Eat ‘til your heart’s content at Balloo House and Overwood this Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day draws closer, Balloo House and its sleek new first floor restaurant, Overwood have unveiled the mouth-watering and amorous dishes that will be on offer for Valentine’s weekend, perfect for treating that loved one in your life.

New to Balloo in 2019, Overwood restaurant was recently named “Most Atmospheric Restaurant” in Ireland at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards. With a romantic tented terrace featuring a contemporary glass fire pit and blankets to get snug under, it is a cosy and romantic spot to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails. Inside, an open fire greets you at the bar while in the beautiful chandeliered dining room, you can indulge in salt-chamber aged steaks and fresh seafood grilled over hot coals and wood.

This Valentine’s weekend, the award-winning Mill Bay Oysters, named one of the top 50 foods in the world, could be perfect way to kick off a romantic evening at Overwood. It’s no secret that oysters are an aphrodisiac (to get technical for a second, the ocean-dwelling molluscs contain amino acids, which trigger the production of the Oxytocin hormone). Science aside, oysters have come to represent the sensual and luxurious. At Overwood they are served in the classic Rockefeller style or with Seaweed Hot Sauce.

Meanwhile, downstairs at Balloo House there will be a special Valentine’s Menu featuring a choice of 3 courses for £30. A cosy country pub with charming and historic atmosphere, Balloo House is well known for its great variety of local seafood and fresh seasonal produce and is the only pub in Northern Ireland to be awarded the coveted MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, recognising excellent cooking at affordable prices.

Jennie Sweeney, Marketing Director of Balloo House and Overwood comments;

“If you are looking for an atmospheric, romantic setting this Valentine’s weekend, both Balloo House and the upstairs restaurant Overwood won’t disappoint. Always popular with foodie Valentines, we have the world’s best oysters, great champagne and wine from local merchant JN Wine.

There are a lot of sharing options including our oysters, succulent wood-roast fish on the bone and a fantastic salt aged cote de boeuf for two, not to mention the desserts and dainty macarons freshly made by our pastry chefs. We are also fortunate to have several beautiful luxury B&B’s in our beautiful area around Strangford Lough, for any couple wishing to make a weekend of it.”

Overwood restaurant is open for dining Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 9.30pm, Sunday 12-4pm and is also available for private dining and events. Pub dining downstairs in Balloo House is open every day from noon to 9pm. For reservations call 028 9754 1210 or visit ballooinns.com.