The Hillside

Restaurant

Gastronomes will be delighted with the our mouth-watering seasonal menu, which is complemented by a comprehensive selection of daily specials. The  Head Chef always endeavours to make the most of the wonderful local produce we have so abundantly available in the County Down locale.

Menus found HERE!

Bar

The Hillside bar is renowned for its warm welcome and cosy interior. Enjoy a drink in front of our roaring fire and spend an afternoon relaxing with friends and family.

In the warm summer days come an enjoy our beautiful cobbled beer garden with a drink of your choice from our extensive drinks menu. The Hillside serves real pump ales, craft beers and ciders along with extensive whiskey and gin lists.

Teamed with an excellent drinks selection and weekly entertainment – The Hillside is the perfect destination for any social occasion!

History

The pub has been called The Hillside all throughout its history having been established in 1752, making it Hillsborough’s oldest pub.  There are drawings of the pub from the 1770s which show it marked as “The Hillside”.

Until 1863 the ownership of the pub is unclear, but it was primarily opened to serve farmers and village men. In 1863, the ownership of the pub becomes clearer when it was bought by Richard Heenan, who was a shopkeeper before becoming the landlord of the Hillside.  It would stay in the Heenan family for almost 100 years and despite being officially called The Hillside, most regulars would simply refer to the pub as ‘Heenan’s

In 1989 Diane and Jimmy shields purchased the pub specifically so that it wouldn’t become a brewery-owned pub.  They added the restaurant in 1996. Since this time the pub has changed hands quite a few times, with the Carmichael family owning the pub between 2001 and 2006 and it is now owned by the Beannchor Group who own the Merchant Hotel and many other pubs in Belfast.

Special Events

The Hillside welcomes families, couples and large groups alike – the elegant private room accommodates up to 50 people and can be tailored to the specific requirements of your event – whether that be menus or entertainment!