As we arrived at Leighinmohr House in Ballymena, a wedding party was in full swing, and we were immediately struck by how this stylish and elegant boutique venue would be absolutely perfect for both special occasions, and more intimate getaways.
The hotel features the award-winning Clock House Restaurant, the Avenue Cocktail Bar, 21 designer Bedrooms, an elegant Ballroom which can cater for up to 300 guests, a number of smaller function rooms, and a pretty garden with views of the River Braid.
We were staying in a lovely Double Room on the first floor, which was decorated in calming golds, greens, and greys, with mirrored cabinets, retro telephone, soft velvet and chenille fabrics, a fabulously comfy bed, and ensuite facilities with quality toiletries; perfect for a relaxing and pampering stay.
Cocktails: Chocolate Negroni, and Toffee Apple
The Clockhouse Restaurant.
The Clockhouse, fronted by chef Chris Furey, was a winner in The Food Awards Northern Ireland in 2019, and has continued to acquire awards and accolades ever since.
The restaurant uses the best local produce to create a contemporary menu with plenty of choice for all tastes.
We were invited to try the Beat The Clock menu, and we were extremely impressed; from the attentive service, to the exceptionally tasty dishes, everything was first rate.
Our starters were delicious; a Whipped Irish Goats Cheese with a candied beetroot salad, blood orange, and pickled walnuts, and beautifully plated Local Crab & Ewings Smoked Salmon, with pickled fennel salad, apple, and a dill emulsion.
Main courses were equally good; crispy-skinned Pan Seared Seabass with crushed baby potato, spinach, & cockle popcorn in a white wine cream, and Roast Monkfish on a spiced lentil dahl with yoghurt, poppadom, and pickled vegetables. Superb!
We love a Pinot Noir-in our opinion, a great red to pair with seafood-and the French Les Nuages was definitely right up our street!
Desserts were also amazing; a fruity, crunchy, Blueberry Creme Brûlée with shortbread, and an oozy Pistachio Chocolate Fondant with white chocolate ice cream and cherry coulis.
Beat the Clock is available Monday to Sunday from 17:00-20:00 when diners can enjoy two courses for £28.95, or three for £32.95 (supplements apply.)
Breakfast at Leighinmohr House.
Breakfast at Leighinmohr House includes a fantastic choice of freshly prepared cooked breakfast dishes, alongside a continental style buffet including a range of cereals and granola, porridge, breads and pastries, chilled juices, fruit platters, natural yoghurts, and cold meats & cheese, with freshly made tea and coffee served to the table.
On the a la carte menu, there’s an array of dishes to choose from; a Traditional Ulster Breakfast, Truffled Scrambled Eggs, Ewing's Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Tomato on Toasted Sourdough, Brioche French Toast, and many more.
We plumped for the Vegetarian Breakfast; herby, peppery veggie sausages, roasted tomatoes, baked beans, flat cap mushroom, potato bread, soda farl, and fried eggs. We also had a light, fluffy Omelette with cheese & tomato. The perfect way to set you up for the day!
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