Here's Four Amazing Food Spots To Try Across The Country

It's hard to believe we're less than two weeks away from the long-awaited reopening of pubs and restaurants. It feels as though we're reaching the end of some Camino-style pilgrimage except the views haven't been breath taking and we can't even brag about our achievement because everyone else has done it too.

What's even better than the feeling that normality is about to recommence is the news that outdoor dining will return without some of the more restrictive rules that bogged down previous attempts to reopen hospitality in the country.

The hugely unpopular requirement that every guest purchase a 'substantial meal' has been binned. We can't tell you how many bowls of chicken tenders and chips crowded tables in pub gardens last summer, only to be left cold and untouched because everyone was full from the previous 105-minute booking we had just been forced to leave.

With the reopening just around the corner, we've teamed up with one of our favourite Irish drinks brands Hop House 13 Lager, to shine a light on some of the best gastropubs and restaurants that are opening around the country next week, to remind you of what you've been missing (as if you need reminding).

We've also included a couple of options of places we'll need to wait just a couple more weeks for indoor dining to recommence in order to make our grand return, but that's not to say we can't continue to support these businesses (and enjoy their delicious menus) by ordering for takeaway whilst we wait.

Read on for a little inspiration on where to choose for those all-important reunions and don't waste any time in making a booking, or getting your order in, because as you can imagine the demand is high for these places is high!

Electric in Cork

Electric is one of the most vibrant spots in Cork City, known for its menu of sumptuous bao buns, delectable sides and top-notch cocktails and draft beers. The restaurant is situated just on the banks of the River Lee and thankfully it boasts a sizeable outdoor seating area, meaning the prospect of an ice-cold pint after a filling meal of bao buns and shichimi deep-fried onion rings as the river tumbles by should once again become a reality very soon... but until that day comes, both their food and cocktail menu is available to purchase for takeaway and delivery via Deliveroo and Just-Eat - phew!

Sinnott's in Dublin

Sinnott's is essentially a Dublin institution. It's one of the city's oldest pubs, originally dating back to the 18^th century, and the place is steeped in Irish history as it's home to a large collection of original literary pictures and prints from well-known Irish artists and writers, including James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde. Oh, and if you're not fully fed by the place's culture alone, they also feed the masses seven days a week offering breakfast, lunch, carvery, and dinner.

They've kept things ticking over the last few months, occasionally selling ice cream sundaes and hosting BBQs for takeaway but we cannot wait to get back there for the sull Sinnott's experience as their outdoor area reopens on June 7^th. And the best part is you don't even need to make a reservation as it's walk-ins only - but try and get down early because this will be one of the most highly anticipated reopenings in the city.

Harry's Bar in Galway

Harry's bar is a top notch allrounder. With epic burgers, fried chicken, weekend brunches, and amazing midweek melts - this reliable outlet dishes up an incredible variety of food, with equally incredibly tastes. A more extensive takeaway menu than usually really does ensure there's something for everyone - and no shortage of indulgent option either. Our recommendation - make sure you try the Mac N' Cheese Balls - you wont regret it.

Stone Pizza in Dublin

Located in Stoneybatter, one of Dublin's trendiest neighbourhoods best known for its burgeoning food scene and typically hip crowd, Stone Pizza specialises in bringing authentic Neapolitan-style pizza (or 'proper pizza' if you ask them) to the masses. Customers can choose from a wide range of classic and innovative toppings although we're a sucker for a classic pepperoni done right as it always is done here. If the image above alone has got you salivating, fret not because the full Stone Pizza menu is available now for takeaway.

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Topics: Ireland

Gary Grimes

Gary Grimes is a sometimes journalist and sometimes publicist, originally from Sligo but usually in London. When he’s not PRing everything from gin to sex toys, he’s usually covering music, photography and pop culture topics for titles including Interview Magazine, The Face, Huck Magazine and Dummy. When he’s doing neither of those things, he’s probably rewatching weeks of Big Brother 2005 on YouTube or explaining to someone why Paris Hilton is a genius. Reach him at [email protected]

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