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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Bucks Head
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN Guide
MICHELIN Guide: Good cooking
Chef Alex Greene’s first job was at this historic pub and now he has returned to his hometown to run the lovely village inn with his partner Bronagh McCormick. He arrives back in Dundrum with plenty of experience, borne out in pared-back, accessible and hugely enjoyable dishes based on a bounty of Northern Irish produce, from Kilkeel crab to Mourne Spring lamb – the seafood chowder is a particular highlight. The pub itself is charming, as is the service led by Bronagh.
Read more on MICHELIN Guide
Features
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, European, British
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Is this restaurant good for dinner?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 8:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 am - 8:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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4.4
518 reviews
Excellent
340
Very good
103
Average
32
Poor
17
Terrible
26
David O
26 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
My wife Christine and I have been regular customers at The Bucks Head for many years. We always look forward to a special birthday dinner there in April with a return visit from Belfast to celebrate our wedding anniversary in October. We were particularly excited this time having read all the rave reviews about its relaunch since Alex and Bronagh took over the reins from the previous owners.
On a cold night there was a warm welcome from Alan who led us into the new restaurant/kitchen area which was simply stunning. Spacious and so well designed our high expectations had already been exceeded giving us a taste of what was to come!
A restaurant full of happy diners particularly on a chillyThursday October night is no mean feat - testament to its popularity showing significantly high signs of success even so soon after the big relaunch. And despite such a busy service a calm and relaxed atmosphere prevailed throughout the restaurant. Staff at all times were attentive and engaging - our special thanks to Claire and Serena. Was also lovely to be welcomed by Bronagh who really made us feel at home.
Located in a quiet corner by the window… table 11 was perfect providing more privacy while still allowing us a piece of the action with Alex and his top team in the kitchen.
As you would expect the food and its perfect presentation was in a league of its own.
Highlights included a light and delicious chicken liver parfait starter. Both of our fish mains… lobster and cod were exceptional followed by some equally sublime sweet treats. A deliciously rich and indulgent chocolate ganache was surprisingly light as a feather and beautifully balanced with a fine turkish delight topping accompanied by an exquisite cream bursting with flavours and textures of raspberry, pistachio and caramel. What a winner - as was Christine’s choice of lemon curd cake containing all sorts of hidden surprises. No better way to finish such a memorable and mouthwatering meal.
Alex and Bronagh have really raised the bar high with their new venture. Wishing them continued success as they and their team go from strength to strength. Thanks guys. Here’s to next time!
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryKate19
Belfast966 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
When it comes to food, this restaurant has the most amazing menu. A group of 12 of us went for lunch and the presentation of, flavour and long lasting delicious food left us longing for more. The staff are very professional and have full knowledge of wines, menus and recommendations. I can honestly say, this is top level food, you will not be sorry having visited. I look forward to going back with my husband. The restaurants ambience is so delightful.
Written 11 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • couples
Had a fabulous birthday lunch on Saturday 17th August 2024. We had a table where we had a perfect view of the slick and hard working brigade headed by Chef Alex. We had the yummy breads served with an extraordinary garlic oil and shared the crab starter which was superb. I had the best ever lobster Thermidor and Eth had pan fried salmon which was also incredible. We were looked after by Alan and Clare (Claire) who were attentive without being intrusive. We even had room to share the lemon tart which was so light and tangy and I don’t normally do deserts! A brilliant experience and we have been several times already and the Buckshead never disappoints. We’re coming back in September with friends to sample the bar menu. Can’t wait! Thanks Alex and Bronagh you have brought heart and soul food to our village. Lucky us! 🥂🍾 🔪 🍴 🦞 🐠 🍨 Sue & Eth
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avril B
Killyleagh44 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
This review comes after two visits in a month so is on balance.
The Bucks Head was a favourite of mine twenty odd years ago but had lost its lustre so I was excited to hear that it had been taken over and refurbished by a competent pair of hands.
The first impression is good. The entrance is welcoming and cozy.
The next bit felt less welcoming however.
Several paper menus were gathered up and handed to us by a not terribly friendly server to carry to our seats which felt odd and conveyor- like.
As it transpired the menus included a bar menu, a restaurant menu and a fish menu which we were told we were welcome to mix and match.
The " snacks " separated from "starters" which included oysters priced singularly seemed unnecessarily fussy and I was genuinely shocked that the oysters were from Carlingford when Dundrum oysters are harvested metres from the door.
The oysters were good however and the green olives plump and delicious, not unnaturally from Spain!
I ordered a flat iron steak sandwich which came with chips and my friend ordered scallops.
Confusingly the sauce and sides for the scallops had to be chosen separately.
My steak was ordered pink and came very overdone and obscured by rocket leaves . The sandwich element of the sandwich was soggy with gravy and the steak tough. My friends scallops were tasty but tiny - queenies rather than scallops.
The accompanying chips appeared to be not great quality " chill" chips and had a dry texture.
A trip to Dundrum when I'm so lucky to live near some amazinging and consistent restaurants takes me out of my comfort zone so I really wanted to fall back in love with this old favourite.
Unfortunately being disappointed so soon after a decent first visit means I'll be staying close to home in future.
Written 30 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn B
Belfast3 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Heard great reports but were disappointed. We asked that the lamb be 'very well done' but this did not happen and it was nearer to 'pink'. We were in the restaurant and it was noisy and seeing and hearing the chefs at work took away from a relaxing atmosphere. It was also expensive and to add to our distress the Manager refused to accept our voucher. It was a voucher for £60 which we received at Christmas, dated 15/12/2023 with a 3 month validity. However, the place was shut until April (3 months expired) but that was not our fault. We have since discovered that neighbours have dined in it in June, also with a Christmas voucher, and it was accepted. We have been unfairly treated and will not be back.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ulsterandy
Portadown71 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
Service very good, ambience not great, light and airy with high ceilings and roof lights but noisy because of hard floors and no softness on floors or walls. We shared a starter of crab on sourdough toast which was excellent. My wife had a half lobster thermidor served with a salad and crispy chips which was very good. I ordered the pan fried plaice. Well cooked, served on the bone but unfortunately it was drenched in a very tasty sauce which rather did away with the crispy fried fish skin. My wife had chocolate granache served with a coffee foam and vanilla ice cream which she enjoyed. I asked for an espresso coffee but was told that the machine had broken down the previous day!!?? Disappointing for this newly refurbished restaurant.
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MazFigs
Armagh103 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Honestly the best food we have had in quite a while. Every dish was full of flavour, and carefully balanced.
The portion sizes were bigger than we anticipated, so we were very full leaving.
Staff are very attentive and helpful. Claire helped with dish recommendations, and was very polite.
We ate in the bar area, which is nice and relaxed but would like to try the restaurant next time.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David O
26 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
The Bucks Head is always a must for me and Mrs O on our occasional escapes to the beautiful Kingdom of Mourne.
The spring sunshine and warm weather during our most recent midweek break was complimented by the highest standard of hospitality and cuisine in one of our favourite restaurants…something we have come to expect over the years when visiting from Belfast.
A wide ranging and mouthwatering menu never disappoints and at just £33.95 for a 3 course fine dining dinner with the added bonus of a beautiful basket of homemade breads it is excellent value for money.
Highlights for us this time around included a delicious melt in the mouth haddock, cheese and saffron tartlet starter, a special main of truffle and herb crusted hake while for dessert it has to be the ever popular and moreish chocolate fondant with amarena cherries. This was thoughtfully presented on the plate with some sparkle and a happy birthday message piped in chocolate. The perfect finish to a memorable celebratory meal…all washed down with a fine NZ house wine.
Thanks on the night are due to Alan and Josie for such a warm welcome. Already looking forward to our next visit in October!
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
Lisburn4 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
We dined at The Bucks Head on Friday evening and the whole experience was exceptional. From the moment when we arrived and welcomed by Bronagh to when leaving we had such a lovely experience. Out table was opposite the open kitchen and it was fun to see how Alex and his team prepared and served our food which was without doubt exceptional. All of the team from the bar to the restaurant were very attentive and helped to make the evening one to remember. We will be back as soon as we can.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rockmount Reviewer
Northern Ireland19 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Returned to this restaurant to check out the updated menu. We had many excellent meals over recent years but were disappointed during an Easter visit.
We were warmly welcomed and shown to a table in the conservatory which was bright, airy and buzzing with lots of hungry diners.
Having been given our menus, drinks were served promptly. The Guinness was particularly good.
We had prawn salads to begin with - served with Marie Rose dressing, pineapple and chilli and mint salsa. Really good quality and the dressings complemented the delicious and plentiful prawns.
On to the mains and we had the home made Bucks Head burger accompanied with pineapple chutney, mature cheddar, coleslaw and a generous portion of chunky chips. Really tasty and presentation was very good.
Our other main was the seared Irish salmon served with Harrisa spiced cous cous and Orange and Bell pepper relish. Salmon was nicely cooked and all of the accompaniments proved a perfect match.
We had a glass of garnacha and merlot which were a real treat.
Overall a first rate experience - the updated menu and the always excellent service meant an evening to remember.
We will be back shortly to try out the rest of the menu.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KerryCowo
United Kingdom66 contributions
May 2024 • family
We had an absolutely fantastic meal last night, went with my dad and husband. We watched as Alex and the team made all their amazing dishes and every plate was carefully done and only went out of it was perfect. The food was fresh and full of flavour!! The service was amazing and your glass was regularly topped up. Would recommend the Bucks Head to everyone
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom M
43 contributions
May 2022 • couples
I have always wanted to visit this restaurant after seeing all its accolades pinned to the front door and hearing great things about it so after visiting the squid shack nx door. I popped into book a table I’m gonna cut this really short now. Oysters came in their shells cold shell spinach cold I mean fridge cold and tasteless oysters rolled in some sort of curried crumb and were cooked in dirty oil one of my biggest hates. The beef was described as 24 hour slow cooked. It came out like pulled pork shaped into a mould and lukewarm It was dry and horrible. Very poorly decorated. The jus was great tho and full of flavour. The only bonus was the young waiter who was a good crack my wife and I were so disappointed we just paid up and left
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joanF
United Kingdom40 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
My first visit to the Bucks Head with friends from Dublin. Loved the Restaurant and the menu was amazing. I had John Dory and it was cooked to perfection the Cafe de Paris sauce was delicious as was the truffle chips
Had a lovely bottle of Albariño with my meal. Finished with Choux pastry I spoke to Bronagh and said how wonderful the evening was and my friends had a lovely time and enjoyed their meal. We definitely will be back sometime very soon
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAH1958
Hillsborough22 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
A dreary cold Monday lunchtime in South Down and the newest restaurant in the area is open for lunch. My wife and 94 year old father in law had previously enjoyed numerous happy meals in the Bucks Head but were keen to try out the refurbished restaurant under new management and with a new chef (Alex Greene ex of Deane's Eipic).
The outside looked much as before but inside there has been major redecoration in the Bar. Relaxing browns and greens with comfortable seating and a lovely log fire in the stove. The staff are all new and still becoming familiar with the menu but they were all attentive and friendly.
The menu even for lunch is wide ranging. My wife had Baby beets with goats cheese and tomatoes which was apparently delicious . I had a georgeous wild mushroom tartlet with wild garlic and bacon jam while my father in law was very happy with his chicken liver parfait and sourdough. Drinks include non-alcoholic options which was helpful for the driver. Plenty of time between courses for chat and there was a lovely vibe in the room with a number of diners all keen to try out the new arrangements.
Main course included Asparagus on a fine herb risotto and a crispy hens egg (very tasty), Roast Brill with wild garlic, and smoked leeks (delicious) and a sweet cured pork chop (very tasty if a little tough).
All in all a very good lunch experience in an area where Monday catering is otherwise non-existent. We will be back.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare Q
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
The food was gorgeous!! Great portions lovely exciting menu, and priced well. crab was devine, my duck dish I was never going to share, heaven, would have loved more veg though! Great cool buzz about the place. Could nearly say on the noisy side for a restaurant but we loved it! Looking into the open kitchen was great, for a very busy night the service was excellent. Everything we wanted we got, felt really special thankyou for that x
When I booked on line we originally couldn't get booked into the restaurant, so booked the bar (u can still get the restaurant menu) but I put a request in that, if they could find a way to accommodate us into the restaurant that would be amazing.....arrived and they got us into the restaurant! Very good customer service, really pleased! Had drinks in the bar 1st which had very nice decor and then were took on through to the restaurant. Resturant chairs were so comfortable, resturant look lovely!!
If I'm going to have a niggle it would be the cocktail....its all I would choose to drink when out. No cosmopolitan which is shame, would love a lychee martini too butvwas happy to try something new for me. At £11.95 a cocktail, u want them to be consistantly great and the glass full. The french martinis did taste nice but we're inconsistent in taste when we reordered the same cocktails, some rounds were stronger then others and then the glass was half full compaired to the exact same last round. Having said that the margaritas were devine but only 3 sips and gone. But I honestly could have drank them all night, amazing. But they were just abit pricy for what u got...sorry i know im sounding a fussy madam but ,i think our coctail bill was over £100 so we tried a few! Food and service 1st glass. We had a fantastic night with another couple. Can't wait to go back!
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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