Culloden Estate & Spa

Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland

Belfast is a buzzy place. Culloden Estate and Spa gives you the option of being very close to all this vibrant city has to offer, whilst nestling you in the peace and quiet of private grounds. It’s easy to settle into the grand style of living here. The majestic surroundings of this former Bishop’s residence make for one very comfortable stay. No wonder it’s been chosen by many a famous face – Tony Blair, Sir Richard Attenborough, Bono, Ronan Keating, Westlife, David Beckham and the English football team, the Irish Rugby team and the French soccer team have all made this home when travelling.

Culloden was built in 1876 by Mr William Auchinleck Robinson, a former MP. He imported Scottish stone to build the castle-like structure. When he died in 1884, the property was conveyed by his widow to the Church of Ireland. At the close of the 19th Century, it became the official residence of the Bishop of the Diocese, and took on the name of Bishop’s Palace. The Bishop of Down, Dromore and Connor took up residence in 1998. In consequent years, it’s thought there are at least three or four Bishops who enjoyed the house as their home. In the 1920’s the house was sold by the church to private owners. It became a hotel in 1962 under the mantel of Mr Rutledge White. The sixties saw a change of ownership again, in the form of Sir William Hastings of the Hastings group. Under his guidance, the eleven bedrooms of the original hotel have been added to significantly. New wings built in the same stone as the original house have added size, while major refurbishment lends luxury. Today, old and new have melded into a very serious high end accommodation experience for those seeking comfort and superlative service.

Holywood is a suburb six kilometres outside Belfast, and the hotel is on the main quiet road leading out from here. Culloden’s high ground ensures good views toward the city and docks area. You’ll approach the hotel through its pillared gateway, and crunch up the gravel to the arched entrance. Here a Concierge is always at the ready to help with unloading bags. Once you’re checked in, you can retire straight away to your very comfortable room, or chill out first in the lovely sitting room with a cup of tea or coffee and a homemade tray bake on the side, and enjoy glimpsing the view through original windows. Through the entrance hall and lobby lays the bar, located in the original chapel built for the Bishops. The original chapel ceiling and paintings are still here, and the cosy log fire in the hearth adds a homely touch to such reverent surroundings! Off the entrance to the original house, extensions have made room for another guest lounge and open plan conservatory area leading into the Mitre restaurant, from whence the Bishop’s statue oversees proceedings. The Culloden staff reckon he keeps an eye on them – but we don’t think he has anything to worry about there. The service here is impeccable throughout, from the moment you arrive. General Manager Stephen Meldrum heads the way, and his team benefit from a leadership of excellence.

Rooms here at Culloden have the same touch of thoughtfulness which went into the extension and renovation of the old house. There are 105 bedrooms here these days, all offering total comfort and luxury. Standard rooms leave nothing to be desired in the comfort stakes. The suites are magnificent – our Muirfield Suite was a haven of restfulness. Muted sea green colours are calming and tranquil. The king sized bed is a playground for dreams. Rich fabrics and upholstery add a touch of colour to the décor here.  Plenty of room too for entertaining in this suite with a full sized dining table and chairs and separate sitting area with modern built in log fire and sofas. A big bathroom with oval bath and walk in shower with sundial head means you can either soak away your cares in the evening before dinner, or invigorate yourself ready for the day. There are other suites to choose from too – each with their own individuality in décor and layout. All rooms have plasma screen tv and tea and coffee making facilities, as well as comforting additions like bathrobes and slippers and important toiletries in case you forget yours. This is five star luxury at its best and we reckon it’s hard to beat.

Of course, we’re all about good food at Good Food Ireland! So we must get round to mentioning that. If it’s fine dining you’re into – look no further than the Mitre Restaurant, presided over by Head Chef Paul McKnight. The Mitre is considered one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland, and it’s not difficult to see why when you enjoy a meal here. All Hastings hotels have made serious commitment in recent years to use specially selected local suppliers as the mainstay of produce. Meats include local rare breed pork, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Dexter, Charolais and Limousine beef from local herds, and tender succulent Dorset lamb reared in the hills of the north. Finnebrogue venison and Clandeboy pigeon will please game lovers, while free range chicken from a County Down farm is also superb. Find fish aplenty too – wonderful mussels from Strangford, Smoked Salmon from Bangor, Portavogie prawns and Kilkeel Scampi. Tie it all together with some serious cooking skills and original flair and we think you’ll agree you have a feast to anticipate. The chef has been here many years, changing his style with each new wave of cuisine trend. We think he’s hit a high note now, combining quality local produce with a contemporary way of cooking and presentation. Food here looks like a work of art – with all the tastes and textures to be a masterpiece on the palate. Dining is treated like theatre at the Mitre. The menu is presented in such style – The Opening Act lists an array of first courses, preceeded though by the tempting Amuse Guele plate which comes with your pre-dinner drinks taken in the drawing room. Ours was a delightful selection of Fivemiletown Goat’s cheese with crispy Pancetta and pea shoots, a wafer thin slice of rare roast beef and horseradish on toast, and smoked salmon on Guinness bread and a shot glass of sensuous chicken parfait with cranberry, all presented on a silver salver. While you enjoy this you can browse the menu for starters and mains. We chose the Culloden Tian of Avocado and Portavgoie Prawns with a horseradish and tomato ketchup – meaty prawns and buttery avocado pieces – light in its flavours and inspirational on the taste buds with its spicy sweet sauce. We could easily have fallen for the Clandeboye Wood Pigeon Breast with Beetroot and Orange Salad and Walnut Vinaigrette, or the juicy seared Strangford Scallops with Black Pudding, Spiced Armagh Apple and Curry Oil. You’ll see what we mean – the chef here uses his extensive experience and imagination to create eclectic combinations that really work.

For main we highly recommend the meaty Crossgar Aberdeen Angus Fillet of Beef with Coriander and Chilli Butter, Cumin Pomme Puree and Sesame Ginger Pak Choi. You might like the Fineebrogue Venison Wellington if it’s on the menu – it comes with hot and sour red cabbage and plums with star anise. Of course the menu is seasonal here too, and dependent on availability of ingredient so it’s ever changing to reflect the time of year. Desserts are all made in house and you’ll struggle to choose. But you can sit back, enjoy the sophisticated ambience in this lovely room which looks out over the gardens and beyond to Belfast Lough, pour another glass of wine and peruse. Speaking of wine – naturally you’d expect a list that compliments all the dishes here in classic way. Lots of big reds support the meat dishes, while elegant whites are perfect for lighter courses and all that gorgeous fish.

The Mitre restaurant is also the venue for Culloden’s mighty country house breakfast each morning. A meander through the buffet reveals jugs of morning juices and the famous tureen of fresh porridge served with cream and Bushmill’s whiskey on the side. Find natural yogurt from the Clandeboye estate, with the estate handmade Granola and Muesli, house fruit compotes and dried fruits, a selection of other cereals, sliced salamis, Belfast Ham and Irish cheeses, pastries and breads, including Irwin’s Guinness Bread and soda breads. A hot buffet breakfast has scrambled and fried eggs, Honey B sausages, Moyallen dry cure back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and golden potato farls which are traditional in this neck of the woods. You won’t go away hungry, that’s for sure!

If you fancy relaxing, no better place than the spa downstairs. This is open to residents and also has an outside membership. A conservatory style pool is great for adults and kids. A marble steam room and Jacuzzi help cleans the body and spirit, you can work out in the fitness suite with cardio-theatre and dance studio, then cool off with a fresh smoothie from the Zest Juice Bar. Highly acclaimed Espa beauty products are used in the treatment rooms. Facials, massages and body treatments are all here, conducted in tranquil surroundings lit by flickering candles and bathed in soothing music. Non-residents can also book treatments, or avail of the special rate stay and unwind spa packages and day spa treatments.

Banqueting facilities here provide the ultimate for weddings. A wedding planner is on hand to co-ordinate the day, and room choices include small and intimate or grander surroundings for larger weddings. All facilities are bookable for other celebrations and black tie events too. All in all, we think Culloden Estate and Spa has it all – a glimpse of years gone by brought right up to date with service, great food and no expense spared luxury. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Follow Culloden Estate & Spa on  Facebook >>>

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

142 Bangor Road
Holywood
Belfast
BT 18 OEX
+44 (0) 28 9041066
Email: guest@cull.hastingshotel.com
Web: www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa

 

Print this page »

Map and Directions »

 

Facilities