The Old Post Office, Lisbane

Opened in July 2004, The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, Co Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. Dating back to the I840s, the grade B listed thatched building lay derelict for 14 years until purchased by local husband and wife team Alison and Trevor Smylie. Using the original bog oak beams the building was sympathetically restored by local craftsmen to very high specifications. It was extended to provide ample seating and lots of lovely nooks and crannies oozing character and charm. Apart from the countryside setting… and the friendly service… they have an excellent food and beverages service with everything cooked and prepared on-site. The Old Post Office has a breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menu providing good natural food made from locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients. It is The Old Post Office’s ‘Pantry‘ which is one of it’s biggest attractions, stocking a wide selection of fresh salads and delicious baked tarts, biscuits, gateau, cakes, tray bakes and hand made chocolates to buy, take away and enjoy at home. Though an already popular stop-off for locals and visitors to North Down, The Old Post Office’s story has, to date, been quietly told. Husband and wife team, Alison and Trevor Smylie, are starting to build a reputation across the water, judging by their inclusion in recent articles in the UK national magazines: Womans Weekly and Country Living. Country Living listed The Old Post Office in their ‘UK’s top 25 tea rooms’ and noted that: “Making the most of local produce, owner Alison Smylie and her pastry chef husband, Trevor are a dream team”. Alison and Trevor have worked hard to establish ‘The Old Post Office‘ as a haven of calm – an oasis of fine food and drink. And it is an oasis easily reached, sitting as it does on the Strangford Lough Road halfway between Comber to Downpatrick. The perfect destination on a day out with family, or for a business meeting or a private party.