Downshire Arms Hotel, Banbridge

The Downshire Arms Hotel, is a traditional family run business located at 95, Newry Street, Banbridge. It was built in the early 1800's and is an original coaching house, on what was at that time the main Belfast-Dublin coach route. The premises have been well renovated and are both clean and very attractive inside, maintaining the rustic look such a type of business situated in a historic building should. At the heart of the main bar and the etrance ...
...delight to sit near on those cold winter days, enjoying a pint, or glass of fine wine.

I have been visiting this establishment for many years. I have sampled it in relation to food and socialising, but have not stayed over to date. Hopefully someone can write something on the rooms soon.

Food
====

The restaurant is well known locally for its good food, and the steaks are particularly renowned, The ... more

The Downshire Arms Hotel, is a traditional family run business located at 95, Newry Street, Banbridge. It was built in the early 1800's and is an original coaching house, on what was at that time the main Belfast-Dublin coach route. The premises have been well renovated and are both clean and very attractive inside, maintaining the rustic look such a type of business situated in a historic building should. At the heart of the main bar and the etrance are old fashion open fire places. This is a delight to sit near on those cold winter days, enjoying a pint, or glass of fine wine.

I have been visiting this establishment for many years. I have sampled it in relation to food and socialising, but have not stayed over to date. Hopefully someone can write something on the rooms soon.

Food
====

The restaurant is well known locally for its good food, and the steaks are particularly renowned, The food tends to be simple, with the odd serving of "Frogs Legs", tried once a long time ago. But simple should not be confused or mistaken for anything other than excellent.

You can eat in the restaurant or enjoy pub grub serving up to about 8pm during weekends. Pub grub tends to be at just as high a standard, and in fact is better than most of the other local resaurants. Again a would not go past suggesting the Steak.

We could not discuss food without touching on the lunch. The lunch is excellent value and provided the main bar. Occassionaly offering a cavery which is even better value. A special offer is available to pensioners,

If you want to eat well in Banbridge in comfortable and friendly surroundings then this is the place.

Socialising
=========

The bar is well run and there is very much a local Rugby hub, without oozing too much testosterone. The bar regularly has a local band playing in the upstairs bar on a Friday evening. Saturday is the central night with a club operating downstairs in the cute cellar bar and a dj. The music tends to be good and the atmosphere is great. Drinks are excellent value for money and you can go out without feeling totally ripped off by the prices.

The bar does get a bit too busy and it can be hard to move round, but the crack tends to be good. The bar closes at normal times, however regularly re-opens for an old fashion irish "lock in" when the fun can go on to the very early hours of the morning,

You certainly wont be bored!

Rooms
======

As I said I have not stayed over night and I hope someone can leave a review on the rooms. Friends who have stayed describe them is clean and modern. Room prices are very good, with for a Single Ensuite Room including Breakfast £45.00 and there are 9 of them.

Why not stay overnight on a weekend and enjoy a nice meal, good socialising and you can do a review!

Overall
=====

Highly recommended for food and fun, rooming still to be evaluated !!!!!  

...less