Opening The Baker’s Table of Lismore in January 2021 was an act of faith for Liverpool-born owner/chef John Mount. But it came through the challenges of that time with panache and soon earned a following in the region for excellent baking (notably sourdough bread) and the smart casual food served for brunch, traditional Sunday roast and the sophisticated 'Supper Club' dinners that allow this talented chef to flex his culinary muscles.
The former Maddens pub was thoughtfully reimagined to create an atmospheric shop and dining destination. Arriving in from the narrow street, you enter through the timber-floored deli - a shop and informal dining area with a large street-side window, a welcoming fire on chilly days and no shortage of temptations on display including wines and other drinks, and creamy pastries… Next is the main room, comfortably set up for leisurely evening dining. It's an attractive space with an open kitchen where you can see John and his team in action, preparing delicious dishes for hungry diners, and also to take away.
For outdoor dining, pavement tables at the front can be a handy spot to enjoy your Badger & Dodo coffee (from nearby Fermoy) and a pastry or something more substantial, and a sheltered area at the back offers an appealing outdoor dining setting for fine weather.
Many locals just pop in for bread and a few treats, but brunch is a big draw. At first glance the menu offers a pretty a regular line-up, but they have their own twist on popular dishes here with local produce leading the way. Some brunch dishes are served on their wonderful sourdough, others on croissants - their Eggs Royale, for example, combines two free range eggs on a toasted croissant with Ballycotton smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce and it’s the kind of dish that could become a habit.
Come evening time on Fridays and Saturdays and the kitchen gears up to a new level with The Supper Club menu offering the likes of Bruschetta of Goats Cheese and Provencal Vegetables or Venison and Wild Game terrine with Red Onion Jam to start, and then mains ranging from fresh Ballycotton fish to burgers (including The Lismore Vegan, made with chickpeas and beans) to the star of the show that many fans will be happy to travel for - the McGrath’s 10oz steak with peppercorn sauce, showcasing superb beef from one of Ireland’s most famous butchers just up the street.
Classical desserts will end the meal on a high, and you don’t have to have special dietary needs to find the gluten-free orange and almond cake with marinated oranges, vanilla ice cream, homemade granola and mixed berries irresistible.
With its delicious food, lovely friendly service, good value and a characterful setting, The Baker’s Table is a must-try.
