Stonebridge restaurant.: "The very best of Northern Ireland cooking." Armagh Restaurant Tip by planxty

Further update December 2012.

This will be the last update on this tip, honestly! On my recent trip to my family home in November 2012 I learned that the Stonebridge had closed down, albeit temporarily. The premises has apparently been acquired by the people who own the Yellow Door operation in Portadown. I do not know when it may reopen although that apparently is the plan. I shall make enquiries from my local contacts and report here accordingly.

The previous owners, the McNally family, have now taken over the former Mango restaurant a couple of miles up the road towards Portadown which has been renamed the Stonebridge Brasserie. This will be the subject of a seperate tip albeit on my Craigavon page as that is where it sits naturally on VT. I shall retain this tip here for reasons described below.

Update 14/11/2011

Readers of my other pages will know that I like to keep my pages up to date if I can and this is borne out by the number of updates on this particular page, previous ones of which will be left as memories of happy times with my family. This rerstaurant was a particular favourite of my late Mother's and she always insisted we go there when I was home. I also notice that the review of the place, which was written not too long after I joined VT and didn't really know what was expected, is a bit sparse to say the least, so I shall amend it.

The Stonebridge has been going for a few years now and is really rather good. It is situated in a converted large house which had lain empty for a number of years. A complete refurbishment has resulted in a very pleasant restaurant on two levels with an area for large parties decorated with some original art, much of it local.

The cuisine is what is now called modern British with an emphasis on locally sourced produce. I have always found the fish to be particularly good there. Menus change regularly, depending on what is in season, and the three course set menu with tea or coffee at £18:95 is excellent value.

Pictured are my choice of Caesar Salad, Salmon and Pavlova, all of which were excellent. Ample seasonal vegetables and chips were provided.

Service is extremely friendly, although may be a touch slow during very busy periods and the place can get extremely busy, it is very popular. As I mentioned in a previous update, booking is strongly recommended at the weekend.

A diner at an adjacent table was wheelchair-bound and it appears the place is fully accessible (wheelchair access is by the old front door).

Highly recommended.

The only possible downside to this excellent establishment is that you need to drive or get a taxi there as it is in a rural location with minimal public transport and certainly none at night.

Update

I went here with a family group on a recent trip home, and was very impressed. The service is attentive but not obtrusive, the food superb and the surroundings very pleasant. What more need I say?

Update - 29/08/2005.

I went there last Saturday on the happy occasion of my parents golden wedding anniversary. A party of 19 were handled very well, with the service flawless, the manager friendly and the food absolutely superb. Definitely recommended. I would suggest booking, especially at the weekend as it tends to get very busy, and deservedly so.

Update - 04/12/2005.

Another trip home, another visit to the Stonebridge (my parents favourite)' another superb meal with great service. The Autumn / Winter menu is excellent, with the seabass with roasted parsnip and fennel salad and tomato and onion chutney strongly recommended. Mrs. planxty (not normally a great eater of red meat) pronounced the beef excellent. Praise indeed.

Favorite Dish: I've never had a less than gorgeous meal here but the seabass is a particular favourite.

Address: 74 Legacorry Road, Richill, Co. Armagh, BT61 9LF
Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: On the main Armagh - Portadown road, at the junction with Legacorry Road.
Phone: +00 44 (0)28 3887 0024
Price: US$31-40
Rating: 5
Theme: Local
Website: http://www.stonebridgerestaurant.co.uk/