The Nook, Bushmills

Attractive building on the approach to the fancy new Giants Causeway visitor centre, housing a fairly compact split-level multi-room layout. Also has outdoor seating on the narrow front/side terrace and a few benches on the small grassed area below. No real ale, but keg versions of the local Whitewater Belfast Ale and Belfast Lager are available at £3.80. Less touristy than I was expecting, and not a bad spot for a pint.

Housed in a very attractive old building which looks as if it was once a small school, this has been modernised considerably inside. Both food and drink were on the expensive side and live music was provided by an elderly gentlemen who was clearly intent on extracting payment from the customers in addition to any fee he might already be receiving. A useful place to have a pint if you've just walked back up the path from the Giant's Causeway, but not as appealing as it promises to be from first appearances. The beer garden at the front is probably preferable, weather permitting, to the interior.