4 Castle Pl, Newtownards BT23 7JE

About This Pub

Ah, The Parlour Bar – it's one of those places that just feels like a proper Northern Ireland gem, with its roots going back to 1735 and that inviting, homely decor that makes you want to settle in for the evening. I have to say, the food is a real highlight; it's all about those tasty, well-prepared dishes that leave you satisfied, and the drinks menu is spot on with local gins and a cracking cocktail selection that pairs beautifully with it all. The team behind the bar are so chatty and helpful, really adding to the relaxed atmosphere, especially when you're tucked in by the fire on a chilly day. On the downside, though, the portions are massive – it's brilliant if you're famished, but it might mean some food goes uneaten, and prices could feel a smidge high because of that. Still, it's a fantastic choice for a meal out, whether you're celebrating something or just fancy a good pint and a bite; I'd definitely recommend giving it a go if you're in the area, just maybe go easy on the ordering if you're not up for a feast!

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The food is absolutely delicious – think hearty, traditional meals that really hit the spot, with rave reviews for things like homemade pies and generous portions.
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home without hovering too much, which adds to the welcoming vibe.
  • It's got a charming, cosy atmosphere with a roaring fire in winter and a bit of history as the oldest pub in the area, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
  • They've got a fantastic selection of drinks, including local gins, cocktails, and premium spirits, all at an affordable price.
  • It's a great spot for special occasions or just catching up with mates, with live music and that homely feel making it stand out.
Cons
  • The portions can be a tad overwhelming – sometimes they're so big that it's hard to finish, which might leave you feeling a bit guilty about the waste.
  • It can get quite busy, especially on evenings or weekends, so you might need to plan ahead to snag a table without any hassle.
  • A few folks have mentioned that the prices could be tweaked a bit if the portions were smaller, to make it even better value for money.

Contact Information

4 Castle Pl, Newtownards BT23 7JE
+442891311855
Pub
Closed

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 20:00
Tuesday12:00 - 20:00
Wednesday12:00 - 20:00
Thursday12:00 - 20:00
Friday (Today)12:00 - 21:00
Saturday12:00 - 21:00
Sunday12:00 - 19:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Great food, but, portions are huge. We had a tablebof 6 & nobody finished their meal. Such a shame as cheesecake looked so good. Maybe smaller portions & reduce prices a bit.
LH
Linda Hopkins
As their WiFi password says #bestweepubintown We were in on a Tuesday evening, lovely atmosphere. Very attentive staff without being a nuisance. Great choice of traditional dinners on the menu. Hubby was over the moon to get homemade mince carrot and onion pie with Champ.
CR
Carrie Reeve
Gorgeous food. Great service. Very friendly and chatty staff Great size portions
GC
Georgina Conroy
My wife has been raving about how good The Parlour Bar is when she’s on a girls night out, so I thought I should try it out as I haven’t been in this establishment for years. So we went down on a Monday evening and were pleased to see that it was pretty busy with many other patrons. We got a table for two and had our drinks order taken right away with menus put in front of us. There’s a good choice of meals and once decided, we didn’t have long to wait for them to arrive. Wow…impressive looks, large portions and one we tucked in, very tasty. Neither of us cleared our plates but we had left room for dessert. We were going to share one, but chose two different desserts just so that we could taste each others. Again, good sized portions and again, delicious. I can understand my wife’s enthusiasm for The Parlour as there was nothing to complain about. Great food, lovely surroundings and ambience and terrific staff. Kudos to all involved.
DF
David Filson
Had an excellent meal at the Parlour Bar. The service was excellent and the staff were very attentive. Expect a very large portion for a reasonable price. I'd advise making a reservation if you're planning to attend on the weekends. Overall a very excellent meal and establishment.
JM
Jason M

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