FOOD Westport’s Pantry and Corkscrew in food guide

Corks popping in Westport Pantry

Having only started their business nine months ago the owners of The Pantry & Corkscrew, husband and wife team, Dermott Flynn and Janice O’Rourke (pictured) were delighted to find out last week that they have been listed in Georgina Campbell’s 2011 Guide of best places to eat, stay and drink in Ireland. 

As relative new-comers to the business, the couple are overjoyed by the accolade. Commenting on the guide listing, Janice said: “This is a very positive endorsement both for us and for the Westport culinary scene in general, showing its diversity by validating our efforts to bring a casual and fresh slow-food dining experience to the town.”

The Pantry & Corkscrew is a member of Slow Food Ireland which champions and promotes the production of fresh and in season dishes using as many local, organic and free range ingredients as possible.

During the day they serve a wide range of popular dishes, like their sage & cheddar infused organic beef burger, handmade vegetarian sausage and a range of fresh soups, sandwiches and quiches. The night menu is slightly more elaborate but remains informal. It includes dishes like pork on the bone with whole stuffed apple, slow cooked beef bourguignon and rustic salmon fish fingers. All are made fresh to order, Janice explains, adding that The Pantry & Corkscrew prides itself on delicious food that is also excellent value for money.

The cafe side of The Pantry and Corkscrew also offers large fresh strawberry scones with fresh cream and jam, rich chocolate brownies and fair trade, organic coffees and teas. Janice has also started to offer a mint tea made with fresh mint leaves, honey and lemon, which has been a big hit. Janice is delighted that the relaxed atmosphere is attracting a strong following.

“People have also started to see us as a nice place to come and have a casual glass of wine and sample our Irish Cheese plate, which includes some of Carrowholly’s finest,” says Janice. The restaurant’s Movie Menu on a Thursday night, which includes two courses, a glass of wine or beer and two movie tickets for the local cinema is also proving a hit.

The restaurant business might be struggling throughout the country, but Dermott is positive about the outlook for Westport this summer: “This summer is going to be a great one for Westport … Given the times we are in, people will tend to holiday at home more, and the visits of Obama and the Queen of England will also attract a lot of tourists from the UK, US and elsewhere.

“On the culinary scene some restaurants in Westport have consistently won high honours and national awards over the last few years, putting Westport firmly on the map as a food lover’s destination.”

The Pantry & Corkscrew, The Octagon, Westport, is open for lunch, 12pm to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and for evening meals, 6.30pm to 10pm, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. An Early bird menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays, 6.30pm-7.30pm. More evening openings will be added during the summer months.