in mind... The dishes available on the menu were needlessly over complicated the vast majority contained chilli which many didn't warrant the use of. Basically it was trying too hard. The place is looking a bit worse for wear and could use a tidy up from ripped wallpaper to worn tables. Service was reasonable and maybe I am being too harsh and I have been there in my youth but the waiting staff seemed to be all very young people devoid of personality and nervous... Sorry that probably is too harsh. I can't be sure but I had the scampi which was one of the only dishes not to be over complicated although they still managed to over complicate it in its presentation with everything arriving in mini metal buckets and cages etc... Pain in the backside. Anyways can't be certain but fairly sure the scampi made me sick later that evening. Prices were reasonable though. Had what was meant to be a salted caramel brownie which was actually a piece of chocolate cake and a ball of flavourless ice cream with some crushed hazelnut on the side. No salt and no caramel... Disappointing and flavourless. They have parking out the back which is good for Hillsborough as usually an absolute ballache to find a space. Last time I was here was about 3 years ago they had an amazing menu at the time, staff were good and the food was really good. We are fairly local but won't be rushing back anytime soon.

Food was amazing and staff very friendly

Service was good by sorting out a food problem from the kitchen

Dreadful meal ,appeared and tasted as if it had been made from scraps in fridge to doorstep of stale bread which someone had tried to disguise by toasting,sorry didn't work.....standard hasn't only fallen in food but staff rude,lazy and totally uninterested in clients. I was always an advocate of The Plough not anymore which does upset me as in past could always be relied on for good food,but have given you several occasions to redeem yourselves but sadly no longer.

I recently visited with my mates after a relaxing Sunday round of golf, and it turned out to be the ideal spot to cap off a great day! The food was great and staff were friendly. Will definitely be returning!

Saturday lunch, cosy atmosphere with a real fire burning. Great food and very polite young men servers. Could have stayed for the day

Me and couple friends called down for some lunch after our football game last Saturday. Great food, friendly staff and lovely pints of course! We’ll be back next weekend!

My husband booked The Plough Inn for our wedding anniversary. The restaurant had a lovely ambience, an intimate setting and just the spot for a romantic meal for two. We both ordered the scampi, and sticky toffee pudding. Washed it down with a bottle of Holy Snail wine. As fans of NZ Sauvignon, this little French number impressed! Great legs and a fruity well balanced choice, which went well with the dish. We’d a lovely table tucked away. Candle light and all mod cons. I’ve been searching Amazon for the ingenious salt and pepper shaker like the one that was on the table. An excellent space saver and conversation starter!! We are mad about gadgets. Finished the evening downstairs in the bar by the glow of the fire and a wee brandy. Staff were very friendly, especially a particularly stylish older gentleman who took particular care of us. He may have been the manager. Dickie, perhaps? A great character altogether! We will certainly be back.

Had breakfast on Thursday morning in the Vintage Rooms. My wife and I called in especially because of the 2 for £15 deal. We ordered the pancake stack and avocado toast. Both were delicious and very well presented. The coffee here is great. The staff were courteous and attentive. The surroundings were stylish. Altogether, this was amazing value and a lovely way to spend the morning. It’s close to the forest park too, so we took a short walk around the lake afterwards to burn off the calories! We plan to return soon.

On a busy Sunday morning after a walk in the park we decided to get a nice breakfast. We went to the Vintage Rooms at the plough and my Wife had the Avocado toast and latte, I went for the Jumbo fry and an Americano. Food was absolutely divine and the service was excellent. I would like to highlight Server Jamie for making us feel welcome with his friendly Chat. Would definitely be back soon!!!

Wonderful pub, oodles of character,great food and a superbly poured pint of Gunness.

We visited the Plough on Saturday for my mum’s birthday. A lovely setting. Perfect for an autumn evening. The staff were incredibly friendly and were able to advise us on the dishes and wine. The menu had something for everyone. I finally decided on the scampi which was delicious. It was the best that I have had. My dad really enjoyed the Wagyu burger and my mum was very pleased with her duck leg salad, which looked delicious. The rest of the family also loved their dishes. There was a great atmosphere so we stayed on for some drinks after our meal. Will definitely be back!

Went to the the plough for a feed with friends, had the scotch egg and stayed for a couple pints after. Good service from the staff, all very friendly

Went in for lunch last Wednesday, had the rooster burger which was excellent and my friend had the scampi. Food was brilliant, service was great, nothing was too much for any of them. Highly recommend visiting the Plough!! Bonus points for the fire!!

We booked a family Sunday dinner for 6 people for our last night in Ireland before returning to California. The Plough Inn in Royal Hillsborough did not disappoint. We got a mix of starters, and a mix of the roast chicken and roast beef. Everything was fantastic. The staff were very helpful. The service was prompt. One waiter in particular was very friendly and advised us on the wine. He was knowledgeable and this added a personal touch. The staff offered to take sone group photos of our party as we’d told them it was the last day of our vacation. The desserts were superb. It was a night to remember. Thanks to all at The Plough Inn for making our time there so enjoyable.

Visited The Plough for a family meal. The staff were very rude especially an older member of staff who looked like he was the manager. When taking our order he refused to take my aunties order explaining that he was taking the order clockwise round the table and she would have to wait. My father asked for chips instead of potatoes with his meal - the same member of staff rudely replied “you can but it won’t look nice” a bit of a strange comment to make. Later my Dad asked for some salt as he didn’t see the salt on the table. The same member of staff rudely picked up the salt - shook it all over the table and said “here” as if to say he was stupid not seeing it. My nephew asked for a burger with no toppings due to food allergies and the member of staff rolled his eyes. The staff look down on you if you don’t look/sound a certain way. The food was good but was heavy and greasy. It’s safe to say we will not be returning.

Eaten here before . Tried scampi and disappointed with heavy batter covering really good prawns . Chips .. had better.? Hope they take my advice and use a light crispy batter !!

My daughter treated me to an early birthday lunch. We had a wonderful lady called Jegrannie (I hope I spelled this correctly) serving us m she was so pleasant, friendly, professional and efficient. Our food was delicious and I would definitely recommend

Lovely little pub with warm atmosphere and very friendly staff. Food was incredible! Well worth a visit.