UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Easy to find near the popular Cork City Gaol museum, this former post office makes a charming daytime café and evening tapas and wine bar with a delightful walled garden - and a welcome focus on the best of local and Irish produce.
Owned by Ciaran Fitzgerald of the famed Blue Haven Collection in nearby Kinsale, it's a very attractive set up, with the big shop window making it bright and welcoming at the front and a productive walled garden at the back, which makes a lovely place to sit out on fine days and summer weekend evenings.
They're most famous for their all-day brunch, which is available until the kitchen closes at 3.30pm and offers a wide-ranging menu including variations on classic Irish themes and popular Middle Eastern dishes. Favourites include an unusual Holy Guacamole, followed by the likes of famed Clonakilty black pudding hash with crushed potatoes and seasonal greens, Jackfruit Tacos (accompanied perhaps, if time allows, by a Boozy Brunch Mimosa...) There's plenty for vegetarians too, and vegan-friendly options.
At lunch time the menu expands to include a soup and an irresistible Arbutus Sourdough Toastie of the Day - and there's a good children's menu as well.
The cooking style is Irish with a modern twist, with influences from Europe and beyond, and everything is very tasty thanks to the provenance of ingredients, which is local and Irish. Suppliers credited on the menu include many much-loved names - Arbutus Breads, Drury Coffee of Youghal, Clonakilty Meats, and Ballycotton Seafood among them.
Between meals, the pastries displayed temptingly on the counter are just the thing to enjoy with something from a good range of hot and cold drinks, including teas and coffees by Drury of Youghal - and there's plenty to take home too, picked from shelves laden with goodies from the producers that supply the kitchen, among others.
Well worth seeking out.
