Appealingly presented with soft green paint complementing the old stone frontage, Paul and Leonie Granville’s family-run bar and restaurant is the oldest licensed premises in Macroom - and, situated just off the town square and in the footprint of the historic castle, it’s easy to spot.
Known for its wholesome fare, notably great steaks and seafood, it’s popular with local diners and has also become a favourite place for travellers on the main Cork-Kerry road to take a meal break.
Renovated from derelict in 2007, it’s now a comfortable, welcoming place where you can come to dine, or to just have a quiet pint, a glass of wine or one of their speciality beers and read the newspaper. Old meets new very successfully, with features like open stonework and an original working fireplace adding character to the contemporary décor.
Head chef Brian Granville's food style is hearty home cooking, based on fresh produce from local suppliers. Lunch offers warming homemade soup of the day with Leonie’s home-baked breads (yeast and traditional soda) and hot dishes - both cooked to order and quick daily specials - like pan-fried fish of the day, sirloin steaks and lambs’ liver & bacon, and a variety of plain, open and toasted sandwiches. And there’s plenty of wholesome food for the children too – it’s a very child friendly establishment, with high chair and baby changing facilities.
In late afternoon an early bird menu offers great value, combining quality with pocket-friendliness, and the à la carte menu comes on stream too; steak takes pride of place here, with a 9oz Prime Hereford fillet steak or 10-11oz sirloin heading up the mains, which also include Slaney lamb and an appealing range of fresh seafood from Kenmare. Finish with a homely apple tart with vanilla ice cream, perhaps, or warm chocolate brownie; unlike many restaurants, all desserts here are homemade - and it’s good to see local suppliers credited on menus too.
Offering excellent value for money, Granville’s is a great place to know about when travelling and a welcoming family-friendly restaurant.
