Convenient to the bustling town of Naas, owners Jean Grace and Eugene Brennan have been running this pleasing bar and restaurant since 2008. A smart modern building with ample parking, it is built on Eugene’s family farm and, while the restaurant has become a dining destination, the traditional-style pub is the hub of the village, with locals popping in for a pint and some good food.
The bar menu offers tempting light bites - BBQ ribs with pickled cabbage, perhaps, or a charcuterie plate with sourdough and pickles - and, for something more substantial, there’s the Brown Bear club burger or wild mushroom risotto with spinach.
Reached through the bar, the classically designed restaurant is a handsome balconied room, beautifully set up with polished dark wood tables, linen napkins, quality glassware, china and cutlery - and a visit here always begins well when a lovely basket of breads is offered promptly, along with iced water.
Modern Irish menus that change seasonally may include unusual ingredients, such as partridge from the nearby Wicklow Hills in season, while the Early Bird offers great value and attractive choices without compromising on standards - and desserts are always a delight.
To accompany, there’s an excellent wine list, mainly European but with some bottles also from the southern hemisphere; it offers wines by the glass, carafe or bottle, all reasonably priced.
The cooking by a strong kitchen team is of a consistently high standard - and, complemented by good service from friendly and knowledgeable staff, the experience offers genuine value for money.
Dining here is always a real pleasure.
