Gracey Delaney and Mark Funston share a passion for great food and hospitality, and a love for their adopted town of Castletownbere. Formerly of Bere Haven Lodge, the duo decided to focus on the premier produce the port town is known for – fresh fish and seafood. While The Chef’s Table deli and catering has been in operation for a while, Iasc opened in 2024 and services the takeaway sector, offering home-cooked meals and operating market stalls.
However, let not that fool you – this is no ordinary takeaway. With a daily changing special menu that reflects what is landed in daily from the boats, alongside some dependable regulars, it takes a sustainable view to making the most of the ocean’s bounty. So fish is very much the main focus, but some dishes suitable for vegetarians snd vegans are also offered.
As Iasc @ The Chef’s Table is a takeaway, there are no tables inside. Grace and Mark have got around this by working collaboratively with Twomey’s Ivy Bar just across the road. Inside is a designated area for Iasc customers and, while you settle in with a pint of something creamy, Grace delivers your takeaway to you hot off the braai complete with proper plates, cutlery, napkins and condiments for an additional €2 charge, which is well worth it. Everything is later cleared away by Grace, who is an affable host ready with easy conversation.
Here and there on the menu are items that are a throwback to Mark’s South African homeland with flavours and dishes seemingly finding a natural home in deepest West Cork. But their signature item is the Seafood Platter which is the priciest item on the menu but also the most generous and visually impressive, as well as hitting all the notes for fresh BBQ’d fish and seafood. Elements of the seafood platter also change daily, notably around the white fish, and it also includes Roaringwater Bay mussels in a broth of baby leeks and thyme, calamari, and langoustines. Lobster or crayfish will also show up, all coming with a generous portion of hand-cut skin-on chips with lemon halves charred on the grill for extra sweetness. Extra items, such as scallops, can be added for an additional charge, but are completely optional.
In the fridges inside, the takeaway desserts are ready to go and can be added to your sit-down order, or for takeaway. Some soft drinks are also available, but for takeaway only; if eating in across the road it is expected that drinks will be ordered at the bar.
There is a clear pride in the quality of the food that is being offered here, and in recognising the limitations of the space occupied by the takeaway itself, have innovated to offer a sit-down option that works for customers, Iasc and the bar who benefit from the additional custom over the bar.
