Business Details
37 Years
experience
Award-Winning Caf & Restaurant in Holywood
Established in 1989, The Bay Tree has become a cherished culinary destination in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Our journey began with Sue Farmer's visionary approach to caf culture, introducing now-iconic cinnamon scones that remain a signature offering. Recognised as Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland by Which? Magazine in 2009, we've maintained our position in The Good Food Guide for over a decade, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. Our menu blends traditional favourites with imaginative dishes, crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Friday Night Dinners create a unique 'secret dinner club' atmosphere, while our catering service extends our culinary expertise to private events.With two dedicated spaces - our wildflower courtyard and thoughtfully spaced interior - we prioritise comfort without compromising our standards. Our team combines creativity with professionalism, ensuring every dish reflects our philosophy of care and enjoyment. As Northern Ireland's sole representative in The Good Food Guide, we continue evolving while maintaining the authenticity that earned our loyal following. The 'Bake at Home' cinnamon scones allow customers to recreate our signature treat, complete with detailed cooking instructions. Through three decades of operation, we've balanced consistency with innovation, maintaining Sue Farmer's original vision while embracing contemporary culinary trends.
Services
Breakfast
Lunch
Friday Night Dinners
Catering
Private Hire
Gift Vouchers
Gluten-Free Options
Takeaway
Event Hosting
Bake at Home Scones
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of culinary excellence in Holywood
- Award-winning menu featuring signature cinnamon scones
- Gluten-free and dietary-adapted dishes available
- Private catering and event hosting options
- Recognized in The Good Food Guide for over a decade
Associations and certifications
- Which? Magazine
- The Good Food Guide
- McKennas Guides
- Observer Food Awards
What people say
Best lunch in town
Award-winning
Welcoming atmosphere
Cinnamon scones
Diverse menus
Services
Friday Night Dinners
Our exclusive Friday Night Dinners create a unique 'secret dinner club' atmosphere. Featuring specially curated menus with weekly specials, this service offers an elevated dining experience beyond our regular offerings. Guests enjoy a carefully designed menu that showcases our culinary creativity in an intimate setting.
Catering
We provide tailored catering solutions for private events and celebrations. Our menu features hearty mains and desserts suitable for group dining, with options for collection. Minimum 6 portions per dish and 48 hours notice ensures perfect preparation for your event.
Breakfast
Served daily with special Sunday all-day service. Our breakfast menu combines traditional favourites with creative twists, using fresh local ingredients. Available from 9am Monday-Saturday and 10am Sunday in our spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Gluten-Free Options
We offer comprehensive gluten-free adaptations across our menu. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, with clear labelling (GF) for easy identification. Our kitchen team can modify non-GF dishes to accommodate dietary requirements without compromising quality.
Bake at Home Scones
Our signature cinnamon scones available for home baking. Pre-prepared and frozen, they come with detailed cooking instructions for perfect results. Ideal for recreating our famous treat at home, with packaging designed for easy preparation.
Questions
What is The Bay Tree known for?
We're renowned for our cinnamon scones, award-winning menus, and unique Friday Night Dinners. Recognised in The Good Food Guide since 2009, we combine traditional recipes with creative dishes using local ingredients.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide catering for events with options from our specially designed menu. Minimum 6 portions per dish and 48 hours notice required. Available for collection with clear dietary adaptations.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, many dishes are gluten-free (marked GF) and we can adapt others. Our kitchen team ensures dietary requirements are met without compromising quality or taste.
What are your opening hours?
Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 10am-3pm. Friday Night Dinners available monthly from 5pm. No daytime bookings required except for Friday evenings.
Can I buy gift vouchers?
Yes, visit shop.baytreeholywood.co.uk to purchase custom-value vouchers. Physical vouchers will be posted to you for convenient gifting.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Michelle Hill
Jan 25, 2022
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Seafood chowder should be renamed to sweetcorn chowder, consisted of mainly sweetcorn. Coffee lacked depth of flavour, was quite watery. We had to ask for water 3 times. I had been eager to try this place for a while and I was disappointed.
Angela Love
Jan 05, 2022
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Great spot for coffee and one of the famous cinnamon scones! As these are licenced premises, don't forget your vaccine evidence.
Alan R. Johnson
Dec 23, 2021
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Good coffee, creative breakfast alternatives, delicious treats, e.g., cinnamon buns, caramel squares. Highly recommend!
Frank Kernohan
Dec 14, 2021
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Delicious Christmas lunch yesterday! Well done to all the staff coping with the added stress of govt rules they have to follow, yet still looking after us so well and giving us a very enjoyable time.
Debi Straw Man
Nov 29, 2021
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One sided business.. People who cannot get vaccines or wear a mask isn't their fault and this place is stating "they Wont get in"!!.. How is that good management?! Or catering for all customers! Im so glad I seen this post... A few of us will never return.. Ill be letting everyone know!
Disgusting behaviour!
Disgusting behaviour!
Pam Jay
Nov 28, 2021
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Definitely won't put foot in here if they discriminate against people who have chosen not to take part in a medical experiment
Alexander Hager
Nov 15, 2021
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Staff and service were superb. Food and drink was lovely. Portions a bit small. Everything cooked fresh to order and yummy.