This week’s Tuesday Goodie Bag features
Craft Cafe
Just above Holywood Arches, on the Upper Newtownards Rd, you’ll find Craft Café, serving up a mix of drinks specials, from matcha to iced lattes, brunch dishes, lunchtime sandos, and sweet treats.
More on our website :-
The interior vibe is minimalist, with retro tones of magnolia, plum, and a few well-chosen art pieces. But head beyond the delicious display of patisserie from Fera Bakery at the till, and the café opens up into a pretty covered courtyard with cascading greenery, and a cool indie playlist.
We were very impressed by the drinks specials board, with choices such as Rosemary Lavender Matcha with Grá Matcha on ice, and a summery, iced, Polish style Pomarancza with fresh orange juice, and Root & Branch espresso.
From the Brunch menu we had the simply titled “Dippy Eggs”, perfectly poached with whipped garlic yoghurt, peanut rayu, hot honey, and pickled red onion, and the “Burrata Toast” with colourful marinated heirloom tomatoes on pillowy focaccia, with craft pesto, and balsamic.
And for something a little different, “Board & Bottle” hosts specially selected wine, charcuterie and cheese evenings at the weekends, which sounds right up our alley!
Website HERE
Crannagael Supper Club
Specially curated as part of the Armagh Food & Cider Weekend, we had the privilege to attend an exclusive Supper Club at Crannagael House, the home of John & Jane Nicholson, whose family planted the first Bramley Apple seedling in Co. Armagh.
After exploring its historic orchards, we were seated in a beautiful covered courtyard where we experienced a delicious three course meal accompanied by award-winning MacIvors cider pairings.
Judith Boyle, known as “The Scientist with a Pub”, and one of Ireland’s leading food and drink champions, shared her expertise throughout the evening, along with MacIvors producer Greg MacNeice who told us the story behind each cider, which had been produced just a few hundred yards from the surrounding orchards. This was a truly local food and drink experience!
And the fantastic menu by Armagh-based Olive & Vine showcased quality seasonal produce, including many ingredients grown on the Crannagael estate.
To start we were treated to a selection of canapés including oozy, cheesy, Banagher Bold Choux au Craquelin, Whiskey-Cured Salmon Tartlets with fennel and Armagh apple caviar, and Black Truffle Pomme Soufflé with a malt vinegar seasoning, which was paired with MacIvors Dry Irish Cider.
Of course, the perfect pairing for Crannagael Bramley apples had to be Ecclesgreen Glazed Pork with cider-pickled radish, and pomme purée, on a chive, caper & parsley jus gras, which was accompanied by a game-changing MacIvors Fine Cider Cask No. 1, a still, dry cider aged for a minimum of 12 months in Meursault wine barrels. There was also an excellent Squash and Mushroom Wellington vegetarian option.
And to finish, a golden Apple Tart Tatin, fragrant with caramel and vanilla, topped with a swirl of honey clotted cream, which went perfectly with the slightly spicy MacIvors Plum & Ginger Cider.
This was a joyous celebration of Orchard County’s fine local produce, artisan craftsmanship and the distinctive character of Armagh cider, in charming surroundings with superb musical entertainment, informative hosting, faultless service, and great company.
Website HERE
The Croft, Templepatrick
Read more here on our website too :-
We had visited the delightful countryside setting of The Croft in Templepatrick earlier this year for a private dining experience hosted by chefs Marion Lancial & Callum Irwin from TV’s Great British Menu. Its superb event space, alongside unique accommodation, provided the perfect backdrop for such a special occasion.
So we couldn’t wait to revisit The Croft’s luxurious self-catering cottage to enjoy a private, relaxing retreat, with its stunning blend of comfort, style, & convenience. The design effortlessly balances contemporary & traditional styles, and seamlessly combines practicality with a touch of class.
Recently renovated, The Croft is close to local hotels, just minutes from the International Airport, and is an excellent base for exploring; the Antrim Coast is less than an hour away, and Belfast City Centre is just a short drive.
At The Croft nothing has been left to chance in order to ensure a relaxing stay, and features a fully equipped kitchen, spacious, tastefully styled living areas, two thoughtfully designed bedrooms with elegant furnishings, and modern bathrooms including wet room showers and a striking large stone bath in which to enjoy a pampering soak.
Outside, there’s a pretty private garden and BBQ patio area, complete with stone worktops and an outdoor fridge, making it the ideal space for entertaining and al fresco dining.
We had our evening meal in the impressive dining room, which can accommodate both informal family lunches and sophisticated dinner parties. You can enhance your stay with exclusive dining experiences (there’s a great Murder Mystery event on the 14th November!) and bespoke celebrations can be arranged in the adjoining banqueting space, which is available for private hire.
The Croft is the perfect choice for couples, friends, and small groups looking for a memorable stay, unwinding in this tranquil rural setting.
Website HERE
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