Why Belfast needs to start eating out in Sleepy Hollow in Newtownabbey

A Newtownabbey farmstead

The venue, formerly owned by the McAuley family, continues strong alliances with its farming and organic heritage; high-quality Northern Irish meats, veggies and an array of foraged ingredients make an appearance in dishes, which arrive far from rustic, but rather immaculately presented. 

Along with the regular menu, diners can enjoy seasonal and tasting menus. And while the food philosophy is rooted in the terroir, the experience is very much one of modern dining.

Foodie favourites

Colour and texture are key in crafting dishes that look and taste so good. Food is hearty and nutritious, prepared by an award-winning kitchen team, under the leadership of head chef Dean McMeechan.

Examples of some of the dishes you may encounter at Sleepy Hollow include smoked haddock and shellfish chowder, pea, asparagus and sorrel with Comber earlies; chicken leg and thyme terrine, wild mushroom, broad bean, parmesan croquettes and garlic jus; slow braised short-rib of beef, caramelised roast onion, smoked tomato chutney and wild garlic mash; and rhubarb, oat milk panna cotta with flapjack. There’s an exclusively vegan menu too, for those following a plant-based diet.

Sunday 

Sundays bring the classic roast dinner experience, from sirloin of beef with a braised rib fritter, to local turkey, leg of lamb and organic veg Wellington (all coming with lashings of trimmings) it’s a feast for all the family that can be enjoyed as two or three courses.

Kids have their own menu (available throughout the week), with favourites such as chicken goujons, pork sausages and creamy pasta. Adults and children can complete their meal with two mini desserts from a selection of around eight, allowing a tapas-style tasting experience.

Inside and out 

The property first became Sleepy Hollow restaurant in 1981. But it was later used by various other enterprises, before making a return in 2013 under Paul Dalrymple, whose influence extends to the earthenware used in the presentation, which comes from his own line: Dalrymple Ceramics. 

In addition to the main dining rooms, the property comprises a hayloft bar and a recently made-over beer garden with heaters, the latter proving a charming setting to enjoy one of Sleepy Hollow’s own cocktail creations, like the foraged Lemon Balm Mojito. The outlook is of course bucolic, with rolling green fields that bring a sense of calm — ideal if you need a little serenity after a day in the bustle of the big city.

Leaping Lamb and liquor 

We’ve made mention of the cocktails (the list is large and imaginative), but what are the restaurant’s other beverages? You can sample local craft beers like the Belfast Blonde, Farmageddon IPA, or Sleepy Hollow’s very own hoppy lager, Leaping Lamb, which has been developed alongside Hillstown Brewery. 

Naturally, there are Irish whiskeys and local gins on the menu. Or if you’re driving/don’t drink, order something with a close-to-home theme, like the Belfast Brew Suki Tea, or a Co. Antrim River Rock still or sparkling water.

The dining room

Exposed stone walls and a timber-beamed ceiling create a period atmosphere in the venue, with dark wood furniture, chandelier-effect modern lighting and comfy padded chairs providing a level of luxe comfort. It’s a cosy place that in many ways feels like a secret rural hideout. Sleepy Hollow’s aesthetic and ambience can lend itself to many types of occasions; whether a formal date night with a multi-course menu and wine pairing, a catch-up with friends over a great value set lunch, an a la carte family gathering, or al fresco drinks with colleagues at sunset.

Sleepy Hollow is open for lunch from noon till 3pm every day except Monday and right through to 7pm on Sundays. Tuesday to Thursday sees a dinner service from 5pm to 9pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. It’s well worth taking the brief trip out of town or cross county for. So book a table and enjoy some of the finest fare for many miles around.