In a stylishly renovated 18th century building which was once the home of the distillery owners, Gary Stewart’s atmospheric bar and restaurant is a lovely mixture of old and new.
Smart modern lightwood bar stools with comfortable curved backs, comfy sofas, and table lamps lending a warm ambience to the bar; beyond it, the restaurant is more rustic by comparison, with open stonework and a fireplace lending charm.
In summer there may be a focus on seafood, such as a starter of salmon cured with Old Bushmills whiskey, and perhaps Ballycastle lobster and crab when available.
There will also be good meats such as Tamworth rare breed pork, and steaks or local lamb from McKays butchers in Ballycastle, and interesting vegetarian dishes with mainstream appeal - a tempting starter for two to share is a box-baked camembert, served with mixed breads and house chutney...
Lunch and early evening menus offer particularly good value and the wine list, which offers many bottles sourced directly from auction and sold with only a small mark up, includes a fair choice of house wines and half bottles.
Tartine sometimes hosts cultural events such as art exhibitions, and is available for gatherings such as small weddings.
* River Café, next door, is in common ownership with Tartine and also offers good food - snacks, hot lunches, afternoon tea....
