Shanks Restaurant, Bangor

Shanks Restaurant, on the grounds of the prestigious Blackwood Golf Course, is owned by Shirley and Robbie Millar, and has won the Michelin star for five consecutive years, only one of two Northern Ireland restaurants to do so, (the other is Deane's ). The chefs at Shanks have also been awarded three AA rosettes. This is state-of-the-art dining, with interiors designed by Terrance Conran, and a collection of David Hockeney paintings adorning the walls. Clientele include Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, and Peter Mandelson. Local produce always gets top billing, with game from a nearby estate, sumptuous seafood from Strangford Lough, and Irish beef and lamb.