Fergus and Anne Maxwell’s bar and informal restaurant in this recently by-passed town, has an inviting black and white frontage with well-maintained window boxes, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere in the comfortable, low-ceilinged reception area and bar.
The restaurant is informal and friendly, and neatly uniformed staff present large, cheerful dinner menus offering a wide selection of popular dishes; arranged by section there are light dishes, soups & salads, fish & poultry, meat and vegetarian, and there is a separate children’s menu.
Typical dishes include crispy mushrooms with a garlic chive mayonnaise to start, and perhaps a main of Old Arch chicken supreme (stuffed with black pudding, wrapped in bacon and served with mushroom & brandy sauce).
Portions are generous, the cooking is generally good and prices are moderate: ideal for a family-friendly restaurant in a growing town. At lunchtime, sandwiches get a menu of their own, and the main lunch menu changes daily.
There’s a large garden area too, with gas heaters, barbecue and plenty of seating.
Seats 80 (private room, 55; outdoors, 30). L &D daily: L 12-5, D 5-9 (to 10pm Fri/Sat). Early bird D €18/21/24 5-7pm Mon-Fri. House wine €19. Pub food served 12-9pm daily. Toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome before 9pm (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); free broadband wi/fi. Closed 25-26 Dec, Good Fri. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
