Modern and spacious, this smart restaurant beside Trim Castle has a broad appeal and, although there has been a recent name change, it has been operating under the direction of owner Frances Sweeney (a trained chef) since opening in 1999.
Many of the team have been here from the outset, including the Head Chef, Lee Clarke - which explains the consistency of the cooking and the confident style of this large and busy restaurant. Well-trained staff greet and seat arriving guests promptly, settng a tone of relaxed efficiency that makes for an enjoyable outing.
It's a big space, on two levels, and large plants are used to good effect to make it welcoming and create more intimate dining areas. An attractive curved area near the door offers comfortable seating if you are waiting for a table, and there is a small (but well stocked) bar. Pizza plays a big part on the menu and there's a pizza bar to the rear, fronting the kitchen.
Simple, uncluttered table settings are modern and elegantly functional and, although some guests might find a brighter setting more comfortable, low lighting contributes to the atmospheric ambience.
Light-hearted menus offer a wide range of international choices and, together with an informal, buzzy atmosphere, all the signs are that this is a place for a good night out.
While the choices are eclectic - American (Traditional), Asian Fusion, Burgers, Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Steakhouses and Vegetarian - there is a stated commitment to local Irish produce (notably 100% Irish beef), although specific suppliers are not listed.
Starters offer a choice of popular dishes, ranging from buffalo wings, baby ribs and confit of duck to Caesar salad, warm Clonakilty black pudding salad with blue cheese and steamed Irish mussels.
For mains - again a very wide selection - traditionalists might enjoy simple pan-fried fillet of salmon with leek & cream sauce, lamb shank or a good steak. There is plenty of choice for the more adventurous – perhaps Caribbean chicken or Boeuf Bourguignon with a twist – slow cooked beef ribs? Vegetarians are well catered for with dishes such as stir-fry noodles, fajitas and pasta a la Checca.
Desserts incline to the traditional - Granny's apple tart, chocolate fondant, sticky toffee pudding - or you could finish with a speciality coffee.
To accompany, the wines are appropriately priced and cover most styles and countries, with some available by the glass or half-bottle. Sparkling wines and rosés are available too - and, of course, there's a full bar.
Service is excellent - efficient and always smiling and chatty, even at very busy times - which is one of the main reasons so many people come back.
All round this is what a good neighbourhood restaurant should be - and visitors to the castle are made especially welcome too, with a complimentary glass of house wine given on production of the entry ticket.
