Formerly The Spinning Wheel, the bright and airy restaurant in Margaret Griffin’s prize winning Garden Centre in Dripsey, is now known as the Garden Restaurant and Café @ Griffins, reflecting the great views it offers of the colourful garden centre itself and, on one side, of the Dripsey River.
On a fine day, the outdoor tables are tempting too, and perhaps have a view of water skiers on the river below. And it is not just the views that are great. So too is the food. You may have your breakfast here, a substantial lunch or a lingering afternoon tea. And, all day, there are salads and sandwiches to be had.
Most people opt for self-service, but you can be served at the table if you wish. In either case, you’ll enjoy the friendly efficient and courteous service - and good value too, especially if they're doing one of their occasional Friday Fiver offers, when some main courses are offered for a fiver - watch their Facebook page for details.
There’s nothing overly ambitious at the Garden Restaurant and Café, but local ingredients are carefully sourced and well prepared, so the simple meals served are really lovely. You may start with a hearty breakfast, maybe featuring black and white pudding. Maher’s supply the coffees, Barry’s the teas.
And if it is not the time for a full meal, do at least enjoy some of the traditional baking that is central to the operation – and perhaps take home one or two of Granny Griffin's freshly baked loaves, or one of the cakes so temptingly displayed at the counter.
