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“Just Ask!” Restaurant of the Year - Hooked, Sligo, Co Sligo.

The “Just Ask!” Restaurant of the Year is Hooked, Sligo, Co Sligo.

Hooked

Located just a few blocks away from its well established older sister, the deservedly popular Eala Bhán, this atmospheric venue is another welcome venture from well known Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray and his wife Eilish.

It's named after the meat hooks used in the traditional butcher’s shop which Anthony’s father, Joe, had in the town for many years, and the quirkily rustic interior features the old butchers block from Joe Gray’s shop (which is incorporated into the bar), as well as the traditional weighing scales and an assortment of ‘meat memorabilia’. And some of the old shop's favourite butchery products feature on Head Chef Joe McGlynn's menus, too - including Joe Gray's award winning sausages, which have been faithfully recreated for the restaurant.

There's a genuine passion for local food - Anthony has championed local producers for many years and is Chairman of the Sligo Food Trail, while Joe McGlynn has trained and worked with several inspiring chefs including the peerless Paul Flynn, of The Tannery in Dungarvan - so it should come as no surprise that the menu pays tribute to the host of special people and businesses that supply the kitchen with flavourful ingredients.

The unique Andarl Farm (free range 'velvet' pork and bacon) is just one of several meat suppliers – others include esteemed butchers Sherlocks of Tubbercurry (beef), Feeneys Meats of Rosses Point, Sligo, and Kelly’s of Newport - while other proudly credited local suppliers include Ballisodare Free Range Eggs, Sligo LETS Organics, Le Fournil bakery in Sligo town and Mammy Johnston’s ice cream, Strandhill...

Menus - which include separate breakfast and brunch menus, and one for 'Little Nippers' - offer something for everyone, with many old favourites such as Retro Prawn Cocktail, Beer Battered Newspaper Fish & Chips with mushy peas and Knickerbocker Glory featuring alongside more contemporary dishes like Bluebell Falls Goats Cheese Salad with slow roasted pickled beetroot, apple & cep granola, or a modernised version of Chicken Kiev.

But the crowning glory of the Hooked menu has to be the beef, and many would travel especially for Sherlock's Finest Rib Eye Steak, which is served with Chimichurru & truffle mayonnaise, Wild Mushroom Ragu and Roast Paprika Potatoes (and an extra side of White Hag Onion Rings is highly recommended).

With nicely timed service from attentive and well informed staff, this welcoming restaurant is full of heart - and a great addition to the town's wide ranging dining options.

For additional information on Just Ask and previous Just Ask winners, or to find out how to get involved, visit www.bordbia.ie.

SUPPLIERS

Cosgroves Shop, High St, Sligo

Feeneys Meats, Rosses Point, Sligo

Kelly’s of Newport, Co. Mayo

Sligo Le Fournil French Bakery, Sligo

Andral Farm, Brickens, County Mayo

Ballisodare Free Range Eggs, Sligo

ROM Sligo, Cleveragh Retail Park, Sligo

Sligo L.E.T.S. Organic Centre, Cleveragh, Sligo

BD Foods, County Monaghan

Achill Sea Salt, County Mayo

Dozios, North Mayo

Sherlocks of Tubbercurry, Sligo

Mammy Johnston’s Ice Cream Parlour, Strandhill, Sligo

Bluebell Goats Cheese, Co. Cork

PHONE

(071) 913 8591

LOCATION

3-4 Rockwood Parade Sligo

OPENING HOURS

Mon-Wed: 12.00pm – 9.00pm

Thu-Sun: 9.30am – 9.00pm

Call Us At (071) 913 8591|hookedsligo@gmail.com

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VIEW ALL JUST ASK RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH WINNERS

“Just Ask!” is a public awareness campaign that aims to encourage consumers when eating out to look for information on where the food (particularly meat) on their plate comes from, and encourages chefs to provide this information on their menus. The programme supports both large and smaller artisan suppliers, encouraging both Irish diners and visitors from abroad to support restaurants that are in turn supporting their suppliers.

Here at Georgina Campbell Guides we have always been avid supporters of the ‘eat local’ concept, and we always enjoy reading menus that have a real sense of place. The dining experience is greatly enriched by knowing that the food on your plate is inspired by the produce and traditions of the area, and sourced nearby – and we would love to see more chefs sharing that precious information with their guests.

If you are a visitor to the area, learning a little about local food and the people who produce it adds a special extra dimension to the visit – and, for residents, it reinforces a natural pride in the good things of their locality and makes a meal all the more enjoyable.

So, we are delighted by the high standard of menus that continue to be submitted for our ' “Just Ask!” Restaurant of the Month Competition', menus that really speak of the best of Irish foods – and the dedication of both the people who make them, and the chefs who select them to create wonderful dishes with real Irish flavour for our enjoyment.