Opposite the Everyman Palace Theatre and with an intriguing approach through a cobbled courtyard, this attractive Cork hotels got comfortable and spacious rooms at a fairly reasonable price.
The hotel is a former bonded warehouse on a very busy street in the 'Victorian quarter', but well designed double glazed windows successfully reduce traffic noise and all rooms have air conditioning. If you are a light sleeper, however, it is worth discussing your requirements when booking, as noise (early morning bin/bottle collections, for example), may still be noticeable in some rooms.
Gradual renovations and upgrades have ben ongoing for some years and a delightfully stylish boutique hotel is emerging as the final stages approach completion.
Renovated rooms are contemporary, with very comfortable beds, ample lighting choices and modern bathrooms that include a rainfall shower (and in some cases also a bath). Some rooms at the back look onto the waterfall, which is such a charming feature from the restaurant - and there is a modern glass-walled lift on the exterior of the building, which makes an imaginative feature in this traditional setting.
The lucky residents receive a discount when dining at Greenes Restaurant, and can also enjoy a buffet breakfast that benefits from the same high-standard sourcing as the dinner menu,
General Manager Arthur Little (previously at Liss Ard Estate, in West Cork) brings high standards and a watchful eye to the management style, and takes a keen interest in the improvements planned for both the accommodation and the restaurant.
Greenes Restaurant:
Despite being next door to the long-established Isaacs Restaurant (with the confusion of the hotel's similar name) Greenes is a very successful stand-alone restaurant and has a loyal following. Chef Veronica Ozores leads a talented kitchen team here, and they have attracted plenty of well-earned praise.
The approach from the street is uniquely enticing: the entrance under a limestone arch (and past the hotel's newer wine bar, Cask - see separate entry) leads to a narrow courtyard with a tumbling waterfall cascading down a rocky outcrop, which is floodlit at night and can be enjoyed from the restaurant. This impressive natural feature makes a very unusual USP for a city centre restaurant and tables are set up in the courtyard beside the waterfall in fine weather, making a romantic setting in summer - and an atmospheric backdrop at any time.
Large windows and high ceilings make for a bright and airy feeling in the reception and restaurant areas – and, with stonework and brick walls, a pleasantly green outlook (complete with the waterfall) and modern darkwood furniture all providing character, the feeling is definitely 'independent restaurant' rather than 'hotel dining room' and a distinctly atmospheric one at that.
The restaurant feels much more customer-friendly than many of the recent high-end openings, and the range of menus offered at different times conveys a real desire to please. There is something here for all occasions and budgets and a meal here is always a treat - and the value offered is outstanding.
Chef Ozores takes great pride in the ingredients that are available in Cork, and throughout Ireland - Ardsallagh cheese, Skeaghanore duck, Goatsbridge trout and perhaps lamb from Mallow. She loves her local suppliers and you will find many treasures listed on menus. Expect to see foraged items too - the aim is to create "signature seasonal dishes with a simple food philosophy - local, fresh and staying true to each ingredient’s essence", and vegetarians are not overlooked.
The quality is outstanding from start to finish, with all the niceties of fine dining observed from the initial amuse bouche to the final petits fours with your coffee - and warmly engaged service is provided by an excellent front of house team.
Superb cooking with a real sense of locality, caring service, an impressive drinks list...All this plus great atmosphere and outstanding value too - what's not to love about Greenes?
Cask (see also separate entry)
Housed in a former antique shop facing onto the street, the opening of this cocktail-heavy bar billing itself as a drinks, food and entertainment venue, was something of a coup for sister establishments Hotel Isaacs and Greenes Restaurant - especially with accomplished mixologist Andy Ferreira leading the talented bar team, and designing a honed, seasonally-inspired cocktail list to complement an imaginative bar menu created by Greenes. This exciting venue is helping to make the rebranded VQ (Victorian Quarter) of the city a popular destination at night.
