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The Anchor Bar Complex

Stay at The Anchor Bar Complex in Portstewart with free Wi-Fi, kid-friendly rooms, bar, bistro, and live music. Near Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

86-87 The Promenade, Portstewart BT55 7AG, United Kingdom View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 1131 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Kid-friendly Restaurant Bar
What recent guests emphasize

Experience lively atmosphere with heartfelt service

Guests appreciate the vibrant bar with live music, hearty meals, and attentive staff, making this venue a favored spot for casual dining and entertainment amidst scenic Northern Ireland surroundings.

Guests often praise

  • The lively bar featuring quality live music without backing tracks.
  • Friendly and attentive staff providing excellent customer care.
  • Hearty, tasty meals served piping hot with good portion sizes.
  • Reasonable prices, especially for pub classics like Steak and Guinness pie.
  • Accommodating service for guests with mobility issues or special needs.

Worth knowing

  • No free parking, air conditioning, or airport shuttle available on site.
  • Live music is a highlight mostly in the bar area rather than the restaurant.
  • Some guests find food prices higher when ordering bar snacks and drinks.
  • Rooms are bright but not air-conditioned, reflecting a casual atmosphere.
  • Not pet-friendly but kid-friendly with smoke-free premises.

Best for

  • Visitors looking for a casual stay close to local golf courses and historic sites.
  • Guests who enjoy live music and a lively social scene in the evenings.
  • Families seeking kid-friendly dining options in a relaxed setting.
  • Travelers wanting a conveniently located base to explore the North Coast.
  • Those valuing warm service and hearty, well-prepared food at fair prices.
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About this property

Welcome to The Anchor Bar Complex

The Anchor Bar Complex is a casual Victorian-style hotel and entertainment venue situated on The Promenade in Portstewart. Guests can enjoy bright, comfortable rooms alongside a lively bar and bistro that regularly features live music. The atmosphere caters well to those looking for a relaxed yet spirited night out, with a mix of hotel, pub, nightclub, and live music venue amenities all under one roof.

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a family-friendly restaurant called Skipper’s Restaurant located within the complex. While the property does not offer air conditioning, parking, or a fitness centre, it is smoke-free and suitable for travelers with children. Check-in starts at 3 PM and check-out is as early as 8 AM, making it convenient for early departures.

Set just a mile from Portstewart Golf Club and Flowerfields Arts Centre, the location is well-suited for visitors interested in exploring local attractions. The iconic Giant's Causeway is roughly 11 miles away, and other notable sites nearby include Dunluce Castle and Royal Portrush Golf Club. Several airports, including Belfast International and City of Derry, are accessible within around an hour's drive.

Guest reviews highlight the friendly service, hearty food, and enjoyable live music as key strengths, though some note that pricing can be on the higher side for bar meals. Many visitors appreciate the welcoming staff and the convenience of having entertainment and dining options in one venue, making it a practical choice for those seeking a lively base in Portstewart.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Free parking
Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

LL
Laura Lee Mar 16, 2026
10

We had a pint and some cider after a day of touring around the North Coast. Very relaxing, caught the end of Crystal Palace/Aston Villa game. We stayed for the live music, so perfect!

J
Jo Mar 15, 2026
10

We came here for dinner on New years Eve, there was lots of space and the staff were very friendly. Portions were a great size and tasty! Everything was piping hot when it came out, never had anything like it. Peppercorn sauce was good. One downside was the garlic potatoes which said garlic fries on the menu so a little misleading but would come here again! I think there was some live music towards midnight but we didn’t stay. Free mints with the receipt too!

AG
Adrian Garner Feb 12, 2026
10

Great bar for a quick bar meal. If I could give 6 stars for the service I would. Lovely pint of Guinness and food hearty and tasty £16 for a Steak and Guinness pie is also great value. Give it a go.

B
bezabump Feb 11, 2026
10

Great place to see great live bands. Keeping it live with no backing tracks too!! (On the occasions I've been there anyway) Staff lovely though I did have a fry and cuppa one day for my and a chum and it came to well over £20! Too dear

C(P
Chris (Golf Pirate) Jan 21, 2026
8.0

Great live music in the bar. I'd skip the food and just drink downstairs nice to have rooms upstairs just incase

SM
shirley mather Jan 19, 2026
10

Were up around the coast and called in for evening meal could not fault it in anyway. It was that good we went back the 2nd evening. Great service all round. Food was excellent. Great price too. Will definitely be back when we are in the area.

LC
Lyn Chambers Dec 30, 2025
10

Went for lunch today in the bar area. As soon the host realised my mum had mobility issues and on oxygen he couldn’t have been more helpful. From advising where to park, finding a suitable table and serving all drinks straight to our table. Mum doesn’t get out much and was so grateful for his care and generosity. Food was excellent and all staff very helpful. Definitely recommend. A big shout out to Chip for all his assistance.

BH
bromley-b hall Dec 23, 2025
10

Absolutely stunning location for golf and relaxation, most beautiful part of northern Ireland yes and the Guinness is a amazing, I hope to be back soon

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Anchor Bar Complex

Portstewart, United Kingdom

This Victorian hotel and night spot is 1 mile from both Portstewart Golf Club and Flowerfields Arts Centre. Giant's Causeway is 11 miles away.

  • Dhu Varren 1 hr 6 Walk
  • Diamond 2 min Walk
  • The Promenade 2 min Walk
  • Belfast International Airport 1 hr 4 Car · 2 hr 15 Transit
  • Belfast City Airport 1 hr 15 Car · 2 hr 31 Transit
  • City of Derry Airport 50 min Car · 1 hr 15 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Dunluce Castle 8,652 reviews

Dunluce Castle

87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY, United Kingdom

4.6 · Castle
Giant's Causeway 28,526 reviews

Giant's Causeway

44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom

4.7 · Nature Preserve
Royal Portrush Golf Club 1,504 reviews

Royal Portrush Golf Club

Dunluce Rd, Portrush BT56 8JQ, United Kingdom

4.7 · Golf Club
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