At the back of Wendy Whelan’s magnificent crafts, kitchenware and gift shop at Ballymaloe House, there is a delightful family-run café selling wholesome home-bakes and just the kind of light, nourishing fare that is needed to sustain you through a shopping expedition that may well be taking longer than you had planned.
So take the weight off your feet, settle down with an aromatic cup of coffee or a glass of wine, or home-made lemonade - and a taste of this delicious home cooking.
A simple menu of salads, light lunches, cakes and biscuits is offered - savoury bakes like goat’s cheese, potato & mint tart, perhaps, and sweet treats such as chocolate tart, and pistachio macaroons.
Everything is based on locally sourced fresh ingredients as far as possible, including smoked seafood from Frank Hederman in Cobh, local organic salads, Bill Casey’s Shanagarry smoked salmon, and Gubbeen smoked bacon.
*Wendy has a charming self-catering cottage, Rockcliffe House, in Ballycotton; details from the shop.
Seats 25; Open 10-5 daily, L 12.30-4. House wine €5.50 per 1/4 bottle. Children welcome (high chair). Closed 23-27 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
