Brian McCalden
Google
Sixty Six, formerly Billy Andy’s, near scenic Glenoe, has been renamed, but is still an authentic venue.
Leaving the floodlit A8 Larne road roundabout to negotiate narrow, and suddenly pitch black rural byways needed concentration.
However, a five minute journey led to the brightly lit oasis that is the latest concept of the former Billy Andy’s.
The pub is one of the few original licensed spirit grocers still left in the country. It was founded by William Andrew McWilliams (Billy Andy) and his sister, Sarah Agnes, and passed down through generations of their family.
A convenience retailer, Richard Hunter, who took on Billy Andy's in 1990 was well aware of the heritage, given the pub had been in the same family since 1847, and retained to name.
Current owner Eamon McAuley took king ownership in 2024 and decided to rebrand as Sixty Six – the street address – having enjoyed some professional tips.
Filming for the Channel 5 show, The Hotel Inspector, took place between September and November 2023 and aired in May 2024.
The establishment’s rooms received a makeover from the show’s team, and it was the first time that the show had been to Northern Ireland.
Our own visit benefitted from joining a community event, for Glenoe Preschool, which was taking place the same Saturday night. That said, the traditional and historic public bar itself was also busy and lively.
The menu at Sixty Six offers six starters and nine mains, plus half dozen desserts.
Caesar salad and a huge, single duck spring roll in a mango salsa were the choice for appetizer.
I had the 10oz sirloin, with a particularly spicy pepper sauce, huge mushroom and chunky chips, cooked to order while Gladys, the better half, went traditional with fish and chips. Only negative was the mushy peas, which proved to be too dry.
Other choices included salmon, which I only overlooked as we had Belfast fishmonger Ewing’s excellent fresh salmon at home, the night before.
However, the whole experience merited a definite nine out of 10, especially given the music on offer and the craic afterwards. Bar staff were very good, and the proprietor himself kept things professional with his hands on management.
Caesar salad £8
Duck spring roll £9
10oz sirloin
Coffee £2.95
Water £2.40
Vodka and coke £6.80
Wine £5.95
Total £81.60
