The Elm Tree Glounthaune — Restaurant in Municipal District of Cobh

Apart from the 20 minute wait to grab someones attention to get a drink and order food, the Bar service attendant came to the table and while he served over people's heads he then proceeded to knock a glass of wine straight into my face and all down the front on my shirt and trousers. Apologetics out of the way, I was left soaking wet and embarrassed as the restaurant was full. I asked what am I supposed to do now and he handed me tissue and disappeared. I had to go to my car and put on a jacket to continue the night as we were with people. I asked the young lad later if he reported the incident, he said no he was too busy. I told him he had to report it and he left. I heard no more until I went to pay for my bill and asked the bar manager if he knew what happened and he said it was the first he heard of it. He offered me a refund for the glass of wine, I told him don't bother as my clothes were soaked in wine and that was an insult. I asked to speak to Manager who was finished but got him to ring and then he came back with 10% off my bill. He offered for me to bring in my clothes to have cleaned which I declined. Also he said if he knew earlier he could have got me a shirt from the service clothing. What I should get is an apology from the manager and a proper retraining of service staff. If that was hot tea or coffee it would have been a different matter, but to be left there wet and embarrassed like that and unable to get someone to help is beyond belief. They didn't even take my name or number I sure hope the manager reads this and contacts me but maybe he won't... Update , over 2 weeks later now and still nothing. It annoys me that the whole thing is of no concern to the owners. They won't care I suppose that I won't go back there again as they have a good clientele and is always busy. They won't miss us but keep going that way and you'll lose a lot more.. Edit..., even after 3 months nothing from anybody there. I am...

Would give 3 starts but if you're asking the prices that you are, 2 it is. Positives first: great coctails, really nice atmosphere and friendly staff. The rebel mudpie was excellent. Negatives: If you're asking €18 for a burger, you'd better make sure it's worth it. Although it sounds fancy on the menu, it doesn't matter what cuts of meat you mix for your patty if you're not going to season it. What I got was a fairly small burger with no sauce, no flavor and a bunch of single use condiments on the side that you'd see in a canteen. Why can Son of a Bun make €11 burgers twice the size and perfectly seasoned while you can't even put salt in yours or... I don't know, don't serve it in a dry bun and maybe come up with a sauce for it? Best thing on the plate were the chips which is quite sad, really. My partner got the steak which was well done even though we ordered medium. I was really disappointed by the burger so I wanted to get it to go. The waitress took away my partner's plate and almost a full portion of my chips that was saving for later (but left my plate and the empty glasses that have been on the table since before the starter). So like in literally any other restaurant that I've ever been to, I thought the waitress would return, take my plate and put the food in a box together with the chips, back in the kitchen as the staff usually does. Not here apparently, she brought me an empty box so I would pack the leftovers myself, no bag, nothing. We were sitting at the smallest table by the bar with no place to put the box safely so I had it balancing on the ledge next to me, without the stupid chips of course, literally the only thing I liked from my dish. Bill over €80 for two but you better pack your own food lads. And I bet my shoes those empty glasses are still sitting on that table as I'm writing this review. But the pie was nice so...

Edit: editing last review as ate here again recently for dinner and the gluten free options were far superior. Most of the meals they would go out of their way to make gluten free and even the chips were also gluten free, which for me is worth 5 stars on its own, its so rare to see that.

The wings and prawn starters were incredible. The featherblade beef would be worthy of a gold medal if there was an Olympic category for it, unbelievable! The steak was only OK imo. A bit on the chewy side and generally I prefer fillet anyway. Got the paveloa this time round and was nice but would of preferred more fresh fruit and ice cream, rather than the raspberry compote as it was a bit overpowering.

As stated before the brownie was the only desert the last time I was there that was gluten free and it was by far the worst brownie I'd ever tasted. It didn't look or taste anything like what a brownie should. Was suprised. Whoever made them would want to refer back to the basics of making a brownie. Turns out this brownie is vegan so thats the source of the problem here. The oriel house hotel and lab82 do killer gluten free brownies, but not for vegans.

Fantastic restaurant/bar overall. Staff are great, plenty of drinks to choose from, it looks amazing and especially at Christmas. The owners every so many years seem to do the place up and change things around, which really make this one of the best places in cork.

An absolutely ideal gift card for people at Christmas if...