The Arch Bar — Restaurant in Fingal

Came early to guarantee a table to have dinner with 6 people. To get hold of table as we were calling all day to see if we could reserve. No answer all day... which was a red flag tbh. When arrived, we asked 4 separate staff to give us a shout when an suitable table to eat (for 6) became available, as colleague and wife were coming over to visit from overseas. And they wanted some good grub and were recommended there. Initially, We waited 45 mins having a couple of drinks waiting to be seated and place an order and nothing.

Despite a walk around a couple.of times to get something. Mentioned again, very politely about being given a shout when a table became free, to bar staffand floor staff. Very politely and with empathy. And were essentially ignored. We were waiting an hour and 45 mins before we decided to leave at 8. (There was also 6 tables outside to potentially eat and were told no, no explanation, just no, we couldn't eat there)

Just as we were about to leave, the member of staff we had asked regarding table (twice) was sitting at a table booth for 6, and had ignored our request for a table, to take it for herself and her snap chatting or whatever on the phone. Shocking to think that a member of staff prioritized herself over paying customers whom she was fully aware were waiting.

As former hospitality staff and bar manager myself over the years, I was totally embarrassed and put out by this stressful experience. Absolutely shocked that a member of staff couldn't find a place to have her own meal elsewhere and was seemlingly deliberately taking up a large area deciding the opposing decision not to help us out.

When brought to her attention calmly, was rude and passive aggressive.(we honestly thought she was holding it for us) in that moment.

You lost out on 200e or more worth of custom which we subsequently brought around the corner. When asked, No manager was on duty to discuss when approched bar. Appalling customer service and 'its not my job attitude'.

An example unfortunately of the new Ireland where menial service jobs are beneath irish staff and this will be the absolute last time we will come there.

Had a lovely experience previously.

Shocking ineptitude and the promise of a decent tip didn't seem to motivate either to just get a basic table to eat. Zero stars. There's one star there because that's the lowest...

Packed. Perfect if you want to chat with friends, have some grub, watch the soccer. Plenty of screens.

Not particularly clean, bathrooms were better than average but the tables aren't cleaned properly and the service isn't great, although some of the floor staff were lovely.

They said they wouldn't take a booking and it was walk-in only. When 2 of 4 of us arrived they still said they couldn't keep a table for us, we just had to watch for one to become available.

A woman and her 3 little boys left so the 4 of us sat down at their vacated table. It took a while to get the floor staff's attention to clear the table. When she finally did, she didn't bother to come back to clean the table or give us menus.

The table was manky with bits of saucy meat all over it and the seats that mashed into my dress.

One girl forgot a plate of fries we ordered, we could tell she didn't register the fries at the end of the order so we asked did she get it, she said she did but the fries never arrived until we asked another girl for them.

Food was lovely and red wine delicious, surprisingly cheaper than we expected.

The 2-piece band Miami Trice began at 10pm Saturday night. Singer was exceptional, guitarist probably was too but it was hard to tell over the heavy backing track.

Music was too loud for us to chat so we left but there were some older women up dancing and loving the music.

Place was still packed, the band were banging out Tina Turner &...

Saturday evening about 5pm while seeking shelter and food we happened upon this gem... Busy but not uncomfortable we found a lovely cubby table where we were able to watch the rugby 🏉 on one of the numerous telly's. The menu had plenty of variety but I was drawn to the smoked animal options 🐮 🐽. Rack of ribs and half a chicken was my preference and my partner in crime opted for the Thai prawn 🦐 noodles 🍜. Despite the place being fairly busy, Service by the lovely Nicky was friendly, efficient, attentive and prompt. Then the main event arrived, OMG! An absolute mountain of gorgeous smelling fowl and swine was delivered. The ribs were the softest, tastiest I've had for a long time. Really scrumptious! The chicken was smoked to perfection. Subtle burnt flavour was like great bbq with crisp skin and beautifully moist breast and leg. The Thai noodles 🍜, by all accounts, were equally impressive with an abundance of big juicy prawns with wheat🌾 noodles in a rich unctuous soup. She was happy. 🥰 No complaints and the next time we're back in Swords, we will certainly return to explore the rest...