It can be rewarding to explore beyond the shoreside properties that tend to claim the attention in seaside towns, and Strandhill is a good example as the inquisitive visitor will find a lovely pub up on the top road overlooking the bay.
Conveniently located next door to the Strandhill Lodge & Suites (a happy combination if ever there was one, as the Lodge doesn’t offer food or have a bar), The Venue is a very attractive traditional pub with a cosy old-world front bar, complete with an open fire and a friendly welcome.
Beyond the bar, the restaurant is a big, bright room in a newer extension with large windows offering a panoramic view of Strandhill Bay. It makes a very pleasant setting to enjoy good down-to-earth food, notably steaks and local seafood – Lissadell mussels are a particular speciality, also (very fairly priced) lobster.
Menus are not overlong, yet carefully constricted to allow plenty of choice for different times of day and varying tastes, with good soups (the excellent house chowder is recommended) and a range of salads and pasta dishes (including several vegetarian choices) offered, as well as old favourites that keep people coming back such as their homemade burgers.
Everything is very wholesome and ‘homemade’ which - together with the lovely location, friendly atmosphere and pocket-friendly prices - makes this a good place to head for when in the area.
The Venue is also a well known music pub, with regular sessions held in the bar and free entry.
