“This was a warm, hearty Thanksgiving meal in one of Belfast’s most historic pubs, elevated by thoughtful cooking and a festive atmosphere.”
The Deer’s Head has long held its place as one of Belfast’s most characterful city-centre pubs, and its move into great gastropub dining has only strengthened its reputation.
Sitting on Lower Garfield Street, the venue holds surprising historical significance, as the street is named after the 20th US President, James Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881.
Despite being just a stone’s throw away from Belfast Live HQ, this was the first time I had ever eaten in the bar, and with its warm wooden interiors, buzzing atmosphere and American football playing on the screens, it proved the perfect setting for a Thanksgiving special menu cooked up by MasterChef finalist Jonny Stevenson.
What we ordered
This was a special two-course Thanksgiving set menu consisting of roast turkey breast, baked ham, sweet potato stuffing, buttery mash, green bean and broccoli casserole, roast potatoes and gravy. This was followed by pumpkin and pecan toffee pie for dessert.
As I was driving, I opted for a Kopparberg 0.0 while my friend went for a McIvor’s cider to drink.
What we liked
The main plate was a proper Thanksgiving feast. The roast turkey breast was tender and well seasoned, and the baked ham added a welcome hit of sweetness and richness.
The sweet potato stuffing was the standout element, balancing warmth and spice in a way that felt both comforting and clever. Buttery mash and roast potatoes were exactly what you want from them. They were simple, smooth and indulgent.
Dessert was another real highlight. The pumpkin and pecan toffee pie was quintessentially American and packed all the flavours you want from a seasonal pudding without tipping into sickly territory. The light spice, a buttery base and a glossy toffee sauce made it the perfect ending.
What we didn’t like / would change
The only misstep was the green bean and broccoli casserole, which didn’t quite hit the mark for either of us. The texture and flavour felt a little muddled, and compared to the rest of the plate, which was packed with clear, confident flavours, it fell a bit flat. Everything else, though, more than made up for it.
How much it cost
The full meal came to £72 for two people. For a two-course holiday menu cooked by a MasterChef finalist, this feels like strong value. The portion sizes were generous, and the quality of the food was consistently high.
Overall thoughts and rating
This was a warm, hearty Thanksgiving meal in one of Belfast’s most historic pubs, elevated by thoughtful cooking and a festive atmosphere. Despite one underwhelming side, the dinner delivered on flavour, comfort and occasion.
4/5 Stars
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