Sweeney's V Rivals

I have lost count of the number of publicans who have "had a go" at running Sweeney's bar in Portballintrae, County Antrim. There is no question that the premises have great potential.

As I opined a few months ago, all it needs is some enterprising person with an excellent, imaginative chef and the Midas Touch. The premises themselves, an old coach-house, are charming and full of character.

I had a snack at the Smuggler's Inn, near the Giant's Causeway last night; thence motored back to the Port, where I took the little netbook into the Bay View Hotel for a tonic at the bar.

Be in no doubt: The Bay View has become the established emporium for food and drink in Portballintrae, not to mention accommodation.

It boasts generally a nice, buzzing "in" crowd; families are welcome; even last night there was a peat fire blazing in the bar; they have a decent range of drinks, including Tanqueray gin; it seems to be well run.

I could go on; however, dear readers, you get the drift.

And yet I still prefer the ambiance of the Bushmills Inn, despite my recent criticism of its restaurant. I don't find anything special about the Bay View's menu, other than standard fare; though if that's what the "punters" want, who am I to take exception?

The Bay View was thriving, as usual, last night. To my mind, Sweeney's needs to become more exclusive, or "upmarket", and provide more of a gourmet menu; or transform itself into a so-called gastro-pub. The menu must be selective, with prime Ulster seafood, game and beef; seasonal vegetables from local farmers; home-made chips of an appropriate variety; and good, hearty, classic puddings.

They must offer fine wines, spirits and cuisine , yet remain a lounge-bar for those who simply wish to have a drink. The standard pub fare of burgers and chips isn't adequate enough to beat the rivals.