The Culloden Hotel
Holywood,
Belfast,
Co. Down
The Culloden Hotel enquiries
www.hastingshotels.com

• Outstanding Mitre Restaurant.
• Magical setting overlooking Belfast Lough.
• Exceptionally comfortable and relaxing ambiance.

We visited this historic hotel for the second time recently having originally stayed there four years ago. It really is a uniquely beautiful setting and while we remembered the 12 acres of lush parkland and stunning views over Belfast Lough, we had forgotten just how excellent the restaurant was. We had the most super meal there, probably one of the best in any hotel restaurant in the whole of Ireland.
We were also fortunate enough to be there while they were hosting their annual Opera event, and enjoyed a wonderful performance of Carmen, by Bizet in an intimate setting followed by a sumptuous banquet!

ACCOMMODATION AT THE CULLODEN

There are over a hundred bedrooms at the hotel, and we were fortunate enough to stay in one of the heritage suites in the original part of the hotel. We had a beautiful free-standing bath, a large power-shower and a real best-of-both-worlds bathroom. The bed was super-comfortable, we had a large flat-screen television in a tasteful wooden cabinet, some antique furniture, a separate lounge area with a working desk and most lovely of all, views over the gardens and Lough from the large original windows. Our room was at the top of a sweeping staircase which brought us directly down to the dining room and reception area.

THE MITRE RESTAURANT AT THE CULLODEN

Our dining experience at The Culloden turned out to be the highlight of a great visit to a lovely property. Our table overlooked the sunset on the horizon over Belfast Lough, the service was second-to-none and the food far surpassed our expectations. The menu contains some interesting sounding choices, but in each instance what arrived in front of us was remarkable. With perfectly timed service we spent two hours in gastronomic bliss. Firstly the Amuse Bouche of Chicken Breast on Chilli Noodles, we went on to starters of Seared Scallops for me and Rillettes of Ham Hock & Asparagus for the Birthday Girl. The Scallops were divine – beautifully balanced with a Prawn and Coriander Bahaji and cooled down with a taste of Yoghurt and Cucumber. For our main courses I had another seafood stunner with the Lemon Sole stuffed with Sea Trout Mousseline and served with Fennell, a tasty Crab Cake and a peppercorn and Fish Fumet. Meanwhile, across the table herself was loving a Bronzed Gresham Duck Breast served with Apple Tart Tatin, Green Apple Puree and delicious Tarragon & Cumin Mash. This was first class restaurant food and we could find nothing to fault each beautifully crafted dish.
Desserts included a Warm Chocolate Cake with Buttermilk-Ice-cream and a Creamy Vanilla Egg Custard Tart with a Rhubarb Compote. We finished off with coffee and Petit Fours and sipped a lightly spicy Pinot Noir from Lake Chalice in Marlborough throughout this lovely dinner.

THE SPA AT THE CULLODEN

And then to the spa. Originally the spa was run by a third party contractor, but for several years now it has been brought back in-house, and the results are evident for the guests. The improvement, along with other major renovations the hotel has undergone some years ago, have all greatly enhanced the genuine experience that today’s discerning visitor is demanding. Treatment rooms have increased from three to eight, and the range of treatments have also increased and improved. They now offer a private pampering experience at their Amethyst Suite. Spread over two floors this includes two sumptuous bedrooms and two bathrooms. Along with a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and thermal suite, the treatment rooms offer a full range of treatments using the ESPA range. I enjoyed a wonderfully soothing aromatherapy massage using oils that suited my mood at the moment, which was to energize after a pretty exhausting travel schedule. It did the trick, and I did feel very much brighter afterwards, and after a short snooze in the relaxation room, I was ready to get in the mood for dinner!

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, the hotel enjoys palatial surrounds, fine antiques and an elegance that cannot be found in newer properties. The past and present blend seamlessly to result in a really fabulous luxury hotel.

We were very impressed, and certainly plan to return again soon.