Eight pubs in Northern Ireland have been listed among the best in the UK and Ireland for grabbing some grub, according to a prestigious food guide.

Published this week, the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs 2009 guide to the UK and Ireland featured seven pubs from Co Down, while the eighth is based in Co Antrim.

According to the Michelin guide they are among 563 of the best pubs serving good food in the UK and Ireland.

The guide is divided into regions and counties, and each region is preceded by a brief overview of that area followed by a map showing the location of each pub — ideal for planning a journey or holiday.

Every pub has a full page entry with a colour picture and descriptive text giving an insight into its character.

Among those listed on the prestigious guide — which has been running for five years — was Grace Neill’s and Pier 36, which are both in Donaghadee.

Coyle’s in Bangor, the Distiller’s Arms in Bushmills and The Pheasant in Anahilt were also named as among the best pubs to eat in.

The Buck’s Head Inn and the Mourne Seafood Bar, both in Dundrum, and The Plough Inn in Hillsborough were also featured in the guide.

Hans Arthur, co-owner of Grace Neill’s, said it was “an honour” to be on the list two years in a row.

“It’s been two years now since myself and my father have taken over. We’ve kept the same team so we are delighted with the success,” he said. “It is nice to be noticed by people in the trade. It is a lot of hard work, but it is very satisfying when it is recognised.”

He added: “Being featured in the guide does generate interest. It actually brings a lot of people into the town, so it is good for everybody.”

While Conrad Herron, manager of the Mourne Seafood Restaurant Bar in Dundrum, said: “It is going from strength to strength for us and we are glad that people appreciate what we do.

“Being included in the guide does creates a certain amount of expectation amongst customers and we always strive to deliver excellence.

“And we try and come up with new and fresh ideas with the fish as they appear at our door.”

The number of entries from Northern Ireland remained the same as last year’s guide.

However, the guide’s editor Derek Bulmer said the standard of the gastro pub is not just being maintained, but going up in Northern Ireland.

“We haven’t actually increased the number of entries this year for Northern Ireland but we have noticed for the last few years it has been getting better.

“It is a sign that Northern Ireland is getting better at producing a higher standard of pub food for customers,” Mr Bulmer said.

“There isn’t a huge number but it is all relative and there is a good selection for Northern Ireland, and these are all very good addresses.

“So it is good news for Northern Ireland and for people who want to enjoy good food in pubs.

“We are seeing a growing confidence in our culinary heritage, greater use of local, seasonal ingredients and a rediscovery of regional specialities.”

Mr Bulmer added: “What customers like about the pub is it gives informality that restaurants sometimes don’t give. A lot of people might just want a good dish and a pint of beer or glass of wine.”