The Central, a sister restaurant to The Bective in Kells, is a popular, buzzing town centre venue that has something for everyone.
At the main entrance on Trimgate Street there’s a little café serving coffees and pastries in a sheltered outdoor seating area, just what’s wanted on a pleasant day. Inside, choose between a bright and lively bar with plenty of atmosphere, which also serves food; a casual restaurant, which is great for larger groups and families; or Mervyn’s Yard outdoor seating area, which includes a roofed bar and small children’s play area and is perfect for barbecues.
If shabby chic is your style, head upstairs to the Vintage Lounge, which has a heated outdoor terrace, and the Ruby Room, where you can have dinner and cocktails are a speciality (also live music at weekends).
The lunch menu features well executed versions of familiar dishes like chicken wings, Cajun chicken bap, fish and chips and Thai green curry, with most of the food served on wooden boards, adding to the casual gastropub feel.
Menus liven up at dinnertime, when a greater range is offered, including salads, pizzas, steaks, pasta and specials. They state that 90% of their food is sourced within Co. Meath and over 90% of produce, suppliers and contractors are locals; several suppliers are credited and menus feature a sprinkling of Irish artisan product names.
Drinks include Irish and imported craft beers which are on offer in the bar, where they also have a chalkboard of suggested beer and food pairings (more of this, please!), but they may not be mentioned in the restaurant, so be sure to ask about them.
Private events and parties are well catered for at The Central, and you can take your pick from Mervyn’s Yard, the Vintage Lounge or the Ruby Room.
Serving food from 8am right through to lunch and dinner, The Central is sure to have whatever you have a hankering for, from a coffee and a scone in the morning to a sirloin steak for dinner or just a drink or cocktail with friends. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
