The Cardan Bar and Grill has a long history and is also well known under its previous incarnation, The Robin’s Nest. It dates from 1848 when it was built in response to the construction of the railway line between Lisburn and Belfast in 1839. It started life as The Railway Tavern until it became the Railway Hotel in 1852 complete with stables, as seen below and as viewed from the train platform steps. By the time of World War II, the Railway Hotel had become the Robin’s Nest and was popular amongst American soldiers which meant it didn’t have the best reputation with the local men!
However, it went on to become one of Lisburn’s most well known and loved pubs. It became The Cardan Bar and Grill following the purchase of The Robins Nest in 2004 and subsequent major renovations in 2005 by the current owner Jon Poots.

The Cardan Bar and Grill serves great food using as many local ingredients as close to their door as possible. That’s the Taste of Ulster ethos and they are true to it, championing local suppliers long before it was fashionable! Some of the local suppliers include Lisdergan Meats, Keenan Seafoods, Down Wholesale and Draynes Farm. They cook all food fresh daily and to order. Menus are changed based on the seasonality and daily specials to keep the locals happy.

For the style of food, think gastro pub. Expect Glazed Beef Cheek with Roasted Garlic Mash, Confit Shallot and Smoked Pancetta, in-house Burger with all the trimmings or Catch of the Day. They serve an All-Day menu from Noon Monday-Sunday. The menu has extras such as Nduja and Garlic Chicken Kyiv. Their Vegetarian and Gluten free options are also available and can be made to suit with a few favourites like the Pea & Parmesan Risotto or Veg Thai Curry. Kids will be happy with some of the favourites with other great options including fresh vegetables and minimal fried foods and local Draynes Ice cream for after.

From the Drinks menu, they carry one of the best ranges of Draft Lagers, Ales, and Stout available with regular guest brands form local Craft brewers such as Whitewater Brewery, Castlewellan and Hilden Brewery, Lisburn plus a selection of international beers, 0% Alcohol beer and cider and Gluten Free Beers also. Their Cocktails and Spirit range also include local Gin brands such as Jawbox, Boatyard, Glendalough, Tanquary, all served with premium mixers

At the weekend they like to liven things up a little. They have a great range of Local Live Music performing in the ground floor bar on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to late. They also show live sports. The Nest upstairs is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm for weekend drinks and DJ or can be booked for private functions, birthdays, weddings.
The Hustler Club is a private room that caters for the groups looking some lighter entertainment or can be booked for smaller parties and business meetings. You have your own pool table, dining space and Live Sports on a large screen. Both The Nest and The Hustler Club rooms are suitable for Audio Visual Events with everything you need for presentations on screen.