For those of you who miss An Sibin, Riverside just got a new Irish Pub! The West Cork had a soft opening last night and a full grand opening today at 5pm.
Upon entering you can see that TWC has done extensive renovations to the space previously occupied by Hermie’s, Nomad, Soma etc. It looks quite good and the chairs are comfortable. The main room was packed
So I opted for the back room that hadn’t filled up yet (though it did by the time I left)
Lots of interesting things on the menu (sorry for the blurry first pic). Next time I want to try a breakfast or the wings.
This time I wanted to go with something authentic Irish, a Steak and Guinness Pie! It was quite good as I like strong flavours and you could definitely taste the Guinness. They were also kind enough to give me a side of the suicide sauce they use on their wings and that was pretty good too. I think the creamy mash could have used more flavour so I would definitely get the garlic mash next time.
In celebration of the Grand Opening, your first alcoholic beverage was on the house! I opted for the Whiskey Mule with whiskey, lime, cranberry and ginger beer. It was better than I expected and I would definitely have that again.
I didn’t go for dessert this time so I will have to try the bread pudding on the next visit.
Service was good. So far I felt “welcome,” an important point since I cannot say the same for the old An Sibin where it seemed like non-Irish guests were not welcome (but I digress).
I was quite surprised by how busy it was. Certainly one of the more packed Grand Openings I have visited. I look forward to future visits.
RL
Update: Back for a second visit, this time The Irish Breakfast Roll with egg, sausage, rashers, and pudding.
And it was HUGE!
Rashers are like peameal bacon but they reminded me of a thick cut smoked meat
I liked the black and white “pudding”
It doesn’t come with a side included so I opted for spicy wedges
Now I wasn’t planning on having alcohol but TWC had Connor McGregor’s Proper 12! I was super happy about that as I have wanted to try that for a long time. It was pretty good and again, strong flavour (which I like).
Still lots of things I want to try…
RL
rlauferblog 