Attractively situated on the quieter short stretch of road leading up to the gates of the Old Midleton Distillery, and opposite the river and a small park, this smart modern restaurant is an appealing place with a loyal local following.
Formerly Raymond's, it was taken over by Pat Ferriter and Stephen Lee (head chef for over a decade) in 2017 and renamed Ferrit & Lee. The new owners lost no time in putting their own stamp on it, but it has retainsed its informal style and developed and even stronger reputation for interesting food, top notch cooking and great service.
The cooking style is broadly European/modern Irishl, but the ingredients are very local - including seafood from Ballycotton and meats from local farms - and suppliers are proudly credited.
Lunch and evening menus overlap to some extent, with the addition of some more casual options (soup, sandwiches, wraps) at lunch time. Popular mains featuring on both menus include Tempura Fillet of Haddock, with pickled salad, fries & house tartare sauce; Confit Leg of Duck, with smoked bacon, savoy cabbage & sauté potato; and Bacon & Smoked Cheese Burger on a Brioche Bun, with Fries & House Slaw, and a number if dishes are offered in two sizes - a very customer-friendly option.
Desserts are classic and all the better for that - who could resist Royal Chocolate Mousse, with macerated strawberries and toasted hazelnuts - and there's a nice selection of local cheese with unusual accompaniments.
A compact and carefully chosen wine list includes affordable house wines and a couple of half bottles, along with a good choice of wines by the glass - and other dinks include Stonewell Cider from Kinsale and beers from 8 Degrees in Mitchelstown and 9 White Deer in Ballyvourney, the latter including Stag Saor gluten free beer in their range.
Imaginative but not over-fussy cooking of fresh local ingredients is what keeps bringing people back here - together wth good value and lovely service
