Review
The Thomas Moore Tavern is the oldest bar in Co. Wexford. Located in the heart of the town, it is owned and run by
well-known local entrepreneurs Tony and Breda Wright and it has recently re-opened after a careful architectural restoration and extensive renovation. Words like opulent, luxurious and decadent spring to mind, and that’s no bad thing.
The Thomas Moore Tavern occupies five floors, each with its own distinct character. The authentic Victorian Bar on the ground floor feels timeless; sympathetic updating has retained many original features. Traditional yet contemporary, the bar features a cosy stove and a walnut-panelled wall that pays homage to a tradition of Irish and local literary greats, including Thomas Moore himself. Live bands play weekly, and the bar is a lively and vibrant place with a great atmosphere. Upstairs, The Piano Bar, with its sophisticated cocktail bar, creates a quieter space and is perfect for a romantic evening a deux.
Under the direction of Executive Head Chef, Ryan Bell, formerly of Shanahan’s on the Green in Dublin, the Thomas Moore Tavern has become one of the best places to eat in Wexford. The Spires rooftop restaurant offers a memorable fine-dining gastronomic experience from Thursday to Sunday for dinner, while a less formal dining experience is available in The Bistro, with a la carte and set menus available.
We recently ate in the bistro and it’s fair to say the room itself is stunning, with crimson embossed feature wallpaper, and incredible embossed ceiling and very high quality furniture and fittings. It is obvious someone has spent a lot of time and money creating this space, and it is pleasure to spend time in it. The menu features some interesting dishes and we enjoyed an excellent rocket salad with Parma ham and fig, as well as an excellent lobster and crab ravioli. Needless to say, with a chef from Shanahan’s steaks feature and you can be sure of perfection. Presentation is faultless, no touch is deemed to much to enhance the presentation.
Ryan is going with the local flow in terms of the menu – local artisan producers growers are used where possible, and the menus follow the seasons, so they change fairly regularly. The Thomas Moore is a very welcome addition to Wexford. I am quite excited to see how it develops under Ryan Bell, he has started excellently and I predict he can turn this into one of the finest dining rooms in Ireland. We are looking forward to returning and trying the fine dining menu in the upstairs Spires restaurant, and will update the listing as son as we do.
Interestingly, you can eat in the bistro on their set menu with three courses and a glass of wine for only €25, which in thise surroundings is exceptional value.
The Thomas Moore Tavern occupies five floors, each with its own distinct character. The authentic Victorian Bar on the ground floor feels timeless; sympathetic updating has retained many original features. Traditional yet contemporary, the bar features a cosy stove and a walnut-panelled wall that pays homage to a tradition of Irish and local literary greats, including Thomas Moore himself. Live bands play weekly, and the bar is a lively and vibrant place with a great atmosphere. Upstairs, The Piano Bar, with its sophisticated cocktail bar, creates a quieter space and is perfect for a romantic evening a deux.
Under the direction of Executive Head Chef, Ryan Bell, formerly of Shanahan’s on the Green in Dublin, the Thomas Moore Tavern has become one of the best places to eat in Wexford. The Spires rooftop restaurant offers a memorable fine-dining gastronomic experience from Thursday to Sunday for dinner, while a less formal dining experience is available in The Bistro, with a la carte and set menus available.
We recently ate in the bistro and it’s fair to say the room itself is stunning, with crimson embossed feature wallpaper, and incredible embossed ceiling and very high quality furniture and fittings. It is obvious someone has spent a lot of time and money creating this space, and it is pleasure to spend time in it. The menu features some interesting dishes and we enjoyed an excellent rocket salad with Parma ham and fig, as well as an excellent lobster and crab ravioli. Needless to say, with a chef from Shanahan’s steaks feature and you can be sure of perfection. Presentation is faultless, no touch is deemed to much to enhance the presentation.
Ryan is going with the local flow in terms of the menu – local artisan producers growers are used where possible, and the menus follow the seasons, so they change fairly regularly. The Thomas Moore is a very welcome addition to Wexford. I am quite excited to see how it develops under Ryan Bell, he has started excellently and I predict he can turn this into one of the finest dining rooms in Ireland. We are looking forward to returning and trying the fine dining menu in the upstairs Spires restaurant, and will update the listing as son as we do.
Interestingly, you can eat in the bistro on their set menu with three courses and a glass of wine for only €25, which in thise surroundings is exceptional value.
