OpenHunt's Traditional Fish and Chips
8 Woodland Park, Lambeg, Antrim, Lisburn BT27 4PD, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Speckled Hen
The Speckled Hen is a historic gem nestled in the heart of Derriaghy, Ireland. With a legacy spanning over 350 years, this award-winning gastropub delivers an exquisite mix of traditional fare and modern culinary flair. Its warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying hearty meals or sipping on artisan spirits brewed on-site. Whether basking in the sun at the charming beer garden or cozying up by the fireplace indoors, diners can relish in a vibrant local vibe while savoring expertly crafted dishes. From mouthwatering roasts to innovative cocktails, this pub stands out as a culinary destination worth a visit.
Welcome to The Speckled Hen, one of Ireland's oldest pubs, nestled in the historic town of Derriaghy. With over 350 years of passionate hospitality under its belt, this award-winning gastropub has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Enjoy traditional pub fare paired with an impressive selection of beers, wines, and spirits, including our artisanal creations, “The Hens. Blend” and Black Mountain craft beers. Relax in our charming beer garden or summer dining terrace, and partake in live music and bar games. Join us for lunch, dinner, or a casual drink – we promise a memorable experience!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Bar games
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Live music
Live performances
Sport
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Food
Food at bar
Free water refills
Healthy options
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
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Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Diners rave about the inviting atmosphere that combines cozy indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor terrace. Many highlight the exceptional service, which balances professionalism with friendly banter, making everyone feel like a local. The variety of dishes appeals to a wide audience, particularly the daily roasts that showcase quality ingredients and traditional preparation. The craft beers and house-made spirits also receive accolades, with many patrons appreciating the unique offerings not found elsewhere. Furthermore, the pub's live music events enhance the experience, bringing a lively soundtrack to an already vibrant space.
Lastly, accessibility features impress visitors—wheelchair access and family-friendly amenities ensure everyone can enjoy a visit, making it a truly welcoming spot.
Most Disliked
While The Speckled Hen earns high marks, some diners mention a few hiccups with order accuracy, citing experiences where their requests were mixed up. Though the staff is usually attentive, occasional lapses occur during peak hours when the pub reaches capacity, leading to longer wait times for service. A few visitors expressed disappointment that certain dishes, especially from the Game of Thrones menu, can sometimes run out during busy weekends.
Some patrons also noted that the pub's location, while charming, is slightly nestled away from the hustle and bustle of central Belfast, which may require a bit of travel. Lastly, the lack of extensive vegan options leaves some guests wishing for more variety to cater to broader dietary preferences.
User Reviews
JH
Jordan H.
The food here was insane. Since coming to Belfast, we just wanted a good, wholesome pub meal. And this place completely exceeded expectations. The menu had something for everyone, and all the meals were just so tasty. I feel like they were the best chips I’ve ever had. The service was really good. Atmosphere was really good. Especially as a visitor to Belfast, it was a great place to be amongst the locals and get a feel for the area. Couldn’t recommend this place more.
Yo
YourGranny
Great food and a very lovely place. Cosy on the inside, with a nice beer garden on the outside. Service was great as well, except my order got mixed up, and I had to order an extra dish to get what I originally wanted. If you like whisky, they have a quaint Game of Thrones menu. Highly recommend the soup, scallop risotto and squids.
UM
Ursula M.
Best turkey and ham roast dinner I've had in a long time , every ingredient went beyond expectations. Tender meat , perfectly cooked veg , tasty stuffing , delicious gravy and super roasties cruncy on the outside. The house sauvignon wasn't bad either. I will be back.
RH
Ronnie H.
Superb Food absolutely gorgeous. One of the best Meals I have had and great portions. Highly recommend the Roasts. Really enjoyed the Spirit Grocer vibes. Will be back
MG
Malachy G.
Stopped by for lunch with my two daughters (3 and 6) after some swimming. It was a Saturday around 2 PM, and the bar was quiet; we were actually the only ones in the restaurant. Initially, we worried we'd made a mistake. Thankfully, we hadn't! The staff were incredibly friendly and brilliant with my girls, and the food (chicken wings & cod and chips) was fantastic. However they prepared their wings, they were delicious—and I do love a good wing! The cod was beautiful, the tartar sauce was fresh, and the chips were perfectly fluffy and crispy. Overall, the experience truly lived up to the glowing reviews we'd read before going. They make their own Gin, beers, and whisky; I only tried the beer, but their inviting bar and outside area looked fantastic, so I'll definitely find an excuse to come back and try the rest. All in all, I'd highly recommend this spot if you're in the area. My only downside is that it's on the other side of Belfast from where I live! I hope to be back again soon.
vw
vivienne w.
We just called in for a drink. Friendly atmosphere and the bar staff were very helpful. Didn't have any food, so can't comment, but the food we saw being delivered to tables looked good.
MB
Michelle B.
Fantastic meal! We all really enjoyed ourselves. The food was fresh and delicious. The service was friendly and the atmosphere welcoming. Will definitely be back.
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Speckled Hen serves traditional pub food with a diverse menu that includes delicious starters, mains, burgers, pizzas, and desserts. Don't miss the Bangers & Mash or the Chef's Crumble.
Yes, The Speckled Hen offers a delightful beer garden and a summer dining terrace. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal outside.
Expect to pay between £20 to £30 for a satisfying meal, including a drink. This value reflects the high quality and variety of food and drink on offer.
Absolutely, The Speckled Hen caters to vegetarians with a variety of healthy options, including the Veggie Burger and Summer Salad.
The Speckled Hen boasts a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Don't miss their own artisan spirits, 'The Hens. Blend', and the range of craft beers from Black Mountain.
Why visit The Speckled Hen
Visiting The Speckled Hen is more than enjoying a meal; it's about immersing yourself in a rich local culture with history at your fingertips. The atmosphere buzzes with authenticity, making it an ideal spot for casual dining, special family gatherings, or a friendly meet-up. I recommend making a reservation, especially for dinner—they tend to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends where live music adds an extra touch of ambiance. Arriving a bit early allows time to try out their diverse selection of craft beers before diving into the undoubtedly satisfying main menu.
Lastly, if you appreciate a good roast, make sure to come on a Sunday—locals rave about the quality and portion sizes. It's the perfect culmination of comfort food and local camaraderie that keeps diners coming back. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, The Speckled Hen promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food.
