Harry’s Shack

Visited Harry’s Shack at lunchtime on a sunny but breezy day. The setting of the «shack» at the entrance to Portstewart Strand is very welcoming for a warming cup of Thompsons Belfast tea or Baillies coffee after a brisk walk along the spectacular sand dunes. Basic and rustic best describe the building itself but this belies the impressive quality and taste of the food served here.
The lunchtime menu included local fresh produce from starters to desserts. I shared a whitebait starter with my wife. She’s fussy about her fish and found the taste a bit «fishy» but I loved it and devoured the lot. I next had the hake which was the best I have had in a long time. It was served with fennel crushed potatoes and a homemade tomato «ketchup» which was a lovely accompaniment. I would have licked the plate if my wife had allowed me. The present Mrs Caldwell had her favourite dish, garden pea risotto, and she accordingly gave this a big thumbs up.
We were enjoying the food so much we decided to round the meal off with some yummy desserts. Sticky toffee pudding for Linda and Choc Pot with Salted caramel ice cream for greedy here. Well, these were excellent and I’m afraid we made pigs of ourselves by finishing it all off.
Harry’s Shack is a gastronomic gem set in a beautiful beach setting. It may seem pretty pricey for a lunch in a wooden beach hut but food this good is worth the extra.
We will be back.

Sea-​view restaurants often disappoint — they can get away with serving poorer food. Not Harry’s Shack. Situated right on the end of beautiful Portstewart Strand, the food was as good as the view. The décor is pseudo-​rustic. This is a purpose built shack — not the ‘shack’ of the New England coast. Would like to see more seafood choices on the menu next time, given the location.