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The Huntsman Inn

Within walking distance of the city centre and easily accessible by car (there is ample parking), this busy spot is equally suitable for a quick bite or a full meal. It looks like a pretty row of houses and, with its colourful hanging baskets, the façade cleverly disguises a large interior including a restaurant, bars and accommodation.

Contemporary décor and muted colours complement an airy atmosphere, and it's a relaxed place for no-nonsense, flavoursome food at a reasonable price, served in comfortable surroundings. Well-groomed, smiling staff, simple table settings and uncomplicated menus reflect a refreshingly down to earth philosophy, and service is efficient without any sense of being rushed.

The range of food offered varies, with more choice during the week than on Sundays (when it's a favourite for family outings); typical starters might include popular dishes like fish cakes with citrus salsa, light and crunchy spring rolls with a sweet chilli dip, and deep-fried brie with Cumberland sauce.

Main courses also sound standard enough - char-grilled steak burger, chicken Caesar salad, medallions of salmon - but, although details might be improved (menu descriptions are not always accurate, for example, and it would be nice to see hand cut chips), careful cooking and attractive presentation generally lifts the generously portioned dishes.

A short dessert menu is also predictable but tasty, and there's ever-reliable Illy coffee to finish.

The New World dominates a compact wine list, which is short on information but offers a wide range of styles (including a Moet et Chandon house champagne by the bottle, half bottle or snipe) at fair prices, and matches the food well.

Accommodation:

The twelve smart, contemporary en-suite bedrooms offer all the usual conveniences plus satellite TV and computer facilities a good base for business guests.

Children welcome (under 10s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge). Lift. Rooms 12 (2 suites, 3 shower only, 6 no smoking). B&B €60pps, ss €20.


Live music (Fri & Sat); broadband wi/fi. Restaurant seats 200 (outdoors, 50); air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome before 9pm (high chair, childrens' menu, baby changing facilities); L daily 12.15-3, D daily 5.30-9.30. Bar food served daily, 12.30-9.30pm. Live Funky Jazz on Thurs from 6.45 pm. Closed Good Fri, 23 Dec - 29 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Follow signs for Galway East, just before Eyre Square.