Testimonials, Reviews & Awards

Inclusion in 'Sunday life' newspaper, travel guide section...

'The Antrim Coast.' March 21st 2010.

'Having worked up an appetite with a walk in the sea air we heeded a friend’s local knowledge and headed off for lunch at the Tartine Restaurant in the Distillers Arms, Bushmills.

It was one of the highlights of our weekend. The restaurant, which was revitalised by new owners last April, is an absolute gem.

The atmosphere is warm, the food classy — making good use of Co Antrim ingredients including Old Bushmills whiskey and local beef – and it’s all very reasonably priced (£16.95 for a really sumptuous three course Sunday lunch).'

Michelin Guide.

Distillers Arms has just received news of its inclusion in the Michelin 'eating out in pubs' guide for 2010.

L.C.N. Awards

Runner up for both 'Restaurant; New Comer of the Year' award 2009 and ' Best Restaurant of the Year' award 2009.

Menu of Moyle.

Tartine at Distillers Arms received a 'Highly Commended' award from the Moyle District Council in connection with their 'Menu of Moyle' initiative which ran throughout July and August 09.
The competition involves producing imaginative menus using fresh local produce, supporting local producers and Fishermen.Mystery Judges dined in each of the competing restaurants and decided that our menu and focus on the competition deserved special recognition.
At a prestigious awards ceremony in the Old Bushmills Distillery it was announced that one of the judges had commented : "Tartine  at Distillers Arms... probably the best restaurant I have dined in all year".
We were delighted with the success and were presented with the award by Michelle Gildernew, Minister for the Environment NI.

Testimonials.

We had an absolutely super evening on Saturday, thank you and your staff for going to so much trouble to ensure it should be so. The quality of the service was all you had suggested, and it the excellent way you have trained them was obvious by the fact that, for once, the staff knew the precise details of all the food on offer.
Our guests thoroughly enjoyed their lamb and seafood casserole. Paddy said the Braemar ice cream tasted just like the real ice cream made by an Italian family, which was one of the highlights of childhood holidays in Ballycastle. I have made him promise to bring me again quite soon, and have sent an e-mail recommendation to some friends who live or holiday in Ballycastle.
You obviously have regulars already, and it was especially nice to see young families, too, as one would in a French bistro.
Very best wishes to you and all your staff,

Anne Casement.

On June, 12 we enjoyed a very good evening meal at your restaurant. We had the duck for main course and the crème brulee and the cheese for desert. We are still talking about it and wishing you did not have your restaurant so far away from Holland.
It was the best meal (I must say dinner) we had during our whole holiday and we have advised our hosts in our next B&B’s recommend and to go and visit your restaurant themselves as well. Not only the food was superb, but also the serving staff was very friendly. We felt a very warm welcome and although we were dressed up with our walking boots, we were treated as special.
We noticed this atmosphere with your other guests as well.

Thanks again,
Louis en Reiny Smits

Hello everyone at Tartine.

We had a great evening on Saturday with all our guests complimenting your food and Restaurant.
See you again soon.

Best regards

John Beers
Ballymoney Round Table