Wild Duck Inn in Ballymena

I cannot give this venue enough praise and credit following our recent wedding. From the day we booked, right up until the day itself we were so well looked after and made feel so welcome. We knew straight away we had choose the right venue. On the day itself Eileen, Kieran and Shae went above and beyond what we ever expected not only to make our day so special but to look after all our guests. I stayed in the mill lodges the evening before and these are a must visit. I also need to give a special mention to the chef and his staff. Food was fantastic served hot and lots of it. The attention to detail was second to none and I would highly recommend anyone getting married to contact Eileen. She is an absolute gem of a woman and a credit to the hospitality industry. A huge thanks to all the staff at the wild duck and Walsh’s Hotel for the first class service we received. Great leadership makes a great team. James and I can’t wait to visit again soon. Keep doing what you’re doing. James & Leigh x

Turkey dinner with trimmings Tasty and value for money

A very enjoyable meal. Pleasant staff and good atmosphere.

We recently had a family meal there. It’s our first time here in a long while. The food was really good and very helpful friend staff. Will definitely try again

Food really lovely. Food was hot and arrived quite quick. Our only problem was with the service. We were upstairs. When the guy brought out the Birthday cake he didn't bring plates or a knife. Left the cake down and disappeared. We waited for 5 or 6 minutes and then I went to look for him to ask for these. Eventually he brought some but weren't asked if we wanted any tea or coffee. Would return for food again as it was so tasty and hope that we'd get seated downstairs and not forgot about

very friendly staff and the food was lovely and service very prompt

Great food, excellent service and value for money.

Big thank you to Eileen, Shay and your staff at the Wild Duck in Portglenone for everything you all did tonight and for doing the banners and bloons and for helping me out the last few weeks. You are all amazing and your staff are all so friendly. Big thank you to yourself, Shay and the rest of your staff tonight. Food was fantastic and everyone had a wonderful night. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all that you done from myself and my family ❤️ ❤️ WILD DUCK PORTGLENONE IS THE BEST BY FAR. XX

It's a beautiful sunny day, a perfect spot to sit outside, and relax with a couple of drinks. The last time we were here it was mobbed, they host a lot ofweddings apparently. So we turned and went elsewhere. This time, no wedding, so quick and pleasant service, and no problem getting a seat on the patio. Think it might be time for another pint. Slainte!

Family function was held here brilliant service and great food could not ask for much more .

Just home after my daughter’s wedding everything was perfect thank you to all the staff nothing was too much trouble 👏👏

Don’t know how anyone could say that the Chicken Maryland wasn’t good, I’d one on Saturday evening with my family and the food was first class. Snowy Portstewart

Quality and portions were great. Would recommend

Usually love the Wild Duck but feel that it has let its standards slip of late. We had a meal on a Wednesday night and it was clear to me that the priority was those “take away boxes”. Kitchen must have been extremely busy with them, because my meal was, at best, disappointing. Chicken Maryland with chicken that seemed overcooked/reheated, banana fritter that could have been cooked for a bit longer, and no pineapple fritter to be seen, even though my husband had gammon served with pineapple. Meal was mediocre and wouldn’t inspire me to return. Staff hard to find because they are so busy with the take-away orders. Feel that with competition just up the street now, the Wild Duck would need to try harder.

Had a meal here for my birthday not that long ago, sadly didn't take any pictures this time! The food was absolutely fantastic, I had the 1/2 Roast Duck with Noodles and Salt and Chilli Chips and it was unbelievable. Dad got a burger which looked really good too and my wife and granny loved their meal too. Only thing is it took about 40 minutes for the food to arrive after ordering, now to be fair to the bar manager, he came down and offered us a free round of drinks, so that was very much appreciated! Nice cosy atmosphere in the bar area, and I also spotted a wood burning stove just across the room, I can imagine that being real cosy and warm during the winter, Will definnitely be back if we are eating in the area again.

Great food and reasonable prices. Highly recommended. Will definitely visit again

We had our wedding here 16th August 2024, the managers are brilliant, they went above and beyond for us, our day went so brilliantly, we honestly couldn't have asked for better, all the guests remarked on how great the food was and everyone was full because they ate so much, I highly recommend checking out this place if you are searching for your wedding venue.

Amazing place. Super friendly staff. Had the best steak sandwich ever. Other half had the chicken wings, best he's had too. Will definitely be back!

Very very nice restaurant and very good prices

Had our daughter’s Communion here. Firstly the venue put on extras such as a sweetie cart and a fruit shoot wall which made such amazing small touches which added to the day. Next the food, it was outstanding. The roast beef fell apart it was so soft. We had 16 at the table and everyone enjoyed every course. No complaints, only compliments. Lastly the staff were young, but exceptional at their jobs. Attentive, good craic and amazing at their roles. It made a special day even more special. Thank you so much Wild Duck and staff.

Thank you all so very much had our school reunion last night 8th June and from booking to the end absolutely fabulous. Food excellent and what can I say about the staff but first class made our night extra special. Well done The Wild Duck from the class of '74 st marys college Clady.

Nice traditional pub . Food was nice and staff very helpful

Just home after a rare date night out with my wife without kids in tow. Never ever eaten here before and I'm always one for giving a place a go. Well - I had the Thomahawk steak, medium, the Surf n Turf. Delicious, in fact my mouth is still watering as I type this. Cooked to perfection, piping hot served with huge prawns, mushrooms, side salad, Onion rings, pepper sauce and also a side included. My better half had chicken carbonara, again piping hot, cannot fault this meal in anyway. The service was top notch, attentive but not intrusive. We then polished off Pavlova, my personal fave dessert, and a hot sticky toffee pudding.

Top notch beef curry that I asked could be spiced up. Guys in the kitchen produced a really cracking Madras level meal and, after asking, a bowl of diced onions and red chilli’s. Cannot wait to return for another.

My son and new son in law had their wedding here on Friday and honestly it was the most amazing day. First of all the venue is absolutely stunning and the attention to detail was immense. The food was beautiful and plentiful. I would like also just to thank the staff who looked after us with courtesy and humour but I especially would like mention Eileen and Shea. Nothing was too much trouble to these two. Sitting here trying to be objective and find a negative but honestly, I genuinely can't! I definitely will be back. X

Always a good meal served here.

Not a great experience at all. Had come to Portglenone for a birthday night away and we had been recommended to come here. Wish we hadn't bothered. Ordered a cocktail which came warm. Didn't enjoy drinking it at all. Ordered nachos and wings for starters and then a pulled pork burger, and pepper chicken for mains. The nachos were vile. Handful of tortilla chips dumped on the plate, with what tasted very much like dolmio sauce over the top and cheese, and oddly a bit of salad put on top. Wings were nice enough. The pepper chicken came out with the pepper sauce to pour over it yourself. The chicken looked like it had been cooked last week and was heated in the microwave. The pulled pork burger was tasteless and dry and I had to spit a good few bits out as they were literally unchewable. Only one server was actually friendly and seemed happy to be there. The rest were miserable and moody. When we got our mains i asked the server if the dip was the chipotle dip id ordered he snapped at me with a look of disgust! Wish we had have just gone to the chippy for dinner. Would have been cheaper and no doubt a lot tastier !

Had the pleasure of attending a wedding on Friday, it was our first time at a wedding in The Wild Duck, the food was top class, honestly weddings can be a hit or a miss but this was excellent, the staff were professional and courteous honestly I can’t recommend The Wild Duck enough 5stars

Arrived Sunday with kids for lunch & were seated promptly on arrival, staff totally efficient & we had our food within 15 minutes, beautiful scenery beside River bann will deffo return soon.o nearly forgot clean plates all round & very nice pint of guinness 😃

Food was very nice and very reasonably priced.

Sunday Lunch at the Wild Duck Portglenone. What a Dream! Food and Service Excellent. St. Patrick's Day and nothing was too much trouble. We will certainly return here to this wee gem.

Had a meal here last night. Initially service was OK, we ordered our food and it was brought to our table. Half way through the meal the server came and we ordered more drinks, when he brought them to us he had brought the wrong drinks order. Then he dropped the tray of drink around us and our meals. He took the ruined food away said he would get us our drinks and sort something with our food but that was the last we seen of him. 20 mins later we had to ask a 2nd server for our drinks. He returned 10 mins later with the wrong drinks again. We sat and finished our drinks with noone else coming near us so decided we had had enough and it was time to leave. We got our bill and had been charged full price for 4 meals we did not get to eat and also the drinks that the server had spilled round us. We explained what had happened and they deducted the price of 2 meals off. Accidents happen but the level of service was appalling. Left hungry and very disappointed. Will definitely not be back nor recommending to anyone.

Had Sunday lunch today, menu was great. Service was excellent fast friendly and attentive. Couldn't fault the food, very tasty, well presented and great value for money. Will definitely be back. Kids menu also very good.

Excellent service from Ryan Mcilroy. Nothing was to much trouble. Fast efficient. First class. Food excellent. Steaks cooked to perfection. Great menu choice.

The food was quite good. We got chicken wings for starters. Braised steak and roast beef for main. The steak was a bit dry. The vegetables were very nice and the wings, although small, were tasty. The servers seemed quite rushed and run off their feet. It was a busy Sunday. They were very friendly There was a bit of a wait for our drinks and starters, around 25 minutes. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was cosy but I think because it was so busy and a lot of people, the layout of the tables took away from the atmosphere. You feel slightly on top of one another. We would definitely return for a bite to eat, perhaps at a quieter time.

Service was quick prompt and very helpful checking three times . Pulled pork a little dry. However, great feed 👌

Terrible i went to see a band on new years day was freezing inside was served a large plastic cup for my expensive gin and tonic and the toilets where flooded and very dirty awful experience will not be back .

Had a delicious meal on the Burger and steak night. Service excellent, good value for money and loads of food. Would recommend

Good meal and place to spend time.

Went here for dinner with my partner as we were staying at the chalet beside the river. The food can be a hit or miss when going to a pub restaurant but this was a real surprise. We shared the mushrooms for a starter and had the sea bass and the steak for mains which were both great, got half portions for dessert each to finish off the dinner. The portions were generous and the half portion desserts looked like full portions. We left feeling full and satisfied with the meal. Would return if we were in the area again.

Starter for my partner was brilliant he had honey chilli chicken. I ordered nachos, was slightly disappointed as they were literally Doritos with cheese on top and sauce … and they were cold. I still ate them but they could have been better. Main my partner had the sizzler sirloin, he LOVED it. I had the steak sandwich which was very good although … more crisps on the side ?? Not sure about that. Tobacco Onions would’ve been a better shout. Pepper sauce was good and the garlic chips were incredible. Over all a really good experience and the food was our very quickly. Reasonably priced too! We will definitely be back :)

It was a very good evening, good variety on menu. I was disappointed with the nacho starter but I wouldn’t mark the restaurant down on this. Overall a great experience, fast & friendly service.

Went to see the show The murder of Wolftone by Paddy Cullivan. Superb venue and an outstanding show from which I learned so much. Not for the first time I was deeply impressed by the warmth and welcome from the Wild Duck owner Kieran Bradley who is a wonderfully generous person. I hope the show or the alternative 'The murder of Michael Collins' can be run again, it truly was extraordinary.

Service very poor brought main meal before starters dishes had been removed asked for extra gravy and stuffing it never arrived food very bland to many staff standing around doing nothing was very disappointing overall

Absolutely amazing hidden gem not far from the causeway coast. Stopped in for dinner 2 adults and 2kids. Didn't book, we were met with helpful happy staff. Food was tremendous and portion size would please any American. Freshly made and tasted just as good as it looked. Special tonight was Indian night and I had the beef curry. There was enough for 2 people. Service was excellent as we're the staff. If you are near here definitely pop Inn.

We had an 18th birthday party in The Wild Duck on Fri night despite catering for a large wedding on the same day we were in a smaller function room the staff, food and attention to detail was absolutely second to none I certainly do not hesitate in recommending this venue for any of your wedding, birthday party, christening party needs in fact they can cater for any function that you need Ciaran Bradley and Eileen Selfridge ate on hand every second to help and make sure all is running to plan!!!

Was here with family at end of May for Sunday lunch and was really looking forward to it after our last visit in January. Wasn't overly busy when we arrived but our drinks took nearly 30mins to arrive to table and my beer was flat, I complained but nothing was done. Food came quick enough, and was ok, Turkey bit dry. Kids nuggets seemed to be forgotten and took another 10mins to come after I asked where they were. Lots of young staff but they all seemed uninterested and no one seemed in charge. The last time we were here in January there was a lovely middle aged waitress who seemed in charge, making sure everyone was happy and was lovely with our kids. We got desert which was nicely presented, payed and left, can't say we'll be back.

The staff were so friendly and helpful the food was out of this world enjoyed it I give it a solid 10/10 food was delicious and i would go again most deffentily

Great friendly pub with tasty wholesome food

Was there for mother's Day. It was very busy. Service was quick and friendly. Food was beautiful! Especially the rump steak. The set menu was really good. Only think I noticed was tables where being cleared when people had food in their mouth still. I will definitely be going back for something to eat and highly recommend to others

Was down this way to visit family and for some fishing at weekend past and called in for a bit of food on Sunday 5/3/23, no booking but got seated quickly. Ordered drinks and had to ask again for them, didn't have to wait too long for food but wasn't overly impressed, had to ask for sides when we realised they weren't coming, no apologies for delay, cubes were hard and swimming in grease, wife ordered another drink and it never arrived. Restaurant wasn't overly busy and was loads of staff, asked one waiter to speak to management, they returned to say they couldn't find him, we just payed and left very disappointed

Went here for the wedding fair on 19/02/23 & decided to book our wedding with the wild duck as we fell in love with the room & the staff. We then returned last night with our parents for steak night and to show them the room. Once again the level of service we received from Shay and the team was outstanding. Food was beautiful & very reasonably priced. Our parents were blown away by the place. Can’t believe we have found here, our new fav place to eat! Highly recommend giving it a try!

Passed manys a time on the way to Belfast, finally stopped after a family reminiscence of 20 years ago. It was worth it. Friday specials of steak and burger were well presented and very tasty. Definitely coming back for more. Chicken Maryland next time!

We just had to leave a review for our recent visits to Wildduck. We used to be regulars and we never had a complaint about the food but in recent years the service went massively down hill! On passing one day my wife and I decided to drop in for lunch, we were sat upstairs and we were very pleasantly greeted by a lady called Antnette! So pleasant to talk to and made sure all our needs were taken care of! We then decided to call in last week for our dinner, it was very busy but we got a seat downstairs! The service is much improved and we noticed how Antnette was there going around making sure all tables were seen too and everyone was happy! She stopped by and recognised us from before, and had a quick chat! What an asset she is! Wildduck it was so sad to see how your reputation had dropped so badly but you are on your way back to the top, we will be back soon and we will be highly reccomending to out family and friends!

We live close by so have been here many times. The service had really gone down hill over the last year, with young, inexperienced & untrained staff. But we were pleasantly surprised on our last visit. We went for a Christmas lunch the week before Christmas. Owen who was running the bar greeted us and was very friendly and attentive throughout our meal. Overseeing the staff & making things run smoothly. But the star of the show was Ajay. Such professional service, so polished and what a friendly man. He was there whenever we needed anything, but was never overbearing. He realised we were there for a leisurely lunch & asked if we'd like a gap before the mains came, we agreed. Unfortunately the kitchen didn't listen to him and we got our mains very quickly, but not his fault. We appreciated his effort. The food was very good, as usual. With this improved service, can't wait to go back.

3rd time we have visited and left extremely disappointed . Had a family gathering twice for a christening and most recently a funeral meal yesterday . Everything from start to finish was just awful . Zero customer service ( bar staff slow , inattentive and...

Meal was inedible and staff disregarded our comments . Management was so unprofessional. Won't be going back there

Very pleasant food was God staff were friendly

I was so looking forward to visiting here.. But I have to say the service is one of the worst. Staff really need to be trained in customer service.. We arrived and even though staff had saw us they continued in cleaning down tables even though the place was empty.. After about 10 mins of waiting a staff member who was passing us asked if we were being looked after. I got menus and then after about 20mins we had to go and find someone to order our food.. I requested no mayo and said this 3 times and guess what.. Mayo was on the burger.. We were the only ones in the place.. One order and can't get it right.. Its such a pity as this place is fab and if I had a better experience I would definitely be recommending to others but unfortunately it wasn't.. Staff really need to be retrained..

After the last 2 visits here previously I was convinced to give it one more try. Our table was booked for 7pm. It took until 7:20pm to get seated and another 30 minutes to just get drinks which they couldn't get right. By the time...

Excellent food, really well done all around. Staff were super attentive and on top of things.

Me and my husband have always loved the Wild Duck and would go for dinner egeularly, even though we live in Belfast. We just recently got married on 7th July and chose to have our reception in The Wild Duck. We had an intimate wedding...

Just got married in Wild Duck Inn and so delighted we chose them. The venue is as impressive as any high end hotel in the country which was the view of all our guests and the band too. Watching the guests react as they see...

Our youngest daughter choose the Wild Duck for their wedding reception, on the 2 year build up to the wedding any queries she had was dealt with very professionally by the staff, so helpful. our day at the wild duck was amazing the venue was stunning and the staff were incredible. the amenities were perfect. dinner was delicious, food was hot and plentiful. we stayed at Walshes hotel, a mini bus transports guest to and from the venue, staff there went above and beyond for guests. Keiran was so helpful and accommodating. we would highly recommend the Wild Duck

Our youngest daughter choose the Wild Duck for their wedding reception, on the 2 year build up to the wedding any queries she had was dealt with very professionally by the staff, so helpful. our day at the wild duck was amazing the venue was...

Service was quick and efficient and staff were lovely though we thought the ladies bathroom and toilets left a lot to be desired hardly any toilet roll the sinks etc looked unclean generally speaking. Food was lovely though but perhaps some more daylight needs let...

My 2 daughters , son in law and grandchild arrived at 2pm. We where seated and given menus. Two other tables arrived after us and they where eating ,before we even where asked for a drink order, in fact I had to call the waitress...

My partner and I visited recently and we were delighted with the venue. We were promptly shown to our seat and service was quick. Our food was amazing and the truffle Chips are to die for. A fantastic experience and highly recommended.

This was our 3rd time there since restrictions were lifted and had brought family this time because we were previously impressed. The major issue was that some of the staff were now not wearing masks. Found this really uncomfortable. If customers have to wear mask...

Sunday roast was a big disappointment. 5 star Halloween decorations.

A big thank you to Shay and all the staff for their help at my Granddaughter's engagement party, Nothing was to much trouble, Buffet was excellent, the function room was beautiful, A great time was had by all, Would highly recommend this venue

We had the most amazing wedding experience thanks to Eileen, Shea and and the staff at the Wild Duck. Their wedding room is an absolute hidden gem. The food is incredible, The Wild Duck already has this reputation. It was served hot and quickly. The...

We visited the Wild Duck last evening for a meal with good friends and family visiting from abroad. To be absolutely honest, it was a parody of errors. The staff were all new, young and not properly trained to do the job. We were told...

Was out for a family meal with my family, food was lovely and good value. Staff were fantastic with us. Will certainly be back again soon

We thought it was closed but very glad we went around the back to check! We got two lasagnes off the lunch menu and, not only did they taste great, but the portions were great. Actually too great, as it was hard work getting back into the kayaks to do the next 7 miles! Good service too.

Food was stinking, service is shocking!! Won't ever be back again. Never felt as sick in My life after eating here

My Wife and I called on Sunday around 2pm and we both had their Roast beef dinner, service was excellent, plates were hot and the food was fantastic. We Definitely will make a return visit, Complements to the Chef and Staff.

Had our wedding here, unbelievable. Such a perfect day, they took all the stress off us. Food was top class

On 3rd of July 2021, myself and my now husband had our wedding in The Wild Duck Inn in Portglenone. From start to finish all the staff especially Eileen and Shay were top quality. Service was amazing. We were treated like people and not just...

What a great place. Food brilliant as usual and well organised. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Great portion size and great being able to sit out enjoy the Sunday afternoon sunn Always worth a visit

I had my wedding reception here on Saturday, it was perfect from the minute we walked in. Food was top class. I will definitely be recommending the wild duck to all future brides I know!

Had Christmas lunch here today. Have to say the food was really tasty and of good quality. I've eaten out at a lot of restaurants in my time but the service here was impeccable and first class. I have to mention that Nadia and Margaret...

Today we travelled quite a distance to have lunch in this restaurant only to be served veg soup that was sour, seemed to be passed its sell by. Mains was beef which I asked to be done medium (over cooked) and chicken was OK. Unfortunately...

We stopped in here for lunch after a walk around the forrest. The food was really delicious and the staff friendly. We would stop again.

Visited for an evening meal on the recommendation of friends and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The food was delicious with a reasonable priced menu. Treated ourselves to a bottle of wine after to finish off a nice evening. Was busy had a little bit...

Not been here for about 8 months. Wednesday evening, so quiet. Have to climb stairs to get to the restaurant as the downstairs was closed. Not very helpful for people with mobility issues. The roast of the day was very good and my wife's peppered...

Went with my wife and daughter and father in law. I had the Wild Duck Burger which came exactly as described and was absolutely delicious. My wife and her father both had the chili chicken wrap which they have had before and always order when...

Was here for a wedding couldn’t have faulted beautiful venue beautiful food and very helpful staff perfect setting

We had pre booked our . There were 18 of us and only two waitresses on the floor. After a considerable time we finally got our food. It was a real mix up, I ordered fish and chips and when I cut into the fish...

Great atmosphere, great food and friendly and helpful staff 10/10

Great place to dine. Lovely food. Staff very nice

Great Food, very friendly and helpful Staff. Very Professional. Also was at a family wedding and the food and service was unbelievable, highly recommend you call in.

Because we enjoyed this restaurant so much in 2016, we decided it was on our must do list for 2019. Again it was duck for me but fresh cod this time for hubby. While we would have prefered eating upstairs by the bar, we were...

Went here for a few drinks. I did not expect to get such a warm welcome. Great atmosphere, food was amazing five star. I have to mention one waitress in particular, JAGODA. Thank you so much for your professional, efficient and excellent service. You made...

First time back in a while very dissapointing. The staff are just not up to it bar staff good but waiting staff are looking for every chance to walk away and ignore customers I had to go looking for someone to take our order party...

Very cosy little restaurant with very helpful staff and tasty food. Unsurprisingly the duck was very tasty and the sides were also great. I would definitely recommend this place for a good meal in a pleasant atmosphere.

Had a lovely meal, the food was really great. Lovely cosy decor and great music. Had a strawberry daiquiri mocktail as I’m pregnant and it was really lovely. Only area it fell short was the waitress, I don’t think she wanted to be there that...

We chose this as the venue for our wedding and all we can say is it was amazing. From our 1st visit to the big day it was everything and more. Eileen and Oran were fab and every single request was catered for. Service, staff...

This place was recommended by a couple of friends so we thought we’d try it for lunch, especially after seeing the pics of the food on Facebook. The waitress who greeted us wasn’t particularly friendly, just going through the motions was our impression. The menu...

Best food around by far. Homely. Welcoming. Very friendly staff