New pub and restaurant to open after £150k investment at NI shopping outlet

The Stone Hound Public House and Kitchen is due to launch in mid-November at Junction retail and leisure park, five months after the previous tenants ceased trading.

The building previously housed Jakes Cocktail Bar & Grill which closed in the summer after six years of trading, citing financial pressures.

It’s sister restaurant, Moes Bar and Grill, which is also in the shopping centre, remained open with “some” Jakes Cocktail Bar and Grill staff transferring to the spot.

The new operators behind the Stone Hound say that “many” of the over 45 new jobs will be given to former staff of the bar.

The £150,000 investment is the latest addition to Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin’s portfolio.

Just over a year ago, they announced they would be reopening The Boat House restaurant at the Gateway complex at Antrim Lough Shore.

The couple also own the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, which they acquired in 2016.

Sean McLaughlin said: “Taking over this iconic building, with our exciting new offering really is a dream come true. I have very happy memories from my days managing the restaurant almost 20 years ago and am thrilled to revive it with the Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen.

“Our goal is to offer a unique dining experience, using the best, locally sourced ingredients while supporting and servicing the Antrim community and beyond.”

Chris Flynn, centre director at Junction, said: “We’re thrilled to see the exciting plans for The Stone Hound Public House and Kitchen come to life.

“Antrim is a vibrant and growing town, and The Junction has truly evolved into a major hub for both shoppers and visitors, thanks to the significant investment in recent years.

“We welcome thousands of visitors every week, and we’re confident that The Stone Hound will be a fantastic addition to our already strong offering, bringing even more variety and a great dining experience. We’re eagerly anticipating its opening next month.”

The new pub and restaurant will seat 120 guests and offer service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There’s a canine theme for the new eatery, which is named in honour of the statue of Lady Marian and the wolfhound in Antrim Castle Gardens. Dogs will be welcome alongside their owners in the pub.