The Tannery Wine Bar

Ireland's quaint and wholesome town in Co. Waterford, Dungarvan, offers an evening of sophisticated style and exciting tapas at our hometown’s renowned restaurant, The Tannery. The critically acclaimed establishment is highly regarded throughout the country as one of Ireland’s leading restaurants, picking up numerous awards, including Restaurant Association of Ireland Restaurant of the Year 2013.

Having dined at the award-winning restaurant several times before, we knew upon entering we were set for an evening of tantalising tidbits. Rather than dine in the upstairs restaurant, we opted for an abundance of taste by settling ourselves in the lively downstairs Tannery Wine Bar area which offers a selection of scrumptious tapas. Check out the menu and try not to salivate over your screen as you do.

Faced with the daunting task of picking from it, we cut through the temptation of ordering everything on the menu with a few choice selections (this is a lot harder than it sounds). And typically the first thing we did was order off their restaurant menu and requested their Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Salad (€7.50); it is our must-have whenever we go to The Tannery (but it’s just a salad you say but that’s only until you try it). However, there is a tapas version for those who wish to keep to the theme of the evening, Goat's Cheese and Beetroot on toast (€4.50).

With a delicious medium-bodied Italian red ordered (€17.50 for a carafe), we sifted through the menu and selected the Crispy Egg and Serrano Ham (€7.50), Toulouse Sausage (€4.50) (Owner Máire's personal recommendation) and Patatas Bravas (€5.50). All three tapas are delicious in their own right but the one that really stood out was the Crispy Egg and Serrano Ham. Perfectly cooked, and crispy as advertised, the runny yoke seeped wonderfully into the Serrano ham to create a dish that left us wondering who got the bigger half.

With only three tapas and a salad ordered, we felt we were setting a good pace but the portions are quite generous and while we were sorely tempted to continue indulging, we decided to leave the rest for another time and satisfy our sweet tooth. Step forth the Sticky Orange Cake (€4.00). These did anything but appease our dessert cravings as they were so divine that we had to order a second helping! These should come with a pre-emptive warning ‘may overeat’. If you’re able to keep it down to one serving, you’re stronger willed than us. It was the ideal accompaniment to go with a soothing Cappuccino (€3.40).

Celebrity chef Paul Flynn, considered throughout the country as a magician within the kitchen, has with his wife, Máire, instilled a refined ambiance within a relaxing and modern environment in what used to be a leather warehouse. Their price is a little higher than most restaurants but we’re talking only a couple of Euro here and there and because of the high standard and quality set throughout, you don’t feel you’re overpaying. The service is friendly and remains efficient throughout the night, despite how busy they can get, and The Tannery Wine Bar is ideal for a catch up with friends or a one on one gastronomous experience with a loved one.

The Tannery will be taking a well-deserved rest after the Christmas and New Year rush and will be reopening its doors at 5.30pm Friday the 31st of January. We’ll be in Paris when it does but we’ll be sure to go again upon our return and you can catch our review of The Tannery Restaurant.

Reservation

There is no reservation required for The Tannery Wine Bar. Just walk in from 5.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Price

€€€

Recommendation

We highly recommend grabbing a friend, giving Paul Flynn and Máire a wave, and settling in for a wave of edible delights at The Tannery Wine Bar. Just make sure you don't have so much fun that you forget the all important selfie.

Joe and Siobhan Selfie at The Tannery Wine Bar