The Pepper Pot

Located on the first floor of the bright and cheerful Powerscourt Townhouse, the Pepper Pot overlooks the busy shopping centre from a cosy ledge. The d?cor seems to come from your imaginary eccentric-yet-cool aunt’s Pinterest board. Neat tables are adorned with a mix of quirky and traditional tablecloths, creating a real sense of new Irish kitsch. And appearances do not deceive.

Thankfully the menu offers a genuinely varied vegetarian menu as well as the most polite bacon sandwich in Dublin. Their roast pear, bacon and Mount Callan cheddar sandwich is considered by many to be among the best sandwiches in Dublin and reclaims the noble bacon sandwich from the inferior chain deli counters that blight the city. The all-day breakfast options invariably hit the spot and the creamy scrambled eggs with Portobello mushrooms come highly recommended. This feast topples onto thick crusty white bread and is the ultimate in homegrown comfort food. Open seven days a week with brunch on Sundays, and we’re hearing rumblings of an evening menu?

Star Staff Founded and run by two friends, Marian Kilcoyne and Dervla James, there is a real sense of community here. Very welcoming and helpful staff.

What to drink?Tea out of the delightfully mismatching and delicate china cups, with saucers of course. The hot chocolate, made from rich German chocolate, is also worth a gulp.

We’ll be back for?A break this Saturday from the madness of last minute shopping.

Savvy spender?The menu is delightfully affordable, with everything coming under a tenner.

What to drink?On a cold and bleary day, go for the hot chocolate, served white, milk or dark. Divine.

Don’t leave without A slab-like slice of their Victoria sponge or a jar of their homemade chutney.

Who to bring?An old friend for a natter, and cake.

Jeanne Sutton?@jeannedesutun