We tried a retro style Sunday lunch at Carnlough's Harbourview Hotel - formerly the Londonderry Arms - and fell in love again with old favourites like egg mayonnaise and jam roly-poly

The new owners of this historic hotel - which dates back to 1848 - have started a complete refurbishment as they prepare to open a new chapter in hospitality on the Antrim coast.

Their decision to change the hotel's name to The Harbourview is certainly one that has got people talking.

But whether people want to adopt the new name or hold on to The Derry or The Londonderry Arms, they can't fail to be impressed with the extensive efforts that have already been made to retain the best of standards enjoyed while the hotel was owned for the best part of 80 years by the O'Neill family.

The hotel is now closed while the refurbishments are carried out. However, its tastefully decorated restaurant, complete with newly-discovered terrazzo floor which had been hidden under carpet for decades, is now open for Sunday lunch.

We went along to sample the new menu and found it had been kept delightfully simple, with the emphasis on great quality ingredients prepared in traditional style.

There's a distinct 70s feel to what's on offer and I have to say it was refreshingly different in a comforting sort of way. There was nothing gimmicky about it, just the sort of good honest Sunday lunch everyone should enjoy.

To begin with, I opted for the prawn cocktail while my dining companion went for egg mayonnaise and they were both absolutely delicious, especially when enjoyed with the ample basket of morish homemade wheaten bread. The other starter choices were vegetable broth and chicken liver pate, both of which were served with that old favourite accompaniment, melba toast.

The main course options were equally uncomplicated - Glenarm Shorthorn sirloin of beef; turkey, ham and stuffing; pan seared salmon; leg of lamb or a nut roast. All meals are served with homemade creamed potatoes, duck fat roasties, caramelised carrots, creamy leeks, peas and Yorkshire pudding.

There's the choice of Limavady whiskey sauce, peppercorn sauce, gravy or white wine sauce.

I went for the beef and whiskey sauce and it was absolutely delicious, with everything on the plate cooked to perfection.

My companion's choice of turkey, ham and stuffing was equally well received. He went for peppercorn sauce, which I have to say tasted very good, and there was also cranberry sauce available.

We really enjoyed our delicious and very generous platefuls of good old-fashioned Sunday lunch fare, and remarked how by keeping things simple it made for a thoroughly relaxed, no-fuss dining experience.

Of course the plans to skip dessert went out the window when we saw the options were equally retro - Black Forest gateau, jam roly-poly with custard or peach melba with ice cream.

I was slightly concerned my choice of Black Forest gateau would be a little heavy after such a large main course, but found it to be delightfully light, moist and served with just the right amount of fresh cream. My companion didn't have to think too long to plump for the jam roly-poly and said he was more than happy with his choice.

While the meal in itself was outstandingly tasty, the friendly and helpful staff really added to the enjoyment of the lunch experience. From the minute we arrived they made sure we were comfortable, had everything we wanted and more importantly, were genuinely interested in making sure we had a great time. Nothing was too much trouble for them and it made our lunch even more enjoyable.

It was also lovely to hear staff and customers chatting enthusiastically about the refurbishments and there’s no doubt, as the months roll by, more and more satisfied diners will make firm plans to revisit to see the plans come to life.