Some places just have it. You feel the frisson the minute you walk in the door and you know you’re in for a great time. And The Old Spot has it. The place is the buzzing brainchild of brothers Paul and Barry McNerney (of neighbouring Juniors café/restaurant, Paulie’s Pizza and Lotts & Co deli fame) and the boys behind The Bath pub – Brian O’Malley and Stephen Cooney. In terms of credentials, it doesn’t get much more authentically ‘gastro’ or ‘pub’ than that.
The building on Bath Avenue, formerly the Lansdowne Bar, has been transformed into a warm and inviting hub. Outside, a grey/blue paint job gives the place a smart contemporary look, with colourful hanging baskets adding a bright pop of colour and large windows to allow passers-by a sneak peek into the buzzing front room bar.
As you walk into this cosy bar area, you’re immediately struck by the clever design of the place, with its attractive wood-panelled bar, complemented by subtle lighting set to ‘warm-glow’ and inviting seating by the windows. Then it’s through into the main restaurant where the cosy theme continues with lots of witty interior touches. We love the old Lansdowne Road dart sign that takes centre stage in the room. If you’re a gang, grab one of their cosy, fabric-upholstered booths down the back.
On the menu, you’ll find chef Tom Coffey’s unfussy food is well-sourced and seriously tasty. Tom has earned his culinary credentials working in a variety of award-winning kitchens including star-spangled l’Ecrivain, innovative D7 gastro-pub L. Mulligan Grocer and neighbouring Bath Avenue gastropub, The Chop House.
Tom’s menu offers a nicely curated choice of meat, fish and veg-centric dishes. The tuna tartare starter (served with sesame, chilli, avocado, crispy tortillas and pickles, about €12.50) is the perfect zingy, appetite-whetter along with the West Cork Crab (with cucumber, mint, Granny Smith apple, watercress & fennel, about €12). To follow, the likes of roasted rump of Tipperary lamb (with falafel, broad beans, roast squash, minted peas & wild garlic purée, €28) or maybe free-range pork belly, (with pommes mousseline, carrots, apple and cider jus, about €24) come layered with flavour and will satisfy the hungriest among you.They are also well-known for their top-notch burger and the market fish special of the day is always worth asking about. The chargrilled broccoli, Parmesan and chilli oil side is also not to be missed.
To drink, there’s a stellar selection of craft beers on offer, a well-chosen wine list and a superb cocktail offering. Sitting here, of an evening, with the DART gently rumbling overhead, a 777-worthy Margarita in hand, and the din of happy drinkers and diners around you feels like the best way to kick off a Friday night – or any night for that matter.
They also offer a lovely, light-filled private room upstairs for parties and celebrations. Well worth checking out.
