The Bull & Claw Newtownards — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

Food was fine, seafood chowder only appeared to have white fish in it rather than any other seafood, but the flavour was nice. Enjoyed the salt and chilli chicken although the Asian slaw wasn't much more than some shredded cabbage with soy sauce on it! The burger looked nice and apparently the sausage and mash was lovely. Request for garlic mayo from one of my party wasn't fulfilled. The "artisan cheeses" were somewhat lacklustre - cheddar, brie and blue stilton with Jacob's cream crackers. No granny smith apple or grapes to be seen on the plate despite being on the menu, nor did it come with a knife. The other desserts looked good though. Decent wine selection. They hadn't brought the bill within twenty minutes of asking so we just had to get it at the bar on the way out .

Overall, I wouldn't be adverse to going back, but...

For my wedding anniversary (22/4) I tried to book the Bull and Claw, Newtownards for dinner but despite three long telephone calls could not get an answer. I eventually decided to just call in as it was only 1945hrs and the establishment advertises that it is open until 2200hrs. I was met on entry by a female staff member and explained I didn’t have a reservation as no one had seen fit to answer the phone. I wasn’t too worried a it had a number of diners eating food and drinking and it was only a quarter to eight. I was flabbergasted that the staff member advised me that the kitchen was closed and we couldn’t have any food. Obviously I remonstrated quoting the time and the fact no one answered their phone, but to no avail. I was fairly cross with my treatment and would appreciate any comment the owners...

Food was fantastic, couldn’t fault it at all, the service from the staff let this place down big style. Our table wasn’t checked on, not once over all 3 courses, drink top ups weren’t offered, my husband had to leave our table and order more drinks, staff appeared miserable, bored, standing around talking with each other, on their phones, no one appeared to be in charge and no one really seemed that interested in the customers, and at the end about 8-45/9pm they couldn’t wait to get all tables finished up and out. Will be back, hopefully with different staff on though. Hats off to the...