Well known Sligo hospitality duo, Joe Grogan and Grainne Sheridan (formerly of the much-loved Luna in Dromahair village), spent a year renovating an old bar in Sligo Town to creat their dream premises. And, with immaculate timing, in spring 2020 they were ready to unveil their beautiful modern bar and restaurant, Walker 1781 ...
The rest is history for us all, of course, but despite the unprecedented challenges of their first season - when they only opened fully for a short peiod and otherwise offered a take away service for some of their popular pizza and pasta dishes - these experienced restaurateurs have weathered the storm.
Downstairs the old pub - a narrow room with a fireplace at the back - is still there in essence, but it's been transformed into a smart contemporary bar done up in their new navy and gold branding colours, which are also carried through onto the menus. Upstairs, the restaurant is an open room with an attractive exposed stone wall, discreet lighting and comfy leather bucket chairs seats all creating a softer feel, so - although the menus are very similar - the experience upstairs is more relaxing.
Grainne is the chef and the style here is upbeat bar/restaurant food - to begin, her signature homemade breads are a feature with dips, soup of the day or something like a Fivemiletown goats cheese salad. Mains cover all bases and traditionalists will find dishes like classic sirloin steaks and house-style fish'n'chips alongside the excellent pizzas and pasta dishes that they're best known for (the Pear & Blue Cheese pizza is particularly delicious...). Then there's the house special, Slow Cooked Irish Beef - this hearty bowl of 8-hour cooked beef and root vegetables is offered on the dinner menu at €25 and is also available for Sunday Lunch, although a supplement is charged. Weekday lunch menus also include more light dishes, like sandwiches and salads, but there's quite a bit of crossover between the basic range on lunch and evening menus so regulars are alwys likely to find their favourites on offer whenever they call in.
Desserts may include crowd pleasers such as brownies, apple pecan tart and a nicely caramelised crème brulee, which comes with lovely shortbread biscuits. There's also an Irish cheeseboard - generous portions of four cheeses, typically including Gubbeen, Smoked Gubbeen, Cashel Blue and a soft cheese, served with grapes grapes, chutney and crackers (not house-made), and good coffee to round it off.
Attention to food provenance has always been important to Joe and Grainne and, although not specified in many dishes, you'll find some information on the menu (or just ask), and the drinks list includes local craft beers as well as a good choice of wines and a cocktail menu.
Walker 1781 had a really tough start, but experience will out and it's sure to find its place among the excellent range of eating destinations that Sligo town is justifiably proud of. And there's one unexpected USP that every visitor comments on: the outstanding loos. Upmarket and seriously cool, they're not only very clean, smartly appointed and wheelchair friendly, but they sport a classy Dyson tap/hand dryer system that is also very hygienic - something that other hospitality venues might well consider.
