In a marriage made in hospitality heaven, premium goods provider Alex Findlater & Co. have joined forces with renowned hoteliers The Savoy Group to launch a one-of-a-kind enterprise in Limerick’s city centre, below the George Hotel.
Combining an elegant Oyster and Seafood Bar, a well-stocked gourmet Food Hall and a luxurious Grill Room, the two-storey space is unlike anything the city has seen before - and, while menus may be on the safe side, Group Executive Chef Graeme Campbell ensures that standards match the other restaurants under his remit, which includeHamptons Limerick and The Savoy Restaurant.
Many visitors come specially to browse the shelves of the food hall, taking full advantage of Findlaters’ 195 years of experience as the provider of premium provisions. Of particular note are their locally-sourced, artisan foods, such as Glenstal butter, Rigney’s Farm granola and Pandora Bell sweets. In addition, there are shelves of fine imported produce, such as Italian pesto and Spanish couscous, as well as over 300 wines to choose from. It’s a veritable treasure trove of gourmet goodies. The food hall also offers casual bites (pizza to rotisserie chicken, sandwiches,fresh pastries) and regularly hosts pizza-making classes and wine-tasting events.
To the left lies the attractive Oyster and Seafood Bar, with its cheery bright blue decor, linen napkins and a colourful display of seafood, including Doon Castle oysters, West Clare crab claws, and Connemara smoked salmon.
Downstairs, the ambience suggests special occasion, and lucky diners will have the pleasure of sinking into velvet banquettes, with soft downlighters and luxurious fabrics combining to create a decadent atmosphere. And smartly dressed staff willoffer a menu to match, featuring all the best of the seafood offered upstairs, alongside premium meats including rack of Connemara lamb, Black Angus fillet steak and crispy braised pork belly.
Each dish is simple and well-executed, with excellent fish and seafood cooking a highlight - pan-seared scallops with shaved fennel salad and black pcontainingudding, for example, or battered wild haddock, with house fries, lemon and mushy peas (and a vividly yellow garlic aioli). The seafood platter merits special mention - Doon Castle oysters, New Quay mussels, Connemara smoked salmon and an optional extra of West Clare lobster, it's a mighty dish and big enough to share so good value too.
Finish perhaps with an excellent vanilla and baked blueberry cheesecake, served with strawberry ice-cream and fresh cream.
The extensive wine list includes 18 available by the glass (most about €7) and wines bought in the foodhall can be brought to the table.
Whether it’s a quick sandwich, a luscious seafood tower, or a perfectly grilled steak, Alex Findlaters & Co has just the spot to cater for your wishes. And afterwards a little gourmet grocery shopping should round off the experience very nicely.
