Established in February 1967 by Sean and Ann Agnew, Ann's Pantry was originally going to be called The Country Bakery before being named instead after its co-owner - something Ann only discovered on opening day, according to daughter and current owner, Helen Porter. Originally launched as a standalone bakery, Ann's Pantry grew to include a café, and at one point in the 1990s, the business had sites in Queen's Arcade, Carrick, and another in Larne. Ann's Pantry moved in 1985 to its current site on Main Street, winning upwards of 60 Great Taste Awards over the years. After Covid, the café reverted back to a bakery, where its traditional recipes, like Guinness wheaten and soda farls still prove popular today. Pictured above is the Main Street premises and some of the staff in the late 1980s.placeholder image
Established in February 1967 by Sean and Ann Agnew, Ann's Pantry was originally going to be called The Country Bakery before being named instead after its co-owner - something Ann only discovered on opening day, according to daughter and current owner, Helen Porter. Originally launched as a standalone bakery, Ann's Pantry grew to include a café, and at one point in the 1990s, the business had sites in Queen's Arcade, Carrick, and another in Larne. Ann's Pantry moved in 1985 to its current site on Main Street, winning upwards of 60 Great Taste Awards over the years. After Covid, the café reverted back to a bakery, where its traditional recipes, like Guinness wheaten and soda farls still prove popular today. Pictured above is the Main Street premises and some of the staff in the late 1980s.

11 of Larne's oldest businesses that have stood the test of time

By Helena McManus
Published 15th Oct 2024, 16:33 GMT
Updated 16th Oct 2024, 17:00 GMT

Larne’s retail, trade and hospitality offering is ever-changing, but some businesses have stood the test of time and lasted through the decades.

Residents previously told us how they fondly remember the establishments that have come and gone, but this time, we identified some of the Larne area’s longest-lasting businesses that are still holding their own today – are there any that we’ve missed?

The Olderfleet Bar and Lounge began life as The Olderfleet Hotel in 1878 when it was constructed for sea travellers next to the harbour, according to the establishment's website. The hotel was later demolished and replaced with a public house.

5. The Olderfleet Bar and Lounge, Fleet Street

The Olderfleet Bar and Lounge began life as The Olderfleet Hotel in 1878 when it was constructed for sea travellers next to the harbour, according to the establishment's website. The hotel was later demolished and replaced with a public house. Photo: Google

Founded in 1975, the Curran Court Hotel was initially based at Curran Road. It moved to new purpose-built premises at Redlands Road in 2008, with the old premises (pictured right in August of that year) now demolished. In April 2017, the hotel was purchased by Claire and Brian McRandal.

6. Curran Court Hotel, Redlands Road

Founded in 1975, the Curran Court Hotel was initially based at Curran Road. It moved to new purpose-built premises at Redlands Road in 2008, with the old premises (pictured right in August of that year) now demolished. In April 2017, the hotel was purchased by Claire and Brian McRandal. Photo: Google

Rea Brothers was started in 1979 by brothers Alex and Jim Rea, providing engineering services to local businesses and the marine industry. The company was then owned by Alex’s son Irvine, and is now in its third generation with Irvine’s son Warren the owner, working along side his wife Sarah and brother Mark. Rea Brothers Engineering has been in operation for 45 years and continues to thrive with many customers throughout the UK and Ireland. It is based in Unit 10 Curran Business Park, Portland Road, Larne.

7. Rea Brothers Engineering, Curran Business Park

Rea Brothers was started in 1979 by brothers Alex and Jim Rea, providing engineering services to local businesses and the marine industry. The company was then owned by Alex’s son Irvine, and is now in its third generation with Irvine’s son Warren the owner, working along side his wife Sarah and brother Mark. Rea Brothers Engineering has been in operation for 45 years and continues to thrive with many customers throughout the UK and Ireland. It is based in Unit 10 Curran Business Park, Portland Road, Larne. Photo: Warren Rea

Steeped in history, Ballygally Castle itself was completed in 1625 by James Shaw. After centuries of private ownership, it was transformed into the Candlelight Inn in the 1950s by textile millionaire Cyril Lord, and later bought over by the Hastings Hotels Group in 1966. The venue for many a formal event, the hotel has seen various extensions and renovations over the years.

8. Ballygally Castle Hotel, Coast Road, Ballygally

Steeped in history, Ballygally Castle itself was completed in 1625 by James Shaw. After centuries of private ownership, it was transformed into the Candlelight Inn in the 1950s by textile millionaire Cyril Lord, and later bought over by the Hastings Hotels Group in 1966. The venue for many a formal event, the hotel has seen various extensions and renovations over the years. Photo: Google

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