The Kelly family's attractive two-storey bar and restaurant is a well-established dining destination within the greater Sligo area as well as for local diners.
It's a fine big building, with a traditional bar on the ground floor (where an extensive menu of popular dishes is offered all week) and a spacious fine dining restaurant upstairs. With an appealing choice of materials - open brickwork, warm wooden floors and a feature fireplace in stone - subtle lighting, well spaced white-clothed tables and comfortable chairs, it's a room that sets the scene for a special meal out and the chef, John Kelly, should not disappoint.
John spent some years cooking with Neven Maguire (see entry for MacNean House), so it will come as no surprise that sourcing of quality ingredients is a priority. Credits on the menu include the renowned Thornhill Farm at Blacklion, Co Cavan (duck) and Eden Plants from Rossinver, Co. Leitrim (salads and herbs), while meats from local craft butchers Sherlock Meats of Ballisodare and fresh fish comes from Albatross Seafood at Killybegs, Co Donegal.
Hospitable staff present menus promptly, along with the offer of a drink, and you can choose between an à la carte with six or seven choices per course, plus one or two vegetarian dishes, and the set menu, which is a selection from these.
The cooking style is a blend of modern and traditional, with some world influences. Starters might include bruschetta or mini pizza with goats cheese and salad, a choice of steaks (a good 12-oz sirloin or a slightly daintier fillet with upbeat traditional trimmings), rack of lamb, Thornhill duckling various ways (starter or main course), and fish dishes with contemporary accompaniments.
Desserts offer the chocolate treats that are de rigeur when dining out, classics like crème brulée, comfort food including seasonal crumbles and good homemade ice creams - brown bread, or a summer berry sorbet perhaps. Everything is attractively presented and portions are generous - giving good value is essential for survival these days, especially in rural areas; it's always been the policy here and, at just €25, Sunday lunch offers especially good value.
The wine list includes plenty of choice at moderate prices (€20-30 range), and several half bottles.
