New life breathed into North Irish Horse

Ballymoney woman Mandy Graham is the new proprietor of the business which has been nestled at the centre of the community for decades.

Mandy takes the reins armed with over 22 years experience in the business and is a familiar face around north Antrim following lengthy stints working in Joeys Bar and the Imperial Bar in Ballymoney.

While Mandy appreciates the heritage and history of the North Irish Horse, she felt it was important to breathe new life into the bar.

As a result the bar has undergone a substantial revamp in recent weeks - the crown jewel of the new additions being Mando's Bar of Legends.

The walls of the snug are bedecked with pencil sketches of legendary local figures as well as those from further afield.

Among the stars featured are Joey and Robert Dunlop, Jimi Hendrix and Kirk Cobain.

The pictures are sketched by local artist Robert Mooney.

And the Bar of Legends will evolve as time passes, Mandy said she will welcome suggestions from punters wishing to see their heroes on the walls.

Another exciting addition to the North Irish Horse is the extensive range of new cocktails - a number of which are named after locals.

And they can be enjoyed while taking part in or simply watching on while the new karaoke machine belts out one of 4,500 tunes from its vast catalogue.

The array of cocktails and more traditional drinks compliment a varied food menu, available all day long.

With a scorching summer predicted by experts, the North Irish Horse is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing drink in its revamped beer garden.

Mandy said she has been delighted with the response of the local community since she took over the bar.

"Dervock is only a small village but the support has been great," said Mandy.

"The bar is so important to the community and I'm confident the fantastic support we have received so far will continue.

"Our prices are extremely competitive and that combined with the facilities and entertainment on offer is unparalled.

"We are so excited and really looking forward to the future."

The grand re-opening of the North Irish Horse takes place this Saturday (29) with Gary Dee getting proceedings under way from 7pm.

Gary will be followed by the sensational Phoenix Rising at 10.30pm who will be belting out hits from the past as well as glam tunes.

Admission is just 5 and everyone is welcome.

On Sunday 30 May, a barbecue will take place from 2pm until 6pm.

For more information contact 028 2074 1205 or 07849 596 567.

The North Irish Horse complex houses a private barbecue area and beer garden, large function room, the Troopers Bar, spacious court yard for open air events and Mando's Bar. All are available for private bookings. The North Irish Horse is situated at 15 Carncullagh Road, Dervock.