But what if you crave a Sunday roast with all the trimmings but don’t have the energy to rustle it up yourself? The choices can be few and far between if you don’t want to venture too far.
Thankfully, just a 10-minute drive from me, with Killyleagh Castle as the backdrop, the Dufferin Arms is a hidden gem that oozes charm and delivers on flavours with wholesome plates of food.
With the sun (yes that big yellow thing in the sky) shining on a gorgeous October day, the glistening of a pint on the picnic bench outside would usually have piqued my interest but with two hungry kids in tow, we were shown to our table by the very attentive staff.
The Dufferin Arms in Killyleagh
The Dufferin has a lovely atmosphere with the pub as you enter on the right —where the locals and visitors were enjoying a few tipples — and the dining room to the left. We were given the snug just beyond the dining room and it’s a lovely space for a little more privacy.
The Dufferin’s menu caters for all, with a vast array of seafood, steaks and many specials on offer.
For starters we ordered the salt & chilli chicken that vanished in no time, with all four of us taking turns to make it disappear.
The crispy chicken on a bed of salad was full of flavour and the saltiness was offset by a lovely chilli dip that had the right kick to make it sing.
I managed to keep the Moroccan tomato and lentil soup to myself and it was very moreish.
It was hearty and warming and bursting with tomato flavour. A topping of yoghurt added a nice creamy finish on the palate and added to the overall taste.
On to the main event and the roast beef that I had been craving. And boy did it deliver. It was absolutely delicious.
It was cooked perfectly medium and you could have used a butter knife to carve it apart. Two thick slices were devoured in no time and the smooth mash and veg were the perfect partner.
Honey roast ham with leek sauce at The Dufferin Arms, Killyleagh
A massive Yorkshire pudding dwarfed the plate but they aren’t my cup of tea and was quickly shipped off to the kids plates.
I would have liked the gravy to have a bit more body to it, as it was slightly thin, but it was tasty and had enough meaty flavour to douse the plate in.
My wife went for the honey roast ham and champ and leek sauce and the look on her face when my fork crossed the plate said it all.
It was a beautiful salty and succulent ham with smooth champ brought together with a creamy leek sauce. One for the next time I thought.
Equally as tasty was the chicken stack my son devoured. A beautiful pepper sauce didn’t overpower the dish and with mash and tobacco onions in the mix, it hit the spot. The tried and tested chicken goujons kept my daughter quiet for the meal, which isn’t an easy thing to accomplish.
Room for just one dessert, we all agreed on the sticky toffee pudding and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.
The food wasn’t the only thing that deserved praise, as the staff really made you feel welcome. My only regret was not being able to stay and join those enjoying their pints in the sunshine.
Chicken stack with peppered sauce at The Dufferin Arms, Killyleagh
The food
Total £80.30
Dufferin Arms 25 High Street, Killyleagh Tel: 02844 821182