Heading up to Larne for the Antrim Coast Half-Marathon? Once you’ve picked up your number and settled in, the next big question is where to eat. For many runners, that means a solid plate of food the night before (carbs are calling). For others, it’s all about a celebratory meal and maybe a pint once the medal’s in the bag. With the start and finish both in Larne, we’ve rounded up some of the town’s best spots for Saturday night fuel, Sunday recovery, or both.
Cafés & Restaurants
Brooklyn Bay Diner
Think American diner by the coast: big portions, stacked burgers, and milkshakes that work just as well for a Saturday night carb load as they do for a Sunday treat after the medal’s in the bag. A fun, casual spot for groups and families alike.
Mayur Indian Restaurant
A well-regarded spot in Larne for proper Indian cooking, rich curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and plenty of vegetarian options. Perfect if you fancy a flavoursome sit-down meal on Saturday night, or a cosy place to celebrate with friends after the race.
- 📍 Location: Here
- ⏰ Opening Hours: 4:30pm – 10pm
- 🍽️ Menu: Here
- 🍷 Alcohol: Yes (licensed, wine and beer available)
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6/5
Carriages Bistro
One of Larne’s most beloved institutions since 1988, Carriages is the place for both a pasta‑fill before the race and a hearty pizza or steak celebration afterwards. The quirky, train‑themed interior, with carriage‑style booths and vintage railway bits, feels proper comforting whether you’re easing pre‑race nerves or catching your breath post‑run. With locally sourced steaks, homemade sausages, and a loyal local team who've been cooking here for years, it’s all about honest, hearty fare.
- 📍 Location: Here
- ⏰ Opening Hours: 5 pm–10 pm (Sat). 4 pm–9 pm (Sun)
- 🍽️ Menu: Here (FB Page)
- 🍷 Alcohol: Yes (fully licensed)
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.4/5
The Station (Fish & Chip Shop)
Not to be confused with the Station Bar (which you’ll find further down in the pubs section, and definitely a different kind of recovery), this Station is all about proper fish and chips. Sit-in, clean, no-nonsense, and exactly what you’d expect from a classic chippy. Ideal if you want a hearty plate of carbs the night before, or a salty, satisfying treat after the medal’s in your pocket.
- 📍 Location: Here
- ⏰ Opening Hours: Sat 12:30 pm – 7 pm, Closed Sundays
- 🍷 Alcohol: No
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6/5
Bars & Pubs
The Olderfleet Bar & Restaurant
A Larne staple with a mix of pub grub favourites and hearty mains. It’s family-friendly but still feels like a proper night out spot, with plenty of options to fill the hole left after 13.1 miles.
Chekkers Wine Bar
Don’t be fooled by the “wine bar” label, Chekkers is more of a lively sports bar at heart, with plenty of screens for the match, regular live music, and a buzzing weekend crowd. What makes it a hit with locals (and runners in town) is the food: a solid menu of pub-style mains like fish and chips, bangers and mash, schnitzels, steaks, and even a curry or spice bag if that’s what you’re after. It’s the kind of place where you can fuel up the night before with a plate of pasta or chicken, and just as easily return the next day for a steak and a pint once the medal’s around your neck.
- 📍 Location: Here
- ⏰ Opening Hours: 12pm – 2am (Sat), 12 pm–12:30 am (Sun)
- 🍽️ Menu: Here
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.5/5
The Station Bar
This spacious, bright pub in Larne is perfect either for loosening tight muscles with a pint the night before, or raising a toast after you’ve nailed the 13.1 miles. With excellent Guinness, lively atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s ideal for groups looking for a fuss-free, convivial spot.
- 📍 Location: Here
- ⏰ Opening Hours: 10am -11pm Daily
- 🍽️ Menu: No food offered
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6/5
So there you have it, a few solid options in Larne to keep you fuelled for race weekend. Whether it’s a pasta plate on Saturday night, a celebratory steak and pint on Sunday, or just somewhere handy for lunch before the drive home, you won’t be stuck for choice.
Just remember, Saturday evening will be heaving between the regular weekend crowd and the half marathon runners, so booking ahead is strongly advised. The same goes if you’re staying on Sunday night after the race. For a quick Sunday lunch, though, you’ll more than likely find a spot without hassle.
Opening times listed above are pulled from Google Maps and the businesses’ own listings, and while accurate most of the time, they can occasionally be wrong. If you’re heading out with a large group, it’s always worth ringing ahead to double-check.
Best of luck to everyone running the Antrim Coast Half and enjoy the food just as much as the finish line.
Anywhere to Shower?
If you’re not rushing straight home and fancy a rinse (or even a recovery dip), head for Larne Leisure Centre. It’s only a two-minute drive from the town centre, tucked in beside Sandy Bay playing fields on Tower Road (BT40 1AB for the sat-nav). They’re open on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, and for just £4.30 you can grab a swimming pass, which means you can sneak in a few lengths if your legs are up for it. Bargain.
