This 18th-century waterfront terrace presents a neat, traditional exterior overlooking the lough towards the attractive village of Strangford, and the National Trust property, Castleward.
The inn, which is now a sister property to Belfast's premier hotel, The Merchant, is one of Northern Ireland's most popular destinations for short breaks, small business events and family get togethers and just a grand day out , with a bite of lunch in the bar.
The ground floor bar, a comfortable sitting room with an open fire, and the restaurant all have a cosy, well-kept old-fashioned feeling to them and, while not luxurious, accommodation is comfortable. In keeping with the age and charm of the building, the individually decorated en-suite bedrooms are furnished with antiques and some have lough views - those on the front attract a small supplement.
The hotel is beautifully kept and maintained, a lovely place with personality, and friendly staff.
Small conference/private parties (35/80); parking. Children (Under 16s free in parents' room; cots available at no charge). No pets. Rooms 14 (all en-suite, 2 shower only, 4 family rooms, all no-smoking) B&B from about £50 pps, ss £20. *Mid-week deals often available.
Restaurant:
Portaferry - and the Portaferry Hotel in particular - is a popular destination for Belfast folk taking a breather from the city, and it has always had a reputation for good food with local produce at its heart.
Given the location, seafood has long been a speciality at the hotel, and Dundrum mussels and oysters, Portavogie prawns and Glenarm organic salmon are likely to take pride of place on menus that also feature good meats - organic shorthorn beef from the Glenarm Estate, for example - free range poultry from Marlfield farm, just outside the town, and perhaps wild game in season.
Menus offered include a two or three course dinner and a set three course Sunday lunch menu. Prices are fairly moderate for the setting and dinner here should have a certain sense of occasion.
An à la carte bar menu is also offered, featuring some of the dishes offered on set menus plus specialities such as scampi (battered Portavogie prawns with hand cut chips, tartare sauce & lemon mayo), homemade burgers (with local Kearney Blue cheese) and the house pie (chicken & wild mushroom with puff pastry).
Good breakfasts are served in the restaurant - plenty of choice is offered, usually including fresh and smoked fish.
