2023 Award Winners CASUAL DINING AWARDS 2023

CASUAL DINING AWARDS 2023

BAR-BISTRO: The Club at Goffs Kill Co Kildare

Opened to great excitement in March 2023, this new Thoroughbred Country 4-star is the latest venture from industry leaders Eoin Doyle and Ray Byrne - of County Wicklow gem BrookLodge and Westmeath's lovely lakeside Wineport, respectively, among other excellent venues. Just a short hop from Dublin, the gently equine-themed hotel offers classy rooms and a brilliant all day dining experience from the incomparable Derry and Sallyanne Clarke. It’s been a wow from the day of opening and no wonder - together with chef James Sheridan (formerly of Canteen, Kildare and Dublin) the Clarkes and an excellent team are serving terrific ingredients-led all day food here showcasing the very best ingredients from local and other Irish producers every day of the week. Add the buzz of the handsome horseshoe-shaped bar and terrific staff, who match well-trained professionalism with warmth and outstanding customer care, and The Club at Goffs has the makings of a longterm favourite for visitors and locals alike.

GASTROPUB: The Old Spot Dublin 

Sitting at the Beggar's Bush end of Bath Avenue, The Old Spot cuts a dash in this leafy neighbourhood. Its trendy, teal, country-pub exterior is festooned with a spectacular collection of hanging baskets – an Instagram-friendly exterior that conveys just what you'll find inside - a traditional bar with the perfect amount of hipster sensibility and a big-hearted welcome. Chef Mark Ahessy, an alumnus of L'Ecrivain and Pichet, joined as Head Chef in 2022, reuniting him with star manager Denise McBrien, who runs the happiest front of house team around. Epitomising the art of great hospitality, the combination of a top manager and quality training makes for the relaxed enjoyment of both gastropub favourites and the restaurant-style dishes, all big flavours, and skilled techniques. On Sundays, there´s an excellent menu of roasts with all the trimmings. Factor in a varied and affordable drinks list, and comfy dining spaces and it's easy to see why The Old Spot is hitting the mark with happy diners.

CAFÉ-RESTAURANT: Whitehorses Restaurant Ardmore Co Waterford 

A delightfully bright and breezy café-restaurant on the main street of this famous seaside village, Whitehorses was established in 1997 and is run with style by three sisters, Christine Power and Geraldine and Angela Flavin. Attractive and pleasant to be in, this friendly, well-run restaurant has a following for its deliciously seasonal local food with a real homemade flavour – it’s one of those places that changes its character through the day but always has seasonal local food and equally good for a reviving cuppa and a gateau or pastry from the luscious homemade selection on display, or a full meal. Outdoor seating - a few pavement tables and some more with big parasols in an attractive courtyard garden at the back - is very appealing if you're lucky with the weather. Consistent excellence is the name of the game here – every bite is delicious and, even at its busiest, service is invariably well-organised and efficient. A real gem.

NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTAURANT: Wild Thyme Three Mile House Co Monaghan

Nestled in the charming village of Three Mile House near Monaghan Town, Sinéad Flynn and Karl Breen created an oasis of good food for the area when they opened here in 2022 - and the delicious meals they serve are delighting visitors and local diners alike. With experience in some excellent kitchens including Gregans Castle in Co Clare, local gem Castle Leslie and the former GreenHouse in Dublin, Karl brought an impressive track record to Wild Thyme, so there is plenty to look forward to and the leaning towards fine dining should be no surprise. But that doesn’t mean ‘exclusive’ and one of the nicest things about this pleasing restaurant is that it’s welcoming to all, with a keenly priced early dinner menu, children’s menu and all day opening on Sunday to suit local diners. But there’s no lack of ambition either and, with all the makings of becoming a destination restaurant, Wild Thyme is well worth seeking out.

BAKERY-WINE BAR: Maison Gourmet & Le Bar à Vin Kenmare Co Kerry

A little bit of France in the centre of Kenmare, this gorgeous bakery and café is first port of call for many fans returning each year - and a perfect spot to pick up some seriously delicious bits and pieces for a picnic, or to take back to a self-catering base. Real French patisserie is rare enough outside France, but thanks to the skills of the French chef-owner, Patrick Puech - and the fact that he and his wife, Emma, import some key ingredients, such as flour and butter, to ensure that authentic taste of France - this is one of the few places where you will find it in Ireland. There’s a happy squeeze in the café and fans happily queue for Patrick's breads, including proper baguettes, along with exquisite cakes and patisserie, generously loaded with crème patissière and gleaming fruits. And they are proud to sell some carefully selected local artisan products here too of course. Come the evening, Le Bar à Vin opens – a bistro-wine bar which is run by Patrick and Emma's son Mael (the sommelier) and chef Jade Caulier. Offering “Fine dining, but casual, with local ingredients”, it's the perfect complement to the daytime bakery and café.