Local food lovers are in for a treat this month as the inaugural Lisburn & Castlereagh Restaurant Week kicks off with eight days of events and special offers across some of the district’s finest eateries from Saturday 31st October to Saturday 7th November.

There are more than 40 bars and restaurants signed up and together they are offering a wide range of deals and unique events including family fun days, pub quizzes, gin tasting sessions, fancy dress parties and Irish theme nights.

Promoted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Restaurant Week 2015 aims to support the local hospitality sector and with less than two weeks to go keen diners have already been given a taste of what’s in store.

At special launch events in Forestside Shopping Centre on the 10th October and Lisburn City Centre on the 17th October shoppers were treated to cookery demos by local participating restaurants and food-sampling sessions.

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Development Committee at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said: “We are delighted that so many great eateries have signed up to take part in Restaurant Week 2015. There is certainly something for every taste, every budget and every age, and the list of special offers and events is almost endless.

“We’re building on what was achieved during Lisburn Restaurant Week in 2014 and in the first year of the new council we really wanted to highlight the quality of the food and hospitality on offer across Lisburn & Castlereagh – we believe it rivals that of anywhere in Northern Ireland.

“There are some fantastic money saving offers and discounts available throughout the week, which is great for consumers, but the ultimate goal is to increase visitor footfall at restaurants, bistros pubs and cafes.

“We want the event to have a lasting impact not just during Restaurant Week but year round, which is important for our local economy.

“The response has already been fantastic and it helps to bring people together as restaurateurs, funders, sponsors and local suppliers have all united to deliver a varied and entertaining week.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has got involved and shown their support, it is shaping up to be a fantastic event.”

Full event listings for Restaurant Week are available now at www.lcrestaurantweek.com

You can also find all of the latest deals, news and competitions on our Facebook page including the chance to win a brilliant trip for two to Paris, courtesy of Oasis Travel. Don’t forget to use our hashtag #eatyourheartout