Kilbroney Bar — Restaurant in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

A party of about 15 +2 kids went last week for a birthday meal. The food itself was totally hit or miss depending on what you had ordered - my mum had fish which was well cooked but was served with a soggy flabby skin, I had a caeser salad which was a bit of an afterthought; scant dressing, and what little there was only on top, no anchovies, the croutons were just some hard as nuts bits of a baguette which hadn't seen any oil or seasoning ever - the presentation evidenced that whoever dreamt up this dish had never actually tried to eat it - it was served in a small earthenware pot on a slate - a salad should be in a large open bowl so you can actually toss it or perhaps enjoy how lovely it looks - not chopped to an inch ofexistent. The Thai green curry tasted alright but should have had a thin broth not a thick one. Others had a spicy chicken noodle dish literally swiming in thin sauce which made it rather hard to eat. I must however congratulate were due as the steak and roast meat dishes served looked and seemed lovely. The side dishes are a little underwhelming and the garlic potatoes may once have seen garlic but only on the tv. Re- garding the service - it wasn't great - very late and no one had the sense to bring or offer to bring the children's food first. They did however serve complimentary tasting dishes to tie us over which were very nice. The staff although pleasant enough didn't seem to have a firm grasp on the situation and there were a lot of delays with side dishes and condiments. Over all disappointing and a very hit or miss first experience there would I go back? I might give it one more chance as there were deserved compliments depending on what food was ordered but I'd only go with a group of up to four and then I'd stick to something from the grill for sure. My suggestion would be for the chefs to research their dishes and try to stick with the tried and tested classic...

So disappointed, this was one of my favourite spots for excellent food, comfort, friendly staff and customers, ambience and good prompt friendly and professional service. Alas, this is no more. Visited the kilbroney Sunday past as I had visitors for the weekend from London. Was going to impress them with great Irish hospitality and decided to visit the kilbroney Inn as my previous experiences were first class. To my dismay, we entered the premises and could not see any members of staff so we took a seat in the restaurant section of the bar as there was no one to guide us to a table. We waited for about 15 minutes to be given a menu and then just grabbed a few. Eventually an exhausted member of staff came to take our order. We asked if there were any vegetarian options but were advised that if we wanted vegetarian dishes that we would be better off going to a different restaurant which was close by.

What a shame! People have worked extremely hard to build up a good reputation for their premises, a great legacy for whom ever takes over! Gift horse in the mouth has been swallowed! I just can't believe nor understand this...

Disappointing. Started well with decent wine and service. Starters were good, spring rolls, chicken wings and prawn cocktail. Ordered a Thai Green curry, with rice and naan bread. What I received was a Chinese chicken curry with ciabatta bread. I informed the waitress who offered me another dish. As my company had already started their main I refused as it would have taken too long. I managed half, was unpleasant. No one came to offer another drink nor a dessert menu. I asked for the bill and was appalled to see Id been charged for the "Thai curry". Pleasant barman asked if all was ok when I went to pay the bill. I relayed what I had told the waitress and was asked if I'd like to speak to the manager. I did not want a fuss but expected the curry would not have appeared on the bill. Paid in full and left but certainly will not return. The one star was...