You can't miss this landmark project as you drive in to Ballycotton - although the former St Colman's Church of Ireland building may not give too much away from the outside, the old schoolhouse beside it has been given an enticing makeover to create a seaview bar and restaurant that would be very hard to pass by.
It's a labour of love by local businessman Pearse Flynn, owner of the nearby Cush restaurant with rooms (formerly Pier 26, see separate entry) and Ballycotton Sea Adventures, which offers sea angling and trips to Ballycotton Lighthouse, and his unique development - an atmospheric music venue in the church, with contemporary all day dining in the adjacent bar/restaurant - has brought new life to this charming fishing village.
The original buildings are linked by a glass atrium, with the entrance to the church on the left and, to the right, a smart bar leading to the L-shaped restaurant where large windows give sea views from most tables. Sea greens and blues influence the decor too - and, with a raised fireplace, feature light fittings, booths with comfy banquettes and a lot of wood - including light oak ceiling beams that give a nautical feeling - the ambience is welcoming and informal.
Keen young local staff are quick to make everyone feel at home and there's a real sense of pride in the air here, both front of house and in the open kitchen where Executive Chef Owen Davidson and his team can be seen busily at work, transforming the day's catch from the harbour and produce from nearby farms into delicious modern dishes.
The day begins with breakfast (seasonal and weekends, 9-11.30am), which offers a good range of brunch dishes - eggs Benedict and Royale, pancakes etc - as well as the Full Irish, of course, and variations (mini Irish, Vegetarian Full Irish), any of which would make a great start to a bracing walk on the nearby cliffpath.
Lunch offers tasty options for anyone who's just popping in for a quick bite (Chowder, soup of the day, gourmet sandwiches such as Smoked salmon on wholemeal soda bread, with lemon & seaweed butter, and watercress & pea shoot salad) or, if you have more time to linger, there are delicious main course salads, pizzas and bigger dishes like burgers and Fish & Chips. And vegans should be well pleased with the menu too, with dishes such as Curried cauliflower cake, Aubergine, chickpea & apricot tagine, and a Superfood salad among the options.
The à la carte, which operates all week and also for Sunday lunch, includes dishes from the regular lunch menu but extends the choices to include starters such as Flamed grilled pork belly and a Terrine of crab and mains like spanking fresh Pan roasted fillet of hake with carrot puree, steamed greens,& roasted cherry tomatoes, Supreme of chicken with celeriac purée, Half honey roasted duckling with apricot stuffing - and a super 14-ounce Rib-eye on the bone (with all the trimmings) for diehard steak lovers.
And, to round it all off in style, there’s a list of desserts that would tempt the toughest teacher - chocolate lovers, especially should not miss the beautiful Black Forest Mousse (Cherry and kirsch compote, with chocolate cream and chocolate shavings) - and a comprehensive drinks list from the bar, including a good choice of wines by the glass, craft beers - and excellent Drury coffee, locally roasted in nearby Youghal.
All round, a great find for visitors to this unspoilt fishing village - and well worth a special journey.
