Makin’ Bacon Bus Cafe 37 Lisnasure Road,
Donaghcloney
I said, “If you think she’s beautiful, you should see my wife, mate.”
He said, “Why? Is she stunning as well?” I said, “No, she’s an optician.”
I’ve always loved to travel by bus because you’re never quite sure who you are going to meet. Now there is a great dining experience in County Down that kind of offers the same experience.
The Makin’ Bacon bus driver
With Makin’ Bacon Bus Cafe the clue is in the name, this brilliantly quirky restaurant is housed in a converted double decker bus at the side of a working farm outside the village of Donaghcloney.
And because you are eating at tables on either side of the aisle upstairs you can’t help but strike up some great conversations with your fellow diners. For my family and I, it all added up to a truly memorable evening out which even one disappointing main course didn’t really detract from.
My choice of 6oz wagyu burger was simply outstanding. The moist patty was packed full of flavour and the accompanying sauteed shallots, melted cheddar, black garlic aioli and candied bacon cubes just made the whole meal better. The triple-cooked chips were top notch too.
My son loved his BBQ pork-loaded fries topped with delicious BBQ beans, melted cheese, onions and a rich bourbon sauce. Of course it is a simple dish, but it was done very, very well.
A large surf and turf sandwich came with steak, buttermilk king prawns, sauteed and crispy shallots, fresh rocket, beef tomato, smoked cheese and watercress pesto on a garlic ciabatta. The steak was perhaps a little overcooked but at £18, it’s really difficult to fault such a great-value dish.
Inside the Makin’ Bacon Bus Cafe
The only true disappointment of a wonderful family meal was the cod loin risotto. The fish was cooked to perfection and tasted magnificent while the butter-braised asparagus spears and parmesan crisps were also worth of praise.
The risotto was badly undercooked, however, to the point of it just about being edible. It was a real shame as this dish looked truly amazing on the plate.
As more and more diners boarded the bus on a wet and windy Friday night, the atmosphere (and banter) got even better — helped no end by some really helpful and attentive service staff.
We decided to stay on just a bit longer and share one dessert, a delicious pavlova which, for me had the perfect level of sweetness.
Makin’ Bacon recently moved from some rather more traditional premises in the village and based upon this visit all the hard work involved converting the bus has indeed paid off.
The cafe team regularly change their menus and cater for breakfast, brunch and dinners, and offer a delivery and takeaway service. If you choose to head for breakfast, apparently the grilled vanilla-soaked French toast with caramel whipped mascarpone is legendary.
One small thing to remember if you’re planning a visit though, toilet facilities are limited to an outside Portaloo which may prompt some customers to hold on until they get home.
The surf and turf sandwich at Makin’ Bacon Bus Cafe
The food
Total £77.50
The rating