Antrim: The Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen to open at The Junction bringing more than 45 jobs
A new restaurant is to open at the Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim following an investment of £150,000.
More than 45 new jobs is being created with the opening of the Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen at the former Jakes Cocktail Bar and Grill.
Due to open its doors in mid-November 2024, the new restaurant will breathe new life into the building.
Many of the positions will be filled by former employees of Jakes, who faced uncertainty following its sudden closure in summer 2024.
Owned and operated by Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin, The Stone Hound will join an impressive portfolio that includes Antrim’s thriving The Boat House, which celebrates its successful first year of trading this month, as well as Kraken Fish and Chips in Portrush and the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.
Sean McLaughlin expressed his excitement about the project.
“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 Stone Hound will welcome up to 120 guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a private hire space upstairs and a welcoming beer garden. The bar area will be dog-friendly and will serve a gastro pub style menu crafted from flavours around Ireland and beyond.
The premises are named in tribute to the legendary tale of Lady Marian and the Wolfhound, commemorated by a stone monument in Antrim Castle Gardens.
Chris Flynn, centre director of The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, said: “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. We’re eagerly anticipating its opening next month."