One of the great classic pubs of Ireland, Blakes has been in the same family since 1887 and, up to recently, was always one of the few places that could be relied upon to be unchanged. Not a food place, a pub; maybe a sandwich, but mainly somewhere to have a pint and put the world to rights.
However, although the original Victorian front bar still remains untouched after 120 years, relatively recent changes elsewhere in this historic establishment have made it a popular food destination.
The atmospheric vaulted restaurant downstairs has long been one of the area's most popular dining destinations and, in 2021, there was an exciting development when chef Glen Wheeler and his wife Zara moved the whole team from their excellent 28 Darling Street restaurant into the former Cafe Merlot space at Blakes, and rebranded as 28 At The Hollow. In addition to the relatively informal downstairs restaurant, the Wheelers can spread their wings into the No. 6 restaurant area at the top of the building, which has always been kept for serious fine dining
As a team, they present outstanding modern cooking, a relaxed dining atmosphere, a thoughtfully curated wine list and knowledgeable service - what a package.
A must-visit when in Enniskillen - and Game of Thrones fans will find one of the ten doors here, intricately carved from the Dark Hedges trees felled by Storm Gertrude.
