The Old Spot

Some places just have it. You feel the frisson the minute you walk in the door and you know you’re out for the night. And The Old Spot has it. The newly opened gastropub on Bath Avenue is the buzzing brainchild of brothers Paul and Barry McNerney (of neighbouring Juniors and Paulie’s Pizza fame) and the boys behind the Bath pub ??Brian O’Malley?and Stephen Cooney. In terms of credentials, it doesn’t get much more authentically ?gastro? or ?pub? than that.

The four have transformed the old Lansdowne Bar into a warm and inviting hub with comfy seating, well laid out bar, spot-on lighting and lots of witty interior touches. We love the old Lansdowne Road dart sign that takes centre stage in the dining room to the rear. If you’re a gang, grab one of their cosy, fabric-upholstered booths down the back (but be warned you may never make it home).

In the kitchen, chef Eamonn Connors is continuing the Juniors tradition of serving seriously tasty, unfussy food. We can’t get enough of his tuna tartare starter (served with crispy yukka, avocado, lime and chipotle mayo), gutsy veal cushion ?Holstein? and decadent crispy Iberico pork flank. Sitting there with the dart rumbling by overhead, a 777-worthy Margarita in hand, and the din of happy drinkers and diners around you feels like the best way to kick off a Friday night – or any night for that matter.

14 Bath Avenue, Dublin

@theoldspotdub

@lizgoregrimes