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, but once inside The Creel it's a different story. The original nautical bric-a-brac and decorative baskets are all gone and, instead, you'll find a cheerful modern mix of spotted oilcloth covered tables and brightly painted kitchen chairs - a pleasant, homely place to meet up and relax awhile.
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, to pear and almond tart, muffins and homemade breads...
They really do go the extra mile at breakfast, with a menu that covers everything from The Creel Full Breakfast (served with their own brown bread), eggs benedict and royale (the latter with smoked salmon) served on sourdough, pork & potato rosti, bacon and egg blaa (with secret recipe homemade brown sauce), scrambled egg with Killala Bay smoked salmon and an excellent veggie breakfast, such as slow roasted field mushroom and corn cake, with spinach, tomato & aubergine purée topped with poached egg and hollandaise.
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 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. There's also a great sharing dish - Taste Of The Creel - a tasty combination of pork belly, pastrami, herby chicken, hummus, mustard, pickles & toasted sourdough, all for under €15, with suggested drinks to accompany including homemade lemonade (€2.50) or a glass of wine (from €5).
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 McHales pork, 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.
