Drogheda Restaurant Reviews

Tried the Bryanstown Social this evening - opening night. Booking was easy online. I had a reminder by email last evening. They also rang me earlier to confirm my booking. All very professional and to be expected these days.

On entering, initial impressions.

Nice, simplified decor, no ducking under curtains, nor any ducking under stuffed ducks. The tables were well spaced, the welcome was friendly and professional, hygiene was top notch. All staff wore visors, and I saw them routinely use the sanitizer themselves. Scrupulous hygiene when tables were vacated.

Plenty of waiting staff, all attentive (some were understandable quietly nervously attentive) and there was a regular circulation, looking to see that you had everything you needed, or that all was well. For those that used to visit ESBG, I didn’t recognize any staff from the “old days”. An entirely new cohort, as far as I could see. That’s not a good or a bad thing - just so’s you know. Some of the waiting staff at ESBG were really good. Hope they’re doing ok.

Anyway, down to the serious business of food, drink and service.

Once seated, I was given the menu and drinks menu, and asked would I like a drink? In the spirit of enjoying my evening, I opted for a glass of Prosecco. The menu etc are on paper, no folder etc. be aware, I nearly set fire to mine on the candle on the table! Entirely my fault!

I would say that there’s something on the menu (available online, too) for most tastes. I chose the Chowder accompanied by a glass of Albariño, followed by the Fillet steak, medium, with hand cut fries and peppercorn sauce, with a glass of Merlot.

The chowder was very good - a decent portion with deep flavours and a lovely creaminess, with a delicate drizzle of olive oil. And the Albariño was lovely.

So, starter a success

My fillet steak, which was a nice piece, was properly cooked to medium, as requested. The fries were good, too. The pepper sauce was, for my (somewhat jaded!) taste, good and hot - and I mean spicy not temperature - but it might not suit all palates. There was no alternative sauce, as far as I could see.

Already full, I demurred on the desserts, of which there was a nice selection. I had an americano, and asked for a port, which they didn’t have. So I had to have a decent sized Jameson instead! Purely medicinal, you understand!

I wasn’t rushed, and finished my meal within the time limit.

First impressions are that they want to succeed, are putting the effort into training staff in all aspects of customer service, proper and rigorous hygiene practices. Of course, they will settle into things, but all the basics are there from the start.

Congratulations to them all on a good, steady start, and a good offering. It can only get better from here, and I’ll be supporting them whilst at the same time enjoying good food, well presented and served, on a regular basis.

I hope you enjoy it, too!