This attractive daytime restaurant has been a welcoming presence on the harbour front in Westport for quite a few years and, although it has changed hands several times, each owner has opted to keep the name which - referring to the traditional wicker basket once used for carrying fish - is a reminder of the west coast fishing heritage of yesteryear.
The current owner, Aoife O'Neill, took over in 2016 and, together with head chef Fiona Timlin and their team, they're pleasing both locals and visitors - many of them staying in the apartments that overlook the harbour, or camping at Westport House - with their wholesome fare, including a particularly good breakfast menu that runs until 1pm on Saturdays.
The handsome stone frontages of the old warehouses from the town's trading past set the tone of the harbourside development and there are outdoor seating pods, done beach-hut style. Once inside The Creel, the spacious, airy interior is a pleasant, homely place to meet up and relax awhile.
They are known for their wholesome fare, including a particularly good brunch menu - and they also operate a deli a few doors down.
There's a great buzz and it's a very busy spot, not just for seated meals but also people popping in for takeaway coffee and treats from the wonderful selection of home baked goods on display - everything from scones and gorgeous cakes and tray bakes...
They really do go the extra mile at breakfast, with a menu that covers everything from The Creel Breakfast Burrito Floury Tortilla filled with Chorizo cubes, Scrambled Free Range Local Egg, Homemade Smoky Tomato Relish and served with Homefries, an excellent veggie breakfast, such as Crispy Herby Potato sauteéd with Tomato, Onion, Mushroom and topped with Homemade Smoky Tomato Chutney and a fried free-range Mayo egg. Friends and families meet for the Sharing Brunch, which is a platter of American-style pancakes, brioche French toast, Belgian waffles with crispy bacon and all the trimmings.
The Creel is very popular wth families and no wonder. A terrific children's 'real food' lunch menu includes less usual things like a hummus plate and chicken pesto pasta alongside homemade versions of favourites like chicken or fish goujons - and all the daily specials are available in children's portions too.
The main lunch menu offers gourmet sandwiches like rump steak with caramelised onion, garlic aioli, melted cheese and pepper sauce on sourdough, pastrami with onion jam, pickled onion and provolone cheese on bloomer bread, wraps (including an interesting veggie one) lots of good healthy salads, and light bites. The menus change seasonally but they love the Bowl and Sharing concepts, soi you can expect options like a Buddah Bowl with Sliced Butternut & Grilled Asparagus, homemade Tomato Chutney, Quinoa, a soft Boiled Egg, Basil Hummus, Leaves, Red Cabbage Slaw, Pickles, Chickpeas & Red Pepper Falafel.
Everything at The Creel is freshly made from scratch and mainly sourced locally; you may not see a detailed suppliers list but a few items, such as Killala Bay smoked salmon, Velvet Cloud yoghurt and Kelly’s of Newport black pudding are name checked on the menu. And it's obvious that the best quality ingredients are used - the taste tells the tale.
Tasty, lively food well-cooked, pleasant service and surroundings - and good value - make The Creel the perfect place for a daytime bite.
