Hungry travellers on the main Cork-Kerry road should remember to look out for Granville’s Bar and Grill, a family-run bar known for its wholesome fare, notably great steaks, at the top of Macroom town.
Situated in the footprint of the castle, in a tiny row of original stone terraced cottages, this quirky little pub restaurant is Paul and Leonie Granville’s second business venture in the town and, with much to offer the weary tourist and hungry local alike, is proving a popular destination.
They have renovated an old pub, successfully marrying old and new and creating a pleasant place to pass the time, with an interior where exposed stonework provides the classic background for modern décor, sturdy wooden tables and chairs, banquette seating, and a working stone fireplace.
Good old-fashioned hospitality abounds, and you can still get a pint at the old bar while reading the daily newspaper, if that’s all you want. But the pair have introduced a conservative, but none-the-less satisfying and well-executed, menu, which will tempt most who come through the door into having something more substantial.
During the day, it’s a popular lunch place for locals. In the main bar area, there are two wall mounted tv screens on silent, volume only turned up if there’s an important news item which must be heard, or a big game on.
There’s a little snug area just off the bar but, if you want a more private experience, the small annexe room to the side is cosy and quiet. Here, the exposed stone wall, neutral colours and old pine dresser give the feel of a home dining room. In the evening, the whole place takes on a more low key mood, with candles flickering on tables and in the windows.
The food style is hearty home cooking, based on fresh produce from local suppliers. Much of the meat comes from Macroom butcher Michael Twomey, a ‘Guaranteed Irish’ butcher and member of the Craft Butchers of Ireland, who sources his meat from farms around the town, and ages it in the traditional way. No wonder then that steaks are a house speciality at Granville’s.
Fresh fish comes from Clancy’s fish shop, also in the town, and direct from Daly’s of Caherciveen and Bantry Bay Seafoods. McCarthy’s of nearby Ballyvourney supply fruit and vegetables.
Lunch offers warming homemade soup of the day with Leonie’s white or brown soda, and a variety of open sandwiches, also on her fresh breads. Choose from Home Baked Ham, Oak Smoked Salmon, Prawn Marie Rose, Cheddar, or Chicken, all of which come generously portioned and with heaps of fresh crunchy salad and handmade coleslaw.
Daily specials could include Boiled Collar of Bacon & Cabbage with Parsley Sauce, Lamb & Vegetable Casserole, or Poached Fillet of Sea Trout with Lemon Butter. Lighter bites like Chicken Liver Paté and Steamed Bantry Bay Crab Claws with Garlic & Citrus Cream also feature.
In the evening, starters go classic glam with home made French Onion Soup & Gruyère Croûtons, Seafood Chowder or warm Goat’s Cheese Tartlet with Homemade Beetroot Relish, depending on season. Steak takes pride of place, with a 10oz Prime Hereford Sirloin Steak or 16oz Prime Irish Aberdeen Angus T-Bone heading up the mains. Each comes chargrilled to preference, and with a choice of pepper, mushroom or garlic sauce. Fresh fish is fried in crisp golden batter with Mushy Peas & Tartar Sauce, or cooked with a crust of Crushed Walnut & Herb with Parsnip Sauce.
The menu also has some lighter options like Pasta Carbonara and a vegetarian choice such as the Goat’s Cheese and Vegetable Spring Rolls. All come with homely side dishes of vegetables or salad. One thing is certain- you won’t leave hungry whatever time of day you eat here.
House desserts are charmingly simple – Crumble of the day with Custard, Apple Tart, Warm Chocolate Brownie and comforting Fruit Trifle with Custard. The wine list is short but covers most bases for red and white wine lovers, and there is a full bar service. A good choice of coffees and liqueur coffees is standard too.
Granville’s is an excellent value for money destination and a welcoming family restaurant. Great value evening menu served from 5pm-9.30pm daily, two courses €19.50 three courses €24.00. Sunday Lunch is à la carte, and offers a choice of steaks, fish and traditional roasts like Roast Muskerry Lamb or Irish Pork, with all the accompaniments.
Plenty of wholesome food for the children too – a very child friendly establishment, with high chair and baby changing facilities.
Seats 76. Food served daily 12-9.15 (Sun 12.30-9); 2/3 course early bird D €20/25 daily 5-7pm, also a la carte. House wine €21. Children welcome before 8pm (high chair, baby changing facilities); wheelchair accessible; air conditioning. Closed 25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
