Iconic tourist café closes after 10 years in business
A Co Antrim café is to close after a decade in business, serving tourists and even stars from Game Of Thrones and Harry Potter.
Writing on Facebook, the owners of The Red Door Tea Room in Ballintoy, Joann and Nigel McGarrity, said: “From the bottom of our hearts, we as a family want to extend our gratitude and thanks to our amazing staff that helped us on our journey over the years.
“Without each and every one of you, The Red Door Tea Room could not have happened. We laughed and we cried together, thank you so much, we love you all! To all of our loyal customers and our passing through visitors, THANK YOU for your support over the last ten plus years.
“THANK YOU to all of the people in Ballintoy who welcomed us into your community, we were blessed to be working in such an amazing place.
“So to finish, it is with a heavy heart that we are signing off. Gone but hopefully not forgotten and don’t forget you can always visit us at The Salthouse Hotel.
“Lots of love, Joann, Nigel, Carl & Emma. In loving memory of my Mum, better known to everyone as ‘Granny’.”
Cast and crew members from Game of Thrones would often eat there too during the hit show’s filming at the limestone cliffs and sea cave at Larrybane Bay.
The picture postcard cottage tea room boasted a “traditional Irish experience” and a roaring turf fire where customers and their dogs could warm themselves.
The owners are now moving to work at Ballycastle’s Salthouse Hotel, which recently announced that it is to expand with a £3.5m cash injection, adding a new restaurant and a range of eco cottages.
