Mount Stewart Hotel

We booked a birthday lunch and both of us had the 8oz fillet steak. Both meals were brilliant.

The views across the Irish Sea were stunning, with the water completely calm and a spectacular sunset. That alone made the location memorable. We arrived this evening without a reservation and were seated almost straight away. Most of the staff were pleasant and welcoming, though the one male staff member I saw seemed like he didn’t want to be there. He was curt compared with his cheerful female colleagues. The food was okay but nothing special. I also thought it was odd to have to collect cutlery, salt and pepper yourself from a stand in the outdoor dining area when there were plenty of staff around. Average food, but those views make the place worth visiting.

I only ate at the restaurant. The walk up the hill was worth it for the seafood crepe, which was full, nicely presented and served just right. The prices felt fair for the quality, and the incredible view was a lovely extra.

The setting above the harbour is lovely, with beautiful views over the sea towards Ireland, and we were given a warm welcome. But the food and service didn’t match the price. At around £75 per person, we expected more, and left disappointed after having gone in with high hopes. The meal looked impressive on the plate and the menu sounded indulgent. We had Coquilles Saint Jacques, Gambas Pil Pil and Grilled Goat Cheese to start, then Fillet Steaks and Lobster Thermidor, followed by sticky toffee pudding, chocolate fudge cake and white chocolate roulade. The scallops were chewy and overcooked, and the lobster was too, with a mustard sauce that overpowered the shellfish. The steaks were decent but forgettable. The chips were very good, but the onion rings were greasy, and the peppercorn sauce tasted like it came from a packet. Dessert was underwhelming, as if reheated, and short on flavour and finesse. Service was friendly, but not attentive. We waited nearly 25 minutes after finishing our mains before anyone cleared the plates. We’d booked ahead, yet were told the table was needed back by 7:30pm. The delay felt disorganised and took away from the evening.