We knew about the Walled City Brewery before visiting Derry, but what we didn't know was that they…read morehave very limited hours. During our stay, Monday - Thursday they are only open for a small window between 5-8:30pm. We decided not to go the brewery tour, so I can't comment on if it is worthwhile, but I think I would try doing it next time if we ever were to go back to Derry.  The brewery has a full restaurant which has fantastic reviews and was also recommended by our friend who has gone before. We weren't hungry yet for dinner, so we opted to just visit the Taproom. The Taproom is also very cool and has a great vibe with interesting artwork. What we really liked about this brewery was it felt like a craft brewery and offered a lot of variety in their beers. It was the first place that we found that offered a sour beer, they had a wit beer, and they even had a hard seltzer (which honestly wasn't very good unless you like gin drinks). We enjoyed a few drinks and the music for a hour or so before deciding on dinner.

4.5 stars for lunch w/ brew…read more I got the Cauliflower Steak at 12€ and a taster set of 3 brews (the Boom, Punt Purse, and the IPA 2.3%). The Cauliflower Steak was absolutely delicious with some fantastic flavors to it, and thankfully it was NOT greasy (unlike some other places I ordered cauliflower in the UK). I would highly recommend this dish. As for my taster set, the Punt Purse and 2.3% IPA were both fine, but it was "the Boom" that stole the show in my opinion....I should've just gotten a pint of that. The only negative was our server, who didn't seem into his job at all. The attention he gave us was all quite perfunctory....maybe he was just having an off day because he had something serious on his mind that day, but if not, he might consider looking for a position other than a server (since he clearly didn't seem to be into it).

Great dinner. My daughter to try Ocho Tapas Bistro and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was…read morecasual and very relaxing. The food was amazing. We started out with some bacon wrapped prawns that were delicious. With my main course I tried the french fries covered in mayo and a Japanese sauce that was delicious. If you have any questions about the menu just ask your server.

Great food. The sausages / chorizo with paprika were a bit spicy for me - be warned! But everything…read morewe had was scrumptious. The "large" sangria was ok, but pricey. I am glad I reviewed my bill, some mistakes were made. Only star I am docking.

had high hopes for this restaurant. Pro's: garlic mushrooms…read more& wontons were good (not great). Let's see... What else can I say positive Chirp... Chirp... Chirp... Ok... I guess that's it! Con's: 1. The waiter took our silverware from our table (our extra), problem we used those spoons... Yuck. 2. All of our dinners were tasteless, trying to figure out how you make "chicken satay" "Kung pow chicken" "General Chows Chicken" they all tasted bland with no definition of flavor! Satay Chicken... Come on "peanut butter" hello!! No taste of it!! I truly could go on and on... Loud!!

Nice but mmmmmmmmm??? I Don't eat Chinese food…read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!¡!!!¡!!!¡!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡

On Friday 23rd December 2016 I spent most of the day in Hillsborough Castle for musical rehearsals…read morei.e. the "Come And Sing" chorus who were to perform Handel's Messiah that night in Belfast along with a professional group of early music specialists called Sestina. The rehearsals were held in Hillsborough Castle as part of the "Georgian Family Christmas" tours, held from Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd December. There were therefore many tourists in the castle in addition to the considerably increased number of musicians on the Friday. We had 90 minutes for lunch and as we could not bring food into Hillsborough Castle, there was a massive influx of people from the castle to the surrounding restaurants at lunchtime. The Plough (directly opposite the castle) was already full when I arrived as one of a group of five people but they directed us to their neighbouring restaurant - The Vintage Rooms (soon to be full also). The food was excellent, in my case a mini baked Camembert followed by a Stilton and broccoli tart, as was my bottled craft beer, McGrath's Stout. There was, unfortunately, the stress of seeing the clock hands turn and turn, knowing that we had to be back in rehearsal at the castle at 2pm but at least we weren't the last to get back. I would certainly like to revisit The Vintage Rooms when not under pressure of time to be somewhere else.

This is an amazing addition to Hillsborough. From the outside it just looks like a tiny little…read morerestaurant but once you step inside you'll find its way more than just that. On entrance you'll spot the Smeg fridge door which leads to the toilets and if you follow this hallway there's some really cool art murals by Visual Waste advertising some of drinks available such as Tanqueray, Absolut & Hop House 13. After the cool door is the deli, with their glossy glass displays filled with mouthwatering cakes, sausage rolls, an array of freshly baked scones, a fridge filled with individually wrapped cheese to buy and traybakes galore you can't miss it and will find it difficult to peel your eyes away from. You can takeaway or dine in. We chose to dine in and as it was sunny picked one of their outdoor tables. The interior design in this place is epic. Our table was made from a huge old barrell and the stool legs from wood used in barells also. Alot of thought has been put into the decor, especially the two bar areas. The lunch menu consists of a selection of small plates, salads and light options. I had the sweet potato fries topped with pulled beef brisket, chili and a fried egg. They were amazing, the egg was perfectly cooked, the fries crispy and the brisket tender with just the right amount of chili. Portion size was perfect. I also had satay chicken wings, these weren't the best I've ever had as the wings had very little meat on them. The satay sauce really worked though with whatever meat there was. I'd definitely recommend this place. It was quite busy when i visited on a weekday so it might be best to book ahead if going at the weekend or busier times. It's connected to the Plough Inn which is also a bar and restaurant and they have another restaurant attached called Simply Seafood. They're located in the main street of Hillsborough close to the entrance to the Fort, so once you've had lots of tasty food you can go walk it off in Hillsborough Forest Park and go visit the swans and ducks.