Located above Mulholland’s Pharmacy just off Emmet Square at the top of O’Connell Street, this bright, airy café serves breakfast and lunch and a tempting range of homemade desserts. The double height space is also home to a craft shop, and there’s a cosy woodburning stove for chilly days - and also outdoor seating on a sunny rooftop terrace in good weather.
The menu offers quality and plenty of choice: freshly made sandwiches, wraps, bagels and panini as well as a good selection of salads using Lough Boora Organic Farm mixed leaves, homemade soups and breads and a savoury tart of the day. A sandwich with a mug of soup added alongside is especially good value and makes for a filling meal.
Breakfast is served till 11am (noon on Saturdays), including homemade scones and fresh smoothies that are made to order. The range of drinks offered is a nice change from the usual: Fentimans ginger beer or cola, sparkling elderflower cordial and Lorina lemonade. There’s also a small wine list, with one white and one red available by the glass.
Homemade desserts are a real treat and include such classics as Bakewell tart, chocolate biscuit cake and chocolate cream éclairs as well as cupcakes, muffins and milkshakes. The apple and mixed berry crumble tart with a generous dollop of thick whipped cream is a real highlight, and especially delicious with the excellent coffee supplied by artisan roasters Badger & Dodo.
On the face of it, it’s straightforward café fare but it’s very well done - and whether you call in for a soup and sandwich or a cake and coffee, the fresh ingredients, friendly service and a menu with plenty of choice and homemade options means there’s something for everyone at The Loft Café.
