Review
The Brideview bar and Bistro is situated just outside Tallow, beside and old stone bridge over the river Bride. This picturesque country pub and restaurant has a beautiful position with views over the river. Once inside this old pub on a wet autumn evening you are greeted by two open log fires. At the back of the pub there is a little snug area with two armchairs by the fire and as many books as you can imagine, everything from Scooby Doo to the Da Vinci Code to Vanity Fair. You have the choice of eating at the bar or in the restaurant, a lovely contemporary room at the back of the pub with a deck area outside, where rugs are provided for those colder evenings.
Noel & Anne Marie Costelloe took over The Bride View almost 10 years ago. Noel had been running The Blue Haven in Kinsale prior to this and then got the opportunity to buy this fantastic location back in 1998. They have turned it into a lovely destination enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
There is both an A La Carte Menu as well as Daily Specials displayed on the blackboard. There was a wide variety of dishes from seafood such as crispy lemon sole, plaice on the bone and John Dory to more carnivorous options like rack of lamb and breast of mallard.
Everything served in The Bride View is of the freshest ingredients, locally sourced. All the seafood comes from a local husband and wife team called Love Fish, he is out on the boat and as soon as the fish are caught she drives them up to the restaurant. All the beef and lamb come from Mc Graths of Lismore where they have their own herd and abattoir. So when we talk about locally sourced and 100% traceability we really mean just that. Also at the Bride View they have their own herb gardens and the apples come straight off the trees, something John Hawkins (chef) is extremely proud of.
Starters commence at €4.95 while the mains start at €13.50 and desserts from €5.95, the message here is really good homemade food and exceptionally good value for money.
We enjoyed the crispy lemon sole which was really enjoyable and came with homemade chips and a side salad, while himself had the rack of lamb, served on a bed of creamy mash and seasonal veg and we shared chocolate pudding with hot chocolate sauce and cream.
The Brideview is a real country gem, serving top of the range homemade foods using the best of local ingredients. Well worth a detour.
**Christmas hampers are now being prepared for the festive period and can be bought on-line at www.brideviewbar.com. They are all made up with delicious foods all prepared in the kitchens.
