From Cork Airport, you follow the pink bicycle trail to the O'Brien's café and tea rooms, The Workshop. You won't be alone. In 2013, brothers Aiden and David set up the café in their dad’s old workshop and they haven't looked back since, as customers from near and far roll up every day to eat and drink, enjoy the comfy café and the friendly community atmosphere - and have a look at their collection of antiques, including lots of fine china.
And their collection of memorabilia is not just china. Among the treasures, you'll spot some old weighing scales at the door and there's an antique phone (a replica) which is very much in working condition - it is their landline. And over the counter you'll spot the model bi-plane used in the 1966 movie, The Blue Max.
Many of the antiques, especially the china, are for sale but the main reason people come here is to eat, starting in the morning with teas and coffees. And they're no ordinary teas - so many in fact that they have a special listing on the menu, and include exotics like Chrysanthemum, Elixir of Life and White Grapefruit. And all are served in fine bone china pots and cups.
And then there are the pastries and cakes, big and small - the choice is enormous, with an unusual rhubarb meringue cake among the favourites and some delicious gluten free options.
If you call around lunchtime, there will be great soups too, at least one every day and sometimes more. And then there are sandwiches, all made with Declan Ryan's superb Arbutus Bread and all packed with local produce.
When something more substantial is required, their pies are recommended; there will always be one (homely beef and vegetables with lovely creamy mashed spuds, perhaps), and sometimes two to choose from.
And if you don't like tea (don't say that too loudly around here), there is also great coffee by Badger & Dodo of Fermoy and the friendly staff will sort you out with anything from your standard Americano to the more exotic Caramel Macchiato.
No wonder this place has become so popular that they have recently added an extension.
