Close by the town's old castle where the white deer roam, a row of lanterns welcomes diners to the front door of this handsome building in the centre of Mallow town, and the very pleasant restaurant that it houses.
Bravely opened in 2010 as Peppers - a neighbourhood restaurant and bistro - it survived the recession and it was then a case of onwards and upwards, with the aim of developing a sharper 'Farm to Fork' focus in the kitchen and, in 2017, a new name '1584 at The White Deer'.
"We’ve evolved into something a little different," says oene Diarmuid O’Riordan. "We’re intent on building real community through real food. We do this by forming genuine trusting relationships with our farmers and suppliers and serving food that embraces the seasons." And this - along with a genuinely warm welcome and customer-focused service - has earned the 1584 a loyal local clientèle.
And it's a pleasing place to enjoy the good food of the area. The split-level dining area has a number of eye-catching features, including striking a curved bar-cum-reception, a timber fireplace and some wooden deer heads as well as spot-lit artwork on the walls.
Tables are simply set up in the modern style and the house philosophy shows in a good range of six or seven starters and main courses, and up to eight desserts, all listed in plain English and supplemented by a packed Blackboard of specials.
The menu reflects the area, sometimes called the crossroads of Munster. Respected producers like Jack McCarthy, Ardsallagh Cheese, Carrigcleena Duck, Paddy Frankel from Kilbrack Farm and Mulcahy Leaves are name checked throughout the menu.
All the poultry and meats are Irish, including local black Angus beef from Ted Palmer in Two Pothuse - which may make its way into "Ted's select Irish Beef Burger"; made with smoked bacon and cheddar cheese added through the burger (and cooked sous-vide), this juicy burger is served with the classic accompaniments - lettuce, tomato, roast red pepper relish, mayo, skinny fries.
But it's not all about savoury tastes - and chocoholics will love this place, as the declared speciality is chocolate fondant (with honeycomb and salted caramel ice cream, perhaps...)
Service from a young team is excellent and, to accompany the tasty fare, there's a short but carefully selected mainly European wine list with about half available by the glass, and local craft drinks are offered too, including Longueville House Cider, and beers from Eight Degrees, The Cotton Ball, and Clonakilty Brewery.
It's good to see a restaurant like this succeeding, and growing - and its success is mainly down to their own willingness to listen to and learn from their customers and suppliers.
A meal at 1584 is sure to be a pleasure.
