A Day at the Races

Don’t miss the Down Royal Ladbrokes Festival of Racing which takes place on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November 2022. The famous two-day Festival of Racing is the highlight of the racing calendar for racing aficionados, socialites and fashionistas alike and marks the official start of the National Hunt Season. This Festival without doubt, will provide an exceptional weekend of entertainment, and fans are sure to be in for a treat as they will witness the richest hurdle race in Northern Ireland taking place on Friday 4th November – The WKD Hurdle – as well as the highly prestigious National Hunt race – the ‘Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase’ on Saturday 5th. Both highlights of the race card, they are no less competitive away from the racetrack with the most glamorous of contests the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition making its return on Saturday 5th November. With frocks, fascinators, heels and hats being the order of the day, this renowned competition is open to all female racegoers, and we encourage all ladies to step-up to the style stakes! This year, the event is sponsored by trend setting, highly reputable and award-winning cosmetics brand, BPerfect Cosmetics. The winner of the Best Dressed competition will take home a BPerfect Cosmetics prize package worth over £3,000… a real fashionista’s fantasy!

If you fancy joining us for the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing, there are a number of hospitality packages to choose from – from the Shortcross Gin Suite to your very own private box suite, there’s something for everyone!

Don’t miss an incredible weekend at the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing! Book your tickets now at downroyal.com

A trip through time!

Walk up an appetite enveloped in seasonal beauty. Relax, guided by Nikki and boost your wellbeing, breathing the forest’s immune-boosting air. Hear the stories woven into these glorious landscapes. Gather at Hidden Huntley and savour a lovely lunch showcasing the rich seasonal produce, grown in the surrounding earth. Served to you, in a private, working, walled garden on this unique, small-group walking and artisan food experience.

Treat your nearest and dearest. Book a Walk, Share an Experience...

Wonder why you have never been? Dream of when you come again! There are four captivating Walk It Off NI Experiences available to book. These are Hillsborough Royal Brew Experience, Hidden Huntley Walking and Artisan Food Experience, Threads & Breads and Wonderwalk.

How did these wonderful walking and food experiences come into being?

A serious skiing injury in 2015 was the catalyst to pivot Nikki from a high-pressure, indoor office to the outdoors. Walking was rehab so typically, for Nikki, she researched its benefits. It is a magic pill! Walk It Off NI was born! A chance meeting in 2019, inspired Nikki to design her first walking and food experience. Combining the benefits of walking, culture, and excellent, local food. In 2020 the ‘Hidden Huntley Walking and Artisan Food Experience’ became part of the prestigious Discover Northern Ireland, Embrace A Giant Spirit Campaign.

For more information or to book your place on any of the ‘Walk It Off NI” walking and food experiences visit www. walkitoffni.com. For any other questions please contact nikki@walkitoffni.com

VR SMOKEHOUSE restaurant, located at the LOUGH & QUAY GUESTHOUSE COMPLEX includes our function room and lounge bar.

We also offer outside catering, for home parties, birthdays, weddings, baby showers or any other occasion from 20 - 250 people.

Our menu is available as a buffet and can be delivered, set up and cleared at your home or venue of your choice.