Antrim restaurant gets new 'leash' of life

JUST months after it closed down, the former Jake’s Cocktail Bar and Grill at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park will re-open as The Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen, in an £150k investment, creating over 45 jobs.

Due to open its doors in mid-November many of these positions will be filled by former employees of Jakes’, who faced uncertainty following its sudden closure in summer 2024.

After also stepping into the breach when The Boathouse at Antrim loughshore also closed suddenly just over a year ago, Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin have now added a second Antrim eaterie to their portfolio, which also includes Kraken Fish and Chips in Portrush and the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.

The new restaurant is named in tribute to the legendary tale of Lady Marian and the Wolfhound, commemorated by a stone monument in Antrim Castle Gardens.

Sean McLaughlin, who worked in the same building two decades ago, said: “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 this restaurant almost 20 years ago and am thrilled to revive it with the Stone Hound Public House & Kitchen.”

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.

Chris Flynn, Director of The Junction added: “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.”