The Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen set to open at The Junction, Antrim

Antrim is gearing up for the highly anticipated opening of The Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen, set to take over the former Jake’s Cocktail Bar and Grill at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park. With a significant investment of £150,000 and the creation of over 45 jobs, this new establishment is set to bring fresh energy to the heart of Antrim.

Scheduled to open in mid-November 2024, The Stone Hound will revive a cherished restaurant space that had become a local favorite before Jake’s sudden closure in the summer of 2024. In a move of community support, many of the new roles will be filled by former employees of Jake’s, offering them a chance to return to familiar surroundings with an exciting new vision.

Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin, the owners and operators of The Stone Hound, bring extensive experience from their successful ventures, including the much-loved The Boat House in Antrim, which just celebrated its first anniversary, Kraken Fish and Chips in Portrush, and The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.

Sean McLaughlin shared his enthusiasm about the new venture, stating:
“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.”

The pub and kitchen will offer an impressive dining experience, seating up to 120 guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space will also include a private hire area upstairs and a cozy beer garden, adding to its appeal. Additionally, the bar will be dog-friendly, featuring a gastro-pub-style menu inspired by flavours from across Ireland and beyond.

Named after the legendary tale of Lady Marian and the Wolfhound, commemorated by a stone monument in Antrim Castle Gardens, The Stone Hound aims to honour local heritage while establishing itself as a vibrant new destination. It is expected to attract not only Antrim locals but also visitors to The Junction, which continues to thrive as a retail and leisure hub.

Chris Flynn, Centre Director at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, echoed the excitement surrounding the project, saying:
“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.”

As the opening date approaches, anticipation continues to build. With its prime location, rich culinary offerings, and nod to local history, The Stone Hound promises to be a remarkable addition to Antrim’s growing food scene. Keep an eye on their social media for updates on bookings, and for those interested in joining the team, CVs can be sent to info@thestonehound.co.uk.