Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot – Ardtara Country House Co Derry
tive Maebeth Fenton. Having furnished the property with antiques she collected over the years, Ardtara is now a visitor experience ofARDTARA Country House fering an opportunity to step Hotel is the most charming back in time and savor many 19th century house, located elegant vintage architectural in the village of Upperlands in touches such as the dark wood paneling, original fireSouth Co Derry. It was built as a family home places and high ceilings. In recent years Maebeth by linen producer Harry Jackson Clark during the reign of sold the property to an Irish Queen Victoria and now ac- American golf enthusiast but commodates visitors in the following his recent death Arcomfort and style of a bygone dtara has been acquired by era - with all modern conven- the Northern Ireland celebrity chef Ian Orr & the Brown’s iences. Fast forward to more recent Restaurant Group. Now one decades Ardtara was meticu- of the countries emerging lously restored in 1990 by chefs Eddie Attwell from owner Northern Irish Ameri- Craigavon twice a Roux scholcan & former NITB US execu- arship finalist, who worked in the kitchens at L’Enclume, a Michelin twostar restaurant in the English Lake District has been appointed to head up the kitchens at Ardtara. His tasting menu with buffalo meat the ■ Food Creations at Ardtara House new foodie sen-
■ Head Chef Eddie Atwell sation features the freshest local produce with highlights including cod brandade “yolk”, Portavogie prawns & sea beet accompanied by a glass of New Zealand Jumper Reisling, heritage beetroot wild garlic gnocchi, granola & scarlet elf cups paired splendidly with a Cote de Rhones Res Ameoiries. The butter poached monkfish, roast cauliflower, braised gem lettuce, confit comber potatoes, chicken wing & Ardglass crab alongside a Chablis Domaine Gueguen was mouthwatering.
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com An Austral Tempranilla Rioja perfected the beef fillet course with salt baked swede, truffle puree, and curly kale & braised shin potatoe presse. The desert courses featured a pear & hazelnut cake treat however it was the charred pineapple rum cake, lime curd, sesame seed tuille & lime parfait fresh with a mojito that won the day for me! ■ Ardtara House The Brown’s dining Luxury accom odation room at Ardtara is also a talking point decogrounds rated with a unique hunting if required. Ardtara sits on frieze, and illuminated large the crossroads of mid Ulster glass skylight. For those every tourist attraction from wanting to stay over there Belfast to the coast – and all are luxurious bedrooms, airports are within a 15-60 all en-suite but individually minutes drive. The nearby styled, offering everything Giant’s Causeway Heritage from deluxe king-size beds Site is ranked as Northern to panoramic views across Ireland’s number one tourist the extensive eight acres of attraction. grounds and the nearby River The arrival of Eddie AtBann with game and coarse well to Ardtara has already fishing including salmon, prompted glowing reviews trout and pike. from some of Ireland’s most The bright airy conserva- respected bloggers including tory operating a one wedding Belfast Telegraph food critic policy can also seat 80 people Joris Minne. with a marquee option in the Combining his talents with
Brown’s restaurant service credentials, former James Street South Maître d Clare Mc Nicholl & general manager Valerie Pearson promise you an experience to remember. Ardtara has been reborn and I am excited by its potential. For best rates visit www.ardtara.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Citybeat/ Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com