Our History

Our Centenary Celebrations

This popular restaurant has been the jewel in the crown of top spots in Newry in which to relax and dine in sumptuous surroundings, and this year sees the family-run outlet celebrate its 100th year in business.

Well-known, and best-loved, The Shelbourne Bakery and Restaurant located at Hill Street and Margaret Street, Newry, is synonymous with quality and taste and down the years has gone from strength to strength.

A byword for quality, The Shelbourne Bakery has a proven track record as one of the best in the country, having scooped over 25 awards, including eight first prizes, at The Bakex All Ireland Bakery Competitions.

The Shelbourne Bakery came first in all three bread sections – white pan, granary pan and wholemeal – as well as winning firsts in the Novelty Birthday Cake sections. The Shelbourne’s puff pastry, apple tarts, battenberg, dipped fancies and madeira cakes, amongst many others, were all highly awarded during the exhibition.

And, as they say, the proof is in the pudding, for every time The Shelbourne has entered this prestigious, national competition they have come away as one of the leading bakeries in Ireland – a fact the management are rightly proud of.

The original Bakery and Restaurant, facing onto Hill Street, was also recently extended and now looks out onto Margaret Street as well, with greater capacity and a fabulous new interior, exquisitely designed, the new Shelbourne Restaurant extension, which occupies the premises of the former White Cross Hotel, Margaret Street, Newry, has a sophisticated elegance and a relaxing, inviting atmosphere. Adding that touch of style and historical authenticity the original lettering of the White Cross Hotel can still be seen on the outside first floor of the building.

Just like the Shelbourne Bakery itself, the White Cross Hotel has a long history in Newry, dating back to the early 1800s when the Belfast/Dublin coach used to stop in the town three times a week.

In the early 1900s the many visitors to Newry, transported by coach to the hotel from the Edward Street Station, kept the hotel busy.

Indeed over the years the White Cross Hotel played host to many distinguished guests whose names have gone down in Irish history as well as on the hotel register.

The elaborate signature of Countess Markievicz, who came up to rally for a local by-election, was entered into the register on January 24, 1918.

In February of the same year Eamon De Valera retired to the opulent surroundings of the White Cross Hotel after a rally in Margaret Square.

Approximately 15 years ago, Mr. Hugh Boyle purchased the old O’Hagan and O’Hare Chemists, which now houses the Edinburgh Woolen mill, and not long after that, in October 1994 he acquired the Shelbourne Bakery from the Mooney family. From then on Mr. Boyle and his son have developed the business with the help of their excellent staff, investing and refurbishing every area of the establishment, to include new kitchens and bakery house, right through to the well-designed Bakery Shop and Restaurant.

And with The Shelbourne’s new restaurant now firmly ensconced in the premises of this former guesthouse, the people of Newry and further afield can continue to avail of a top class service, fine food and luxury surroundings for years to come.

The newly-expanded restaurant is complemented by air conditioned seating for more than 200 people and The Shelbourne has baby changing facilities and is a disability-friendly oasis of comfort and charm.

The beautiful new coffee bar counter and serverie includes a new sweet display cabinet, packed with tantalising desserts freshly made daily.

The new restaurant is of German design, giving customers plenty of space to relax and soak in the atmosphere or catch up with friends and family over a bite to eat.

The cherry red leather seating, beautiful architectural features and lighting design give it a stylish, modern feel. The restaurant also features a fine display of both local and international art with such famous names as Graham Knuttel and John Kingerly gracing the walls. All of the paintings on show are for sale.