A handsome 19th century cut limestone courthouse faces down the main street of this busy town and, in a prime position alongside it, you’ll find Conor Mee and Charlotte Carr's atmospheric and friendly restaurant.
Originally a private house – previous owners of the restaurant once lived here and still return as customers – it has been imaginatively converted to create a cosy ground floor bar/reception area and, above it, quite a large restaurant of character, with exposed stone and brickwork, dark beams, interesting out of the way corners, and atmospheric lighting.
Conor is a respected chef, known well beyond the area, which entices travelling foodies to make a detour off the nearby N2 Dublin-Derry road and call in for a bite - something encouraged by the early evening opening time and also the temptations of Alfie's Den, where you can have something lighter like tasty sharing plates and tapas, or enjoy a drink and nibbles such as Manzanilla Olives and Smoked Catalan Almonds before dinner.
In the restauant, dark wood tables are set up pleasingly with stylishly simple white plates and good modern glasses. Well-planned and fairly priced menus offer a carefully balanced choice, including quite a few house specialities and dishes based on locally produced foods, including duck and pork. Typically, a main course of Duck Breast, Smoked Black Pudding, Apple & Prune Ketchup & Celeriac Purée is a creative combination of traditional and modern elements. Basics like breads and soups are excellent – always the sign of a good kitchen - and classics such as fish and chips are sea-fresh and perfectly made.
It is always a pleasure to find dishes that offer something different from the standard fare appearing on other menus – a starter of, Kilkeel Crab & Red Prawn,Chilli Mayo, Radish & Limes is a case in point and, while a dish like Egg Mayo, Crispy Potato, Smoked Ham & Greens may sound quite simple, it will be a delight on the plate. Everything here is likely to be unusual and will be stylishly presented, including desserts that offer variations on old favourites that are hard to resist – crème brulée, for example, or retro baked Alaska - and the drinks list is a great match for the food and ambience, with its combination of cocktails, local beers and well chosen wines.
Working under Charlotte's thoughtful direction, the friendly, helpful staff are a real asset and this is just a very pleasant place to be.
