The River Room & Conservatory in Ballymena

We had a lovely afternoon tea in the conservatory when we arrived at Galgorm. The room is warm, cosy and welcoming. The staff were exceedingly friendly. One lady in particular was very attentive and found us a nice window seat by the water. I hope I'm correct in calling her Juli. She served us for breakfast in the conservatory the following morning. It opens earlier then the main restaurant. There is a buffet starter with al la carte served at the table

Attended The Conservatory for afternoon tea . It ca The service was first class on all fronts, and the Afternoon Tea was tasteful and filling. We would definitely recommend the place, an excellent end to a wonderful relaxing day. it was not a large tea but we had a huge breakfast in the hotel so it was plenty. nice environment and staff very attentive Show less

My husband and I had the afternoon tea in the conservatory today. We usually aren’t the biggest of fans of afternoon tea but we gave this a chance in of our dining package and it was absolutely phenomenal. Every single part was delicious and so beautifully presented. The staff were lovely and the wonderfully talented man playing piano took it to another level with the amazing music. The conservatory itself is stunning and so beautifully decorated. I’m not usually a big tea fan but I tried mint tea and loved it and my husband loved his. I was especially delighted to see how much my husband enjoyed it, as we booked our stay for over the weekend for his birthday. I have never been to an afternoon tea that made me want to do it again at a later date but I can say I have been now. I recommend this to anyone

Nice coffee & iced teas but very overpriced for all you get. One capaccino and one raspberry iced tea came to £12!!! Such a rip off for two drinks if we knew the price we would have avoided Too over priced

Always love afternoon tea here. This was part of a family gift. Nice selection of sandwiches and treats. Can’t give 5 stars due to asking for a top up of tea which we never got, normally I can get through 2 pots of tea anywhere I go for afternoon tea so disappointed that the service wasn’t up to normal standard for Galgorm.

Attended The Conservatory for afternoon tea the Thursday after Christmas Day. It came as part of a Spa Package booked as a Christmas present, and it didn't disappoint. The service was first class on all fronts, and the Afternoon Tea was tasteful and filling. We would definitely recommend the place, an excellent end to a wonderful relaxing day.

Afternoon Tea at the Galgorm on Saturday past was such a disappointment. Seriously not value for money. The hot/savoury selection consisted of 5 small items and 1 finger sandwich followed by 4 sweet treats each and scones. I have had afternoon teas in other establishments at half the cost and they were far superior. The pictures on the hotel's website certainly does not depict a true picture of what they serve.

Afternoon tea. Excellent selection of teas or coffee champagne or prosecco. Serving the savouries separately from the sweet bites was great. All tge food was exceptional and offer to box items left wS appreciated. Staff friendly and knowledgeable about bot teas and food. Didn't want to leave!

My Husband and I often go to the Galgorm , but disappointed in the value for money in the afternoon tea, this time it's like everything has shrunk. Food delicious, Fabulous friendly staff, Someone needs to rethink this experience

Was excited for afternoon tea as it was Halloween theme. And my friends birthday and she’s never had afternoon tea before. Lovely window seat overlooking the window. Man sat us down and straight away asked for allergies then said someone will be with you shortly! Not a great greet to say the least. A lovely blonde lady in a Navy uniform came to take our order and explained everything to us was so friendly. The savouries were nice however the beef was so so pink almost raw. We waited 25mins for these to arrive. The same lady asked me if I wanted more tea or coffees, iced coffee, so we decided to go for iced coffee I didn’t realise you could go for iced coffees which was great. Then chatted a little with us. The sweets was great for the theme and loved the middle course of the chocolate graveyard. Another lady with glasses with a tie and waist coat that brought the sweets was so lovely she looked exhausted with a red face and looked as if she hadn’t a minute while the man that seated us was stuck to a laptop. The 3 ladies made my afternoon tea a wonderful service great sweets.

What a great surprise to find such a lovely place beside a beautiful river! Good food. We just happened to chance upon it after searching for good restaurants near Ballymena.

Our daughter bought us an Afternoon Tea, for my birthday! The food and service was excellent and the ambiance of the surroundings was very relaxing! We had a wonderful adternoon!

Day with friends for afternoon tea celebrating my birthday it was a very busy mid week day we could see, however we had the best time. The young bubbly lady Zoe greeted us and explained everything and gave us a lovely table overlooking the river. Afternoon tea was devine the savouries and sweet treats were beautiful. Once we was on our sweets Zoe came back over to us asked are we enjoying the afternoon tea and wished me a happy birthday which was lovely she looked busy with her team and I noticed she took the time to speak to all the tables. The staff were lovely and couldn’t do enough for you. Thank you for making my birthday special

So the Wimbledon men's final was being shown in the conservatory as part of a special event along with afternoon tea. Wifey decided to book as we both love Wimbledon and the afternoon tea at Galgorm. I have to say the whole afternoon was exceptional - this was maybe helped by such a great tennis match as well! The food menu was delicious and everything served at a perfect pace throughout the first couple of sets of the match - there was a choice of prosecco or Pimm's on arrival. The only down side was that unlike the regular afternoon tea at Galgorm there was no other tea or coffee on offer other than regular tea and filter coffee. I mainly drink coffee and I have to say it was not good and left a poor aftertaste. I was also hoping that a range of teas would have been available as I do like a green or mint tea. As the match went on we were given extra champagne and some snacks including nachos and dips. This was much appreciated! The service all day from staff was excellent and watching the game in that setting was very relaxing and such a great experience. I hope this event is on again next year as I would book right away!

I had booked an afternoon tea for my husband and I. We decided to stay local for our anniversary and my husbands birthday this year. The service was excellent, as was the food. Great value for money & an additional bonus through a lovely treat from the staff and kitchen. Pleasing Saturday afternoon. We shall return.

I travel for a living and I must say that this is one of the special experiences. Fantastic food, great service, amazing setting. Highly, highly recommended

We went for afternoon tea all the staff were very helpful explained what was included and what was not.(mainly alcohol). We just had the included menu which was very nice i could tell you what was on the plate and the stand maybe i should have actually read the menu. Need less to say the savouries and the desserts were very nice. The cake must have been nice cause the wife ate both pieces.

Went to The Conservatory for an Afternoon Tea. Have to say it was underwhelming. Bland and totally not what we were expecting. Didn’t like the fact they left so many expected afternoon tea items left out of the menu. Having to ask for butter, no soup, and being presented with an over baked slab of Victoria Sponge at the end didn’t excite. For a five star hotel it was quite boring, predictable and the room was so warm it was uncomfortable. At one stage I was so warm I felt sick and had to ask for the staff member to open doors. Really? In a 5 Star hotel? Service was ok and staff helpful. We were just expecting more and disappointed. Wouldn’t book again and certainly not worth £41.50 a person.

Today was part of my birthday treat from my youngest daughter and her partner, albeit it's not until 17th of May. I had no idea where they were taking me so it was a bit of a mystery tour 😂 I was really pleased that Galgorm was the venue for my special treat. Really couldn't have asked for better. I was treated to an afternoon tea, I cannot fault anything about the day, the service, the staff, the atmosphere or the beautiful hotel and vast Gardens. Such a pleasure 😍🙏

A fantastic Christmas experience. Meal was excellent. Staff are very friendly and attentive. 🍾

Superb, daughters wedding first class treatment

Excellent food. Great presentation. Food looks so beautiful you don't want to physically dismantle it

I brought my mum and brother here for afternoon tea and it was perfect. The food was delicious, the staff were so attentive, nothing was too much trouble, and our window seat was idyllic. We'll definitely be back!!

Staff are very professional yet still human. The food is absolutely delectable. My wife Amanda truly loves dinning here..

Beautiful venue. Lovely food. However not enough savory,for the price you should be given the option of more sandwiches, however this would cost extra again. Lovely staff.

All round great hotel,, professional and friendly staff,, nothing too much trouble,,, 3rd time there can't wait to get back, and bar staff 8n gilles brilliant team.

Excellent as always! Food and staff were second to none as always. Afternoon tea was perfect, honestly couldn’t fault them in any way. Would highly recommend!!

My mum brought me here for a afternoon tea. As usual, no complaints. Food was beautiful, staff more than helpful. A window seat was requested when booking, and thats what we got. They also added a special touch, they surprised us by bringing out a happy birthday message on a board and a cupcake with a candle lit singing happy birthday. Have been here before for afternoon tea, its always great service and food.

We had both afternoon tea and breakfast and both were unbelievable, amazing service and best afternoon tea and breakfast ive ever had!

Had lunch here on the 15th Sept. food was lovely and staff were so friendly. Very warm as it was a sunny day and a glass roof above means uncomfortable combination. But with our usual climate this wont be a issue too often. Highly recommend this Restaurant

This came in 2 stages. The savoury of sandwiches, and a taster of soup, sausage roll, mini wrap and camberert cheese on toast was just the right amount. The sweet stage was beautifully presented as a set of drawers. It was too much to eat at the sitting so the server put the remainder in a small box for us to eat later.

Breakfast here is a treat. Looking out at the flowing River Maine and the little birds as I enjoyed my porridge, sourdough, sausages, coffee and toast. What could be a better start to the day than this.

My husband and I decided to treat my daughter to afternoon tea as a special celebration. We were given a choice of times and we choose 530pm. The conservatory was a little chilly and my husband kept his coat on the entire time.The tea was served in two stained stainless Steel teapots.The curry soup was delicious but sadly the bread on the outside of the sandwiches was dry so obviously they had not been freshly prepared at that time of the day. The next course was very disappointing. We associate traditional afternoon tea with award winning freshly baked scones and clotted cream etc. The scones were hard and we were given one Small portion of Jam and whipped cream for 6 scones! We did not ask for more jam and cream as the scones were hard and so 2 were left in the bottom drawer of the cake stand and the other one at the side of my husbands plate. I’m not sure what portion of cream and jam would have been given for two people!We were not offered the scones to take home and we certainly would not have availed of that offer. The cheese cake was tasteless and served at room temperature. The chocolate dessert was delicious as were the macaroons. I’m afraid I would not be rushing back to Galgorm Manor for afternoon tea. This afternoon tea should be very special for such a beautiful venue.

We have been before, so happily returned to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Sadly, same, old dreary seats which are too low. But that was the only 'blip'. First class attentive and cheerful service, excellent, cleverly balanced menu, and very good presentation. Seating apart, a very memorable evening.

I had a special dietary request which I had emailed prior to my visit. This was acknowledged and carried out specifically. The staff were excellent and very friendly. Food was well presented and of excellent quality. Surroundings and view from the Conservatory were beautiful. I would highly recommend!

Lovely room for breakfast. Great service and great choices. Very attentive staff. 5* Dining. Beautiful view of the river

We ate here for both dinner and breakfast. We had the tasting menu which was 2 hours of pure joy. The room is beautiful with lovely views and a very relaxed feel. The food was amazing and served with with passion and style. Breakfast was delicious, using fresh local ingredients makes such a difference.

The River Room & Conservatory is just exquisite, the staff there are so friendly and welcoming too. We had an lovely breakfast there this week and I couldn't be more delighted with the experience, the food and the service. As a vegetarian,breakfast can often be a hit or miss experience, however River Room /Conservatory provided a great variety of options, the food was delicious and the staff there went out of their way to accommodate. You can clearly see the that staff are working flat out to meet ever customer's needs. I honestly can't see how anyone can say anything different. The fact that there is an ongoing pandemic and they can still maintain this standard is just incredible and a credit to them. Thank-you

We really enjoyed the quiet, comfortable and lovely surroundings. The tea was very enjoyable and staff friendly and very accommodating.

this was the first time having our breakfast in the conservatory. We have stayed in the galgorm on numerous occasions and had breakfast in gillies, but I have to say I really enjoyed having breakfast in the conservatory. It was so relaxed, bright and very scenic as we were at the window watching the river. I would try in future to have my breakfast in there all the time. Staff were very polite and helpful. Cant thank them enough.

My partner and I , dined here for breakfast this week , and were sorely disappointed in the overall service , we received , the breakfast arrangements are very misgiving and the level of service was simply not up to the exceptionally high galgorm level we are used too

Visited to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Very nervous as my husband has been shielding and this was our first trip to a restaurant. We informed the staff prior to our visit and they were excellent. They seated us in a booth away from other customers and we felt more relaxed. They couldn't have done more to make the day great for us and we have booked again for the restaurant. We were really put at ease. The food as usual was first class and the gluten free option was just as great. Would certainly recommend.

I have been for afternoon tea many times before but this time the food blew me away. Both my friend and I thought the savoury part of the afternoon tea was very tasty, flavours worked very well.Everything else was very enjoyable and not much was left. Staff were very pleasant and attentive, as always! We will definitely be back.

Beautiful views, exceptional breakfast and choice. Attentive service. Table service at present with menu via downloaded app.

The service I received was outstanding, I am a Coeliac and I am on a gluten free diet and the gluten free selection on their menu was first class

Fantastic knowledge and choice for anyone gluten free. We had the afternoon tea and it was large with a wide variety of choices. If there was anything you didn’t want staff were happy to request change in the kitchen. Lovely ambience and scenery, very enjoyable!

Very good food for a good price

We spent a mini-moon in Galgorm and we ate here one night. The 6 course tasting menu with wine pairing was simply incredible. The setting is beautiful. The staff were brilliant. Highly recommend.

Fantastic food(High Tea), service and location. Beautiful view. More than enough to eat and everything at an excellent high standard

Absolutely loved the afternoon tea as usual and thank you for making my friends Birthday special

We dined here while staying at Galgorm. We had the tasting menu which was delicious from start to finish. Particular highlights were the duck & foie gras and the sea bass but hard to choose a favourite. All beautifully presented with excellent service. Lovely glass of pink champagne to start meal. Difficult to choose wine as wine list was excellent. It was perfectly chilled. Lovely chilled vibe despite being fine dining which can often be a tad stuffy. Very reasonably priced given the quality of the food. I'd go back in a flash.

We had our NYE meal in the river room and it was absolutely spectacular. So well put together and presented amazingly.We always like to visit the river room when at the Galgorm as the food is simply astounding. Great staff who work in the river room too.

My husband took me to the Galgorm as a birthday treat. When we stay at the resort we usually go to Fratelli’s or Gillies. On this occasion we dined at the River Room restaurant and had the 5 course tasting menu. Wow- the experience was amazing. The food was extremely tasty- the dishes were full of flavour and beautifully presented. Staff were very attentive too. I have to say that this meal was the best meal I’ve ever had. Hats off to the chefs and waiters. Only one word to sum up the experience- perfection!! :-)

Excellent breakfast at the River Room. Short wait for a table as the restaurant was very busy. Fantastic choice of cereals, fruit cold meats, cheese, yoghurt etc. Cooked breakfast was delicious, especially the bacon, but a massive portion. Service was great - staff were friendly and attentive. Breakfast really set us up for the day.

Just one of the many "rooms" at Galgorm resort and spa. overlooks the fast flowing river and landscaped gardens

We shared a lovely afternoon with some friends, celebrating the 99th birthday of a delightful lady we have known for many years. The location was perfect although the service was a bit slow. The afternoon tea itself was fabulous with one exception. They advertise clotted cream ( which I adore ), but they served well whipped double cream instead. Disappointing, but the atmosphere and the reaction of the other guests made up for it.

We had the most amazing time, so many different varieties of tea and coffee, the staff were unbelievable, so professional and polite, nothing was ever to much trouble. The food was amazing and there was so much we ended up taking some home we were full! Everything was set up beautifully.I will definitely be back!

As usual the staff went above and beyond to make my mums birthday extra special and food was lovely as usual cant fault it at all

Mainly and previously, excellent. This occasion, however, 3.5 stars.

We had the most unbelievable meal (again) at the River Room during our stay.

Having discovered the festive afternoon tea in the river rooms for my birthday last christmas,it is has become a new tradition with my gran.

We visited on a Friday afternoon for a Christmas afternoon tea and had the most wonderful time. Delicious afternoon tea with wonderful presentation and lovely cocktails too. Service was brilliant and the grounds are beautiful and done very tastefully for Christmas. Would thoroughly recommend.

Everything you could imagine is available all you need is the appetite.

If you are looking for a relaxing experience with impeccable service then go elsewhere!!!

Go for the eggs benedict, eating it overlooking the river. Enjoy the fresh orange juice and pastries as well.

Blown away by staff, setting, food taste and presentation!! Set looking over the lovely river. Lively temperature too which always is an extra

A special place - amazing service and great quality. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience of afternoon tea and the walk around the hotel grounds. The staff really made us feel special.

Fantastic afternoon tea. The waiter explained the process to us and had a lovely friendly manner. The food was delicious and freshly made. There was a great selection of tea and coffee.

This was our first time at The Galgorm and wont be our last. Staff very helpful and friendly. Food was delicious and plentiful. Good choices of teas or coffee. Beautiful setting with view of the river. Good value for money

The afternoon tea was lovely tasty and well serviced it was brilliant, the staff are lovely and very helpful also very helpful

Late morning coffee with family .

This was our first visit to the hotel. The room was very clean and to a high standard. We went straight to the Thermal Village which was a fab experience. We booked a hot tub by the river which really made our first evening in the village. We would highly recommend this. The gym was excellent.

Was delighted to have breakfast in River Room and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Efficient staff with their eye on the ball. Tables cleared and set immediately. Water and hot drinks promptly served. Food beautiful. Well worth a visit.

Took my mother here for a day away, it was just Lovely, we had no problems substituting food to things we liked from the set menu they had and the views are amazing, will be returning as the atmosphere was so calm and welcoming, the lady playing the piano was such a lovely touch also.

Lovely surroundings but not the place to go if you have a food allergy.

Lovely setting in the conservatory overlooking the river. Staff were very attentive despite being busy. Afternoon tea selection was very good, probably one of the best selections we have experienced, especially the savoury choices.

Had a lovely afternoon in the River room. Was a special occasion and the event and surroundings where fabulous. Staff where lovely and food was delicious. Altogether a wonderful day.

I really enjoyed the food served for afternoon tea, the selection was fantastic, from fresh sandwiches and the pork pie was something different to try, the scones were warm and delicious and the range of sweets were amazing. The river room was a lovely place to sit and have afternoon tea with views all around(just not on a hot day)

We are just back from having Aftertoon Tea. We were a party of 4 with one person having a dairy allergy. The caters were able to provide options for her and ensure she had a great experience. It was so lovely and relaxing with great food!!

Why wouldn't you? Try some gins, hear some stories, learn something new. A lovely way to pass the time. We are waiting on him to make his own gin. #JordansGin

My wife had recently undergone surgery and this was her first outing since a few trips to the hospital. She loved every moment of it and the food / staff were just what the doctor ordered. X

We ate Afternoon Tea here while staying in the hotel. It was part of our package. We were on a mini moon as we got married last weekend. Myself and my husband are both gluten free and we were given a fantastic selection. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of the afternoon tea and would highly recommend it.

My daughter and I had afternoon tea in the Conservatory on Saturday and really enjoyed it. We chose the gin afternoon tea, which was excellent! We have had afternoon tea here several times and as always it was a very pleasant experience. The service was very good and the live musical background was an added bonus.

I too my wife here on Friday :22nd June, it was absolutely superb, lovely ambience girl playing the piano and singing. It was really nice the afternoon tea was lovely great selection of things to eat ,I would really recommend this to everyone,thanks for making her birthday special

We had a wonderful time celebrating our parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary at Galgorm. Afternoon tea: the food was delicious and beautifully presented, served by such a lovely waitress who was so accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed tasting the exotic range of teas and were overwhelmed by Galgorm's kindness when they upgraded our parents' room to a suite. Every member of staff whom we dealt with were generous with their time, friendly and exceptionally welcoming. A beautiful hotel set in majestical grounds with the tranquillity of the River Maine running past as you enjoyed your tea. Absolutely perfect. Thank you Galgorm, we will be back!

As a choice between the tasting menu or a lá carte, we went a lá carte. Service was excellent and menu interesting. The tasters were very good with the warm bread with our starters went down a treat. The amous bouche had a totally different taste to our cod miso starters. Mains were lamb and beef both done to our order, pink and medium with good flavour followed by desert for me with coffee. Excellent setting with service and well done to chief and staff, a really enjoyable meal and experience

My wife and I had a pleasant afternoon tea experience in the Conservatory. The staff were very professional, attentive and courteous and the food was very nice (especially the sweet stuff!).

Loved absolutely and utterly everything. Couldn't fault a single thing. Exceptional in every way. Food service all great.

What can we say !? Amazing, Jordan’s passion and knowledge for gin as well as his ability to interact and make the most of this fab experience was second to none - he made us feel very special

We were staying at the Galgorm for two nights and finished stay with Afternoon Tea. The staff were delightful, helpful and very polite and couldn't do enough for us. The Afternoon Tea is amazing with all the different savories and sweets. Highly recommend.

Decided to take my Mum here for her 80th birthday and we loved it. From start to finish the service was excellent as was the food. We picked or sandwiches and tea which where delicious and as I had a nut allergy they kept our sweet treats seperate. I would highly recommend coming here for afternoon tea as the service was exceptional beautiful surroundings as was the standard of the food. I cant wait for a special occasion to come back they treated my Mum so well and if you cant manage to eat all your scrumptious goodies they put them in a little box to take home with you.

My husband and I stayed for two nights to attend a wedding and decided to treat ourselves to afternoon tea in the Conservatory, well it was definitely a treat

We had a fantastic afternoon at galgorm where the service was definitely 5 star quality - we had afternoon tea and the choice and quality of food was exceptional- we would definitely recommend spending an afternoon here

Lovely seat overlooking the river and the afternoon tea selection was amazing as usual. Highly recommended

I have to say the staff we're extremely helpful, even when we ask to be sat at a quiet area for hearing impairment reasons.. The staff were so quick to help and gave us loads of options even though we had forgot to say when booking. The food itself was delicious and the choice of tea was amazing and the presentation so we'll thought out in every detail. Would highly recommend. xx

We spent a few days at the Galgor and had breakfast twice, afternoon tea and the gin tasting experience in the conservatory and all were wonderful. A great team of staff, fantastic food and the gin tasting was so informative. Can't wait for our next visit.

Afternoon Tea in the Conservatory was one of the best my wife and I have ever had .Would go so far as to say that it compares very well with Burj Al Arab !!!.Yes !!!

Great time had by all at afternoon tea , food,service and ambience all excellent ⭐️

Excellent time had by all, the lady we had (think her name was Clare) was very nice. We all enjoyed our time there.

Amazing food, amazing service. The veiw was lovely and so were the cocktails. Felt very looked after. Will definitely be back!