It has been something of a frantic few weeks for those in the hospitality industry as they struggled to prepare themselves for the onslaught of eager patrons hoping to socialise and dine out once again. Sadly, for many the challenge was too harsh and some have made the decision to remain closed for the remainder of 2020 while casting an eye towards more prosperous adventures in 2021. Whether your local restaurant is open for dine in or scrumptious take away, make sure to support them in any way possible.

Some of the restaurants who have decided to remain closed to indoor dining this year include Beach House Tramore which will instead host a Christmas market shop within the restaurant space, Michael’s in Mount Merrion who will continue with their immensely popular Little Lockdown market with a host of festive nibbles available to take away, and incidentally is now open in a new venue beside Higgins Butchers in Sutton. Also closed for dine in for the remainder of 2020 is Two Cooks in Sallins who are doing a roaring trade with their festive hampers, 3Leaves in Blackrock who are happily still open for collection, Potager in Skerries who are again open for take home delicacies and Hatch & Sons who have made the decision to close both locations until all this has passed.

On Dublin’s Parnell Street, Mr. Fox has reopened with their set Christmas tasting menu and some snazzy new outdoor seating pods to keep you safe and cosy through the winter months. While Èan bakery, restaurant & wine bar in Galway, a lockdown baby from the creators of Loam Galway is back for dine in with their dinner service taking place in the wine bar this week and then Thursday to Saturday throughout the month.

In Kildare, another relative newcomer to the stage is Sásta by the River in Maynooth town, a neighbourhood eatery open for brunch, lunch and everything in between. The ‘Homemade with Love’ boxes would make a very decadent gift and the Christmas sandwiches look drool worthy.

The arrival of December signals that Mince Pie season is well and truly upon us and the competition has never been so fierce. Strong contenders include offerings from Bread 41 (pictured above) who will also sadly be remaining closed for indoor dining for now, No Messin Bakery, who are also the only purveyors of a very special Highbank Orchard Apple Brandy Butter, Scéal Bakery available for collection at Fumbally Stables each Thursday and Saturday, Marmalade Bakery in Galway and Firehouse Bakery in Wicklow and Delgany. Pick up one of their sourdough pizza kits before you leave and you dinner plans are complete. 

Mince Pies aside, special mention must be given to Medialuna Croisssanterie whose Mice Pie Croissant combines the best of both worlds and is available to pre-order now.

And finally, chef Dermot Staunton (of Delahunt fame) has spent the last seven weeks cooking up a storm in his Stoneybatter kitchen, selling his wares out the window with profits going to local charities. Eating his amazing Earl Grey home smoked salmon, Guinness bread, Irish stew and lemon posset with homemade cookies may just be the easiest and tastiest way to give back that we have ever come across. Dermot is presently taking orders for Christmas hampers and hopes to turn this lockdown project into a full time caper. In the man’s own words, “get involved!”.