The Strand Cahore — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Gorey — Kilmuckridge

Having been to this bar a number of times, I was hoping that the recent change of management had brought some improvements to this wonderfully located establishment. The place had needed a deep clean and makeover, and the staff did need to be more efficient and friendlier.

The staff have certainly improved, with friendly smiles and reasonable service. While some cosmetic changes have improved the bar, the outdated decor and poor quality seating remain.

As we had heard that the bar was now offering lunches, we eagerly went down to try them. The menu was a tad "high brow" for the clientele, I feel. But eager to try something new we plowed on.

Service was a little longer than we would have liked. I had the blue cheese, pear, walnut and bacon salad. It did what it said on the tin, but was not the sum of its parts. The plate was too bitty to get a nice cross-section of flavours. The bacon too was "old style" boiled bacon. I was hoping that it would bring some nice salty balance to the meal, but it didn't, and the lumps of fat were unappetising. The long light brown hair I found running through my food did little to encourage my appetite. Overall it was edible and inoffensive.

Two of my friends ordered the cheese and bacon toasted sandwiches. Again the bacon had huge lumps of fat. Not offensive to everyone, but including fat in a meal will always divide diners. One of my friends sandwiches was burnt and, unwilling as she was to make a fuss, she had to send it back. She also had the paramesan potato side, which was nice, but a tad expensive at €4 for a small bowl.

My other friend had the open prawn sandwich which she pronounced unexceptional, with the marie rose sauce tasting "bland and watered down". She also ordered the Asian slaw, which turned out to be a small bowl of leaves, cabbage and carrot with a small drizzle of lime juice. Exceptionally over-priced and uninspiring at €4.

The Strand Bar has such great potential. We were delighted that efforts are being made to improve the place. We would even applaud the management's desire to raise the profile of the place by providing a "classy" menu. However we left feeling that perhaps they'd be better served providing a more "casual gourmet" affair that would suit the patrons better, and to focus on the more serious decor problems over a somewhat...

I had read great reviews of the food and looked forward to dinner there. It was disappointing unfortunately. The sharing platter was very good if pricey at €18.50 but the mains (we had the monkfish specials) were not a great standard given the price €29. Fish was cooked ok but sauce was super thin and weak in taste. Offered with mussel, mashed potato’s and truffle fries - don’t know why you need both but fries had no truffle taste and were drenched in Parmesan but worst part was they were frozen chips with lots of bits. If you are going to charge higher end costs then the standard should be better. Where we sat at window was ok but was hard wooden bench seating with no seat cushions? Maybe we were unfortunate this time out but can only review what we experienced.

Amending on foot of reply from Strand below. I read your reply and find your arrogance quite disappointing. The fries were not crispy as you said so doubt the narrative you are trying to offer. Note also the picture of a non empty plate which has lots of bits of fries .. this must be a specialty of yours also! I was trying to spare your blushes with a constructive review but clearly your future guest should also know what I left out. When we got there in time for our reservation there was no one to greet us either. We waited 5 minutes and went to the bar where eventually we’re seated. Also you should note that when our mains arrived it was only minutes after finishing the starter and we still had our side plates on our table. Your reply just shows what you really think of your patrons. You’re welcome by the way for the review and. Constructive feedback (that you asked for in your email to me...

I would never imagine taking the time to write out a poor review for any business/ restaurant establishment but as someone who has been coming to Cahore since I was a kid, I have to take the time to speak my mind. The Strand has been a huge part of my life and childhood, somewhere I think back of as a place of comfort, peace, and pure joy. Memories of rolling down the hill and playing the grass while my parents enjoyed pints together with immense laughter. Coming here as an adult, it has completely changed. I have no negative comments on the staff or food but more have to comment on how it has changed significantly for the people who have such good memories here. The rules and regulations that exist at The Strand don’t make any sense and take away from the beauty and serenity of the location and what it should bring to people. After years of not being in Cahore I wanted to enjoy a drink at The Strand and was told several different rules in order to accomplish that. All I ask from the owners is to please reconsider toning it down and making it what is used to be. I promise this would benefit the business significantly and people would be a lot happier. Just bring back what it was, no need for all these rules. Much...