After 11 years at their much loved Jarrow Café in Castlecomer Discovery Park, Evan and Anna Stewart moved to this lovely building in the town centre early in 2019 - a well timed move as they are now at the heart of what has recently become a serious destination for food lovers and discerning visitors seeking something different away from the better known honeypots.
The pleasingly refurbished premises is full of old world charm and highlights local crafts - a special counter made by local cabinet maker Stephen Kerr, for example, and delightful pottery from local potter Rosemary Durr, which is featured throughout and makes a perfect backdrop for Anna's wholesome food.
Most tables in the pleasant L-shaped room are towards the front, looking out over the handsome wide street and its famous famous lime trees, but it's no hardship being seated near the service counter at the back where you can enjoy a tantalising display of homebaked scones, cakes and biscuits... And, out at the back there's a very nice outdoor decking area too, with bench tables for al fresco dining in fine weather.
The Lime Tree was an immediate hit with loyal local customers delighted see this reinvention of 'the Jarrow' back in action - but Evan and his friendly staff have time for a chat with everyone, so it's also a place that visitors will be glad to find.
Breakfast (including an appealing vegetarian breakfast with gluten free sauages) is served until 12 noon - which useful to know for families heading into the Discovery Park - then once the lunch menu comes on the good food and pleasant setting make it a tempting nice place to linger over lunch with a glass of wine.
In addition to the main menu and a choice for kids, there are daily blackboard specials and even the simplest choices - such as soups, including an exceptionally good seafood chowder and a daily changed alternative such as carrot & coriander, both served with a very good home baked brown bread - are full of flavour and could well be a highlight of your visit.
Salmon, hake and smoked coley fishcake is another popular option (served with homemade tartare sauce, chips and salad at around €12.50) and there's plenty else to choose from, including a treat from the display on the service counter to enjoy with your coffee.
So all in all a lovely place with very good food and giving value for money. You'll be glad you found it.
