Celebration time at Newforge House, John Mathers has announced it’s gin o’clock! Why is this so? The house is marking a decade in business on the 11th May 2015, by hosting a feast of Ulster food,  drink and hosptality.

John and his wife Lou have been at the helm of Newforge House since 2005 – one of many generations of the family to own and live in this beautiful country house.  John says “I can’t believe it has been 10 years – it has gone in the blink of an eye. I am very proud of what we have achieved in those years. Thanks to a really strong small team and fantastic local producers Newforge House has won many fabulous awards and recognition from food and travel writers. Most important to us are the valued comments and repeat visits from guests. Newforge is a special place and we hope to help guests create special memories during their stay.”

To mark this milestone anniversary,  John will cook some of the local produce that features in the daily changing menu. Food will include: salt aged beef from Peter Hannan’s Himalayan Salt Chamber in Moira; Young Buck Raw Milk Blue Cheese from Mike’s Fancy Cheese Company in Newtonards; Cavanbert Raw Milk Cheese from Corleggy, Co. Cavan; and Walter Ewing’s Smoked Salmon.  He’s a fantastic self taught cook – his sensitive approach to all these wonderful ingredients produces nothing less than pure genius on the plate.  The lucky food and travel writers and bloggers who will be in attendance have a treat in store. A welcome aperitif of Elderflower Gin and Tonic will be served, using gin from award winning  Northern Irish Shortcross Gin and Newforge homemade elderflower cordial and designer ice cubes created  with home grown borage and tonic water. McGrath’s craft beer, from Clanconnel Brewing Co., in the neighbouring village of Waringstown will also be served.