A hot daytime destination in the Wexford area, this bright and stylish café with speciality food and wine store in Meadows & Byrne is an outpost of the legendary Kelly’s Hotel and bears all of the parent business’s hallmarks of quality and originality.
Tempting aromas, artfully displayed baskets of freshly baked breads and bottles of Kelly’s own wines (specially imported and offered at a very attractive price) ease the curious shopped from the home store into the café area and, once in sight of the wholesome fare displayed at the self-service counter, resistance is futile.
While it’s indisputably a practical shopping centre café, there is plenty of evidence of the quirky style that’s typical of a family who are almost as renowned for their eclectic art collection as for their famously one-off resort hotel.
Aside from serving the excellent food prepared by Head Chef Stephane Rochard and his team, it’s a pleasing, visually interesting place to be and has become a destination for visitors to the area as well as local shoppers.
Quality and value for money are key to the appeal of Kelly’s and the specially imported Italian Flat Bread Oven creates a warm and buzzy ambience as a supply of freshly baked pizzas and other goodies makes its way around the café throughout the day. Baking - both savoury and sweet - is a strong point here, also great salads, and excellent teas and coffees among a good range on the drinks menu.
Reflecting the long held philosophy of Kelly’s Hotel, fresh local and seasonal is the mantra when it comes to food sourcing, and - while there are plenty of outside influences enlivening the menu, notably from the Mediterranean - the pride in Wexford produce is palpable. Whether it’s fresh fish from Kilmore Quay, Wexford lamb or the area’s famous soft fruits, there are always newly delicious things coming onto the menu as the seasons change.
Although it is self-service, Restaurant Manager Nichola Dempsey’s friendly staff make everyone feel well looked after - so, whether for a respite from shopping, a journey break or to catch up with friends, it’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the goodness of simple food.
Also at: A smaller but very delightful cafe-bakery, Kelly's Deli, is at Rosslare, close to Kelly's Hotel.
