First opened as a licensed premises back in the 18th century, The Purty Kitchen has undergone many different iterations over the years, but its core offering of hearty fare served up in a convivial atmosphere has remained a constant. Its current incarnation is as a top quality gastro pub and venue - and, situated a short stroll from Salthill & Monkstown train station, it attracts locals and day-trippers alike with its food and drinks offerings, or to attend a gig or private party in its dedicated upstairs venue.
The interiors of the restaurant and bar have been fully refurbished by industry veterans Mark Heather and James Burgess, who took over this much-loved destination in September 2021, and the results are warm and welcoming spaces, with wooden floors throughout, boxed off booths and comfortable tables and chairs.
The emphasis on their menus is on fish and seafood as you’d expect given its location - and there is a market ‘fish of the day’ sourced from the excellent local fishmongers - but it is a varied offering overall and includes many vegetarian dishes.
The cuisine is modern Irish but with influences from all over the world, including popular dishes like ‘prawns pil pil’ and ‘salt-and-pepper chilli calamari’, and the value is good. Aperitifs and starters are available from c.€10 for example, while open sandwiches start at c.€16, mains from c.€17 and a selection of dishes from the grill from c.€15.50. There is also a kids menu set at the reasonable price of c.€10.
Head chef Graham Higgins and his team employ a wood fired oven in the kitchen which is put to very good use for certain dishes, and it complements the efficient service by the professional floor staff. The front of house team achieve the not insignificant task of making the atmosphere in a busy venue seem very laid back and relaxed.
The Purty is also developing a well-deserved reputation for its cocktails. They offer a good selection and they have a ‘Rum Wednesdays’ night which offers a three course set menu with rum cocktail pairings inspired by the flavours of the Caribbean.
The new owners will be making full use of their refurbished and weatherproof outdoor dining space, while The Purty Loft will reopen as a multifaceted event space catering for live music events, private functions and experiential events including food, wine and whiskey tastings.
This is a top quality local restaurant, with a well-run kitchen and bar and extremely professional service all around. It’s heartening to see this iconic Dun Laoghaire venue reborn - long may it continue!
