WIN Dinner for Two at the new Ramblers Restaurant in Ardara, Co. Donegal

Friends, folks and foodies from all Donegal gathered recently for the launch of “Ramblers Bar & Restaurant” at The Nesbitt Arms Hotel, in Ardara, County Donegal. The Nesbitt Arms is situated right in the middle of this beautiful wee town of Ardara, which is famous for it's Donegal fiddlers, it's hand-spun Tweed, it's excellent music festivals and it's warm and friendly community.

General Manager, Liam McGill, opened the night by thanking all who had turned out for the opening. "We are so proud to have a loyal and regular clientele here at the Nesbitt Arms. A town is quiet without a hotel but a hotel is nothing with out the town around it", he said.

"I'm delighted to welcome you all here to the opening of "Ramblers", our brand new Bar and Restaurant" said Liam. "I want to thank everyone who worked on the new build: John Fox and Hugh Boyle with all their staff, Micky Shallow and of course, Terry Murray who has practically lived in this room for the last two months!"

The Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara, Co Donegal 

Liam also raised a glass and paid tribute to the late Conal Haughey (known to all as Mr. Ardara) who passed away recently, saying, "Conal was the head chef here in the Nesbitt Arms for over twenty years and he would surely have been delighted with the new Bar and Restaurant".

Entrance to the new Ramblers Restaurant and Bar

He then called on festival organiser and local hero, Stephen McCahill, who thanked the management of the Nesbitt Arms for their continued support in the town of Ardara.  He added that the presence of hotel was imperative for the success of the town.  Praising all involved with the design, building of the new Bar and Restaurant, and with a special mention to restaurant staff and head chef Francis Floyd, Stephen commented on the wonderful standard of the hotel with its new reception, ballroom and excellent food.

Fresh Fish is delivered from Killybegs everyday

Deirdre Mc Glone, owner of Harvey’s Point Hotel and Donegal Person of the Year 2016, gave a very eloquent speech praising the people of Ardara for their continued dedication and search for an excellence offering for visitors and guests to the area. "Ardara is the most amazing town. You have traditional music festivals and events almost every month, a great community spirit and the most wonderful natural surroundings here", she said. "No wonder Ardara was voted the Best Village to Live in Ireland!"

Head Chef, Francis Floyd, sources all his meats locally in County Donegal

Deirdre then officially launched Ramblers new Bar by pulling a pint of stout and serving the first glass of the new Sliabh Liag Whiskey and Claire McGill, Deputy GM of the Nesbitt Arms, then presented Deirdre with a beautiful Eddie Doherty Tweed Throw as a memento of this trip down to Ardara.

The Library section of the new Ramblers Restaurant and Bar

As is customary in Ardara, the locals and business owners turned out in great numbers to support this very fine new bar. “Traditional but kinda chic”, “cosy and comfortable with those lovely old heritage colours”, “classy & cosy” was how some of the locals described it.

Local Beers and Spirits from County Donegal are served in the new Restaurant and Bar

To Enter a new Competition and be in for a chance to WIN Dinner for Two at the new Ramblers Bar and Restaurant in Ardara, County Donegal, simply Like and Share The Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Facebook here:


telling them the person you'd like to bring along with you if you won.
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The Winner will be announced on Friday 29th of July. Best of Luck everyone!

Zack

New Belfast Restaurant, The Malt Room, gives all Profits to Charity

Belfast businessman Lord Diljit Rana and chef/restaurateur Raymond McArdle have joined up to open The Malt Room Bar & Restaurant on Great Victoria Street in what they hope will be the start of a new revival of the Belfast city’s Golden Mile. The fascinating and unique element to this restaurant is that all profits will be given to charity!

The new restaurant, led by head chef David Mageean and general manager Liam Whiteway, welcomed a large crowd of Belfast food-lovers who turned out recently for it's launch event and enjoyed a taster of what's to come.

The Malt Room plans to provide a refined dining experience with a modern and local twist. “We are excited at the opportunity that Lord Rana has given us in putting Great Victoria Street back on the map as the Golden Mile," said Raymond. "I didn't want to go down the road of being another bistro or brassiere because the market is already saturated with great offers at that level. At the Malt Room you’re going to get Irish-influenced food that’s still bespoke and littered with artisan producers.”

General Manager at the Malt Room Liam Whiteway with Raymond McArdle & head chef David Mageean

The restaurant's aim is "beautiful comfort and contemporary food at an affordable price". Food on the menu is all sourced using local artisan producers, such as Leggygowan Farm goat’s cheese, Rockvale chicken, smoked Armagh bacon, Antrim Shorthorn beef, Mourne Blackface lamb, Award-winning Hannon Meats and many more. The wine list is provided by two of the best wine merchants in Belfast - James Nicholson and Robert Neill. Click here for The Malt Room menus.

Mr Rana and Raymond feel very strongly about giving the proceeds to charity and to invest in young people locally and internationally. Raymond is an ambassador for Barnardo’s Northern Ireland and has been supporting young chefs from Barnardo's Dr B's Kitchen for a number of years, offering trainee placements in his kitchens. At the Malt Room they has already taken on three young chefs through the scheme.

Raymond said: “Barnardo’s approached me to see if I would train any of their budding young chefs. Between myself and David we have been working with three young individuals; training them properly, so that they can slot into the team. I thought it was a good idea, because I’m training people that have no experience and therefore no bad habits! It’s a good scheme for us and them. They are here to learn and gain great experience for the future.” 

Belfast businessman Diljit Rana

Diljit Rana was awarded an MBE in 1996 for his contribution to the economic regeneration of the city of Belfast through the development of hotels, restaurants, fashion shops and modern office accommodation. He came to Belfast in 1966 in search of business opportunities. His first enterprise was a restaurant in Belfast city centre. By the start of 1971 he had three restaurants in the city. The business has grown to be one of Northern Ireland's biggest hotel chains. Andras House, which now employs over 350 people, also has extensive commercial property in Belfast.

Raymond McArdle with Head Chef David Mageean after the opening service at the Malt Room

Raymond McArdle is well known in Ireland's food scene and he has successfully represented Northern Ireland in the Great British menu 2012, 2013 and 2014. He also runs his own critically acclaimed restaurant, Restaurant 23 at the Balmoral Hotel, in Warrenpoint, County Down.

Head chef at the Malt Room, David Mageean has been with Raymond for seven years and will be taking full control of the Malt Room kitchen under the guidance of Raymond.

The Malt Room Bar & Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch, early evening menu and A La Carte menu, but closed Sunday. See their website at www.maltroom.co.uk. 

For bookings phone +44 (028) 9031 0008.

Zack