In a stunning location on the edge of the Atlantic at the aptly named Long Strand, The Fish Basket (formerly The Puffin Café) was opened by the well known fishing and hospitality duo, Peter and Elaine Shanahan, in 2019. They brought a following from the successful food truck food that they'd run for five years before taking the leap to this beach-side restaurant and accommodation - and made a great impression from the outset.
It's a quirky spot and the black-painted shack offers a highly unusual experience, showcasing the work of local artists and photographers as well as offering casual fare based on tip-top local ingredients supplied by the likes of Glenmar and Shellfish de la Mer, Caherbeg and Rosscarbery Recipes, Gloun Cross Dairy, Fields famous supermarket in Skibbereen, and many more of West Cork's best.
You might expect Fish & Chips in this brilliant beach-side spot and their Crispy Battered Fish and Chips {'Glenmar's freshest of fishin our crispoy batter with handcut chips, peas and homemade tartar sauce') is certainly among the best that you'll find anywhere, but there's much more as well. The freshly-breaded Union Hall monkfish 'scampi', fish tacos. Castletownbere open crab sandwich, and the freshly made fish burger (crisply battered hake fillet in a Fields floury bap...) all jostle for attention alongside the big one ,The Fish Box Sharing Box (an irresistible mix of crispy battered and breaded hake, lemon sole, scampi and squid with mushy peas, home made tartare sauce and hand cut chips).
Vegetarians aren't overlooked either, along with tempting meats from the Allshire's family farm nearby at Rosscarbery and some 'real food' for kids - all served up with a short drinks menu that includes excellent West Cork Coffee (perfect with a treat from Elaine's famed baking repertoire).
Be sure to watch out for the specials too, although the helpful friendly staff will bring the little boards to you in any case.
On a sunny day, after a walk on the long beach, you may sit outside and enjoy your food with a jug of water or a glass of wine - and in winter the stove inside will keep you warm. But do drop in even if you’re passing in the morning, as you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee along with something from Elaine's impressive range of pastries, and you’ll be surprised at the coffees available - not too many places have an exclusive House Espresso (a Costa Rican brew via West Cork Coffee).
Great local produce, from the sea and land, is the star at this unlikely venue - it's an unbeatable destination for excellent, well-priced casual food, and family fun.
Call in once and you’ll be hooked.
***ACCOMMODATION is also offered at The Long Strand Nest, a beach bungalow consisting of two semi-detached apartments with a shared verandah. Check out The Fish Basket website for full details.
