Best Takeaway Pubs

Listen up, because I'm about to put you onto the absolute gem that is Cooke's of Caragh in Kildare. This isn't just another pub-restaurant combo – it's literally where legendary nights are born. I'm talking about the kind of place where you walk in thinking "quick bite" and leave five hours later with new best friends and stories you'll be telling for YEARS. Let me paint you a picture of what goes down at Cooke's of Caragh. The moment you step through those doors in Kildare, you're hit with this perfect mix of cozy pub vibes and modern restaurant class. It's like they somehow figured out how to make "come as you are" feel both super casual AND special at the same time?! The best part? Those magic moments when the live music kicks in and suddenly your "quiet dinner" turns into an impromptu dance party. Because OF COURSE it does – this is Cooke's we're talking about! Real talk though – the food here is RIDICULOUS. Their portions are so generous they should come with a warning label. The poutine fries? Listen. LISTEN. They're not just fries – they're a religious experience that people literally make pilgrimages to Kildare for. And don't even get me started on their onion rings. I've seen full-on debates break out over the last one. Speaking of food, imagine this: You're sitting there with your crew, the truffle parmesan fries hit the table (because you obviously ordered those), someone's got a pizza that looks like it floated down from heaven, and the cocktails are flowing. The staff's moving around like they're choreographed – they know their stuff so well they're practically menu whisperers. And here's the beautiful thing about Cooke's: It works for literally ANY occasion. Date night? The ambient lighting and cozy corners have your back. Family dinner? There's a kids' menu and enough space for the whole clan. Squad celebration? The group seating areas are basically designed for those "remember that night?" moments. You can roll up dressed to the nines or rock up in your comfy casual gear – either way, you'll fit right in. That's the magic of this place. It's got that chameleon energy that matches whatever vibe you're bringing. The outdoor seating area? SUMMER GOALS. Nothing beats snagging a spot outside on a sunny day, watching the world go by with a cold one in hand. And when the weather's not playing nice? The indoor atmosphere is equally top-tier, especially when there's sports on – they've got screens positioned so perfectly you'd think a geometry genius was involved. Here's some insider intel: Their busiest times are Friday and Saturday nights (duh), but here's a pro tip – Thursday nights have this special kind of energy. Like, the weekend warriors are starting to come out, but you can still actually hear your friends talk. And ALWAYS ask about parking when you book – they've got free spots, but knowing where they are is key. Oh, and speaking of booking? DO IT. Especially for dinner. This isn't one of those "maybe we'll get lucky" situations – Cooke's of Caragh has become THE spot in Kildare for good reason, and the locals know it. You're literally in the heart of Kildare here, surrounded by all the good vibes this town is famous for. But honestly? Once you're inside Cooke's, you might forget there's a world outside at all. This place has that "time stands still" quality that only happens when everything – the food, the drinks, the service, the atmosphere – comes together perfectly. Don't be the person who has to hear about another amazing night at Cooke's secondhand. Get yourself to Kildare and experience the magic yourself. Because trust me, right now, while you're reading this, someone's having the time of their life there, making memories you could be part of. Don't let FOMO win – get booking!

Let me tell you about the best-kept breakfast secret in central London - Franco's Take Away. This place is like that friend who always knows exactly what you need, especially when that need is a properly massive English breakfast that won't demolish your wallet. And trust me, in this part of London, that's rarer than a quiet tube ride. Y'all, I literally sprint here some mornings (okay, maybe more of a motivated shuffle) because Franco's Take Away in London has mastered the art of making Monday mornings actually bearable. The smell hits you before you even reach the door - that magical mix of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee that makes your stomach go "FEED ME NOW." Let's talk about breakfast because OH. MY. DAYS. We're talking proper hefty portions that'll have you doing the "I definitely don't need to eat lunch today" dance. Their full English is the stuff of legends - the kind that makes tourists write home about how they've "discovered real British cuisine." And those hash browns? They're not just hash browns - they're little golden-brown clouds of potato heaven that could probably solve international conflicts if we gave them the chance. But here's the real kicker - Franco's Take Away in London isn't just for solo breakfast missions. Need to feed your entire office? These legends handle 50-person orders like they're making tea for two. Everything comes perfectly packed, which means no sad, soggy sandwiches or breakfast chaos. Your work crew will literally worship the ground you walk on for introducing them to this place. The staff here? They're like breakfast ninjas. They remember your usual order after like two visits, and they move so fast you'd think they've got some kind of food-service superpowers. And yet somehow they still manage to crack jokes and make you feel like you're part of some exclusive breakfast club. Listen, we need to talk about the prices because I'm still not entirely sure how they're doing this legally in London. Everything is so reasonably priced you'll think you've time-traveled back to 2010. We're talking full breakfast AND a proper cappuccino for under a tenner. In central London! I know, right? I'm pretty sure they're breaking some kind of economic law, but let's not question it too much. The takeaway game here is STRONG. Everything's packed with the kind of care your nan would approve of - proper containers, napkins included, and somehow they've figured out how to keep the hot stuff hot and the cold stuff cold. It's basically wizardry. But if you're planning to eat in, grab a seat at one of their tables and watch the morning rush - it's better than Netflix. You've got your city workers grabbing breakfast on the go, tourists discovering what a proper British breakfast should taste like, and locals who've been coming here so long they probably deserve their own plaque on the wall. The menu goes way beyond breakfast too (though honestly, breakfast all day is totally acceptable here, no judgment). Their sandwiches and lunch options could make a meal deal weep with inadequacy. And everything's made fresh - none of that sad, been-sitting-there-since-dawn business. Pro tip: Get there before the lunch rush if you can. Around 1 PM, it gets busier than Oxford Street on a Saturday. But even when it's packed, these folks move faster than a Londoner spotting a free seat on the tube. Look, here's the deal - Franco's Take Away is that rare London gem that actually delivers more than it promises. It's in that sweet spot where quality meets value, where portion sizes meet London prices and somehow come out friends. Whether you're nursing a hangover, fueling up for a big meeting, or just need a proper feed, this place has got your back. So next time you're in central London, wondering where to grab a bite that won't require a small loan, get yourself to Franco's Take Away. Your stomach will thank you, your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief, and you'll finally understand why some of us get a bit evangelical about this place. Just don't tell too many people about it... or do, because honestly, good things like this deserve to be shared. But if the queues get longer, you didn't hear it from me! 😉

In the heart of London's Sheen neighborhood, Micro Beers stands as a temple to craft brewing culture, where the amber glow of pendant lights catches on carefully curated cans and bottles like sunset through stained glass. This isn't just another London bottle shop – it's a gathering place where the line between retail space and pub blurs into something altogether more intimate and engaging. The space breathes with a warm informality, its industrial-meets-cozy aesthetic creating an atmosphere where both serious beer aficionados and curious newcomers find their place. Exposed brick walls serve as a gallery for an ever-rotating exhibition of craft beer cans, their artistic labels forming a modern tapestry of brewing creativity. The gentle hum of conversations mingles with carefully selected background music, neither overwhelming nor absent, but perfectly pitched to encourage connection. At Micro Beers London, the heart of the experience pulses from the tap wall, where a carefully curated selection of draft beers flows like liquid art. Each tap handle tells a story, and the staff – more curators than servers – speak of each brew with the kind of passionate knowledge that turns transactions into discoveries. The refrigerated cases line the walls like library shelves, each shelf a chapter in an ongoing narrative of craft beer evolution. Here, you'll find everything from cutting-edge local London brewers to sought-after international releases, each one chosen with purposeful consideration. The space has evolved into something of a community living room, where regulars drop in not just for the exceptional beer selection, but for the genuine connections that seem to flow as freely as the brews themselves. Dogs pad across the floor, their owners engaged in animated discussions about hop profiles and barrel aging. The staff greet many customers by name, remembering their preferences and steering them toward new discoveries with thoughtful precision. What sets Micro Beers apart in London's vast beer landscape is its democratic approach to expertise. Whether you're a certified cicerone or someone who's just beginning to explore beyond mass-market lagers, you'll find the staff's knowledge both impressive and accessible. They share their wisdom with an infectious enthusiasm that never strays into pretension, making every visit an education in the best possible sense. The takeaway service has become a cornerstone of the business, with regulars stopping by to fill their fridges with weekly discoveries. The delivery option extends this careful curation beyond the shop's physical boundaries, bringing Micro Beers' thoughtfully selected range to homes across London. Yet nothing quite matches the experience of being in the space itself, where each visit holds the potential for unexpected discoveries and spontaneous conversations. The simple act of choosing a beer here becomes an exercise in mindfulness. You might find yourself in an impromptu tasting session, comparing notes with fellow enthusiasts, or learning about a new brewing technique from one of the knowledgeable staff. Time seems to slow down at Micro Beers London, each visit an invitation to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship in every can and draft pour. As evening settles over London, Micro Beers transforms. The space takes on a gentle amber glow, and the conversation level rises and falls like a tide, creating pockets of intimate discussion and broader community engagement. It's during these hours that you truly understand why regulars speak of this place with such fondness – it's more than a shop or a bar; it's a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art and science of exceptional beer. Step through the doors of Micro Beers London, and you become part of an ongoing story – one written in hop varieties and brewing techniques, but more importantly, in moments of discovery and connection. Whether you're seeking that hard-to-find special release or simply a place to unwind with a carefully crafted pint, you'll find your chapter here, waiting to be written.

In the heart of Greystones, Sun and Sand isn't just another Indian restaurant – it's the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about curry houses in small Irish towns. This family-run gem has been quietly revolutionizing the local food scene since its pandemic-era inception, proving that sometimes the best culinary adventures happen when you least expect them. Let me tell you about the first time I stumbled into Sun and Sand Greystones. It was one of those typically moody Irish afternoons when the sky couldn't decide between rain and sunshine. The moment the aromas of freshly ground spices hit me, I knew I'd found something special. This wasn't your standard curry house; this was someone's family kitchen masquerading as a restaurant. The magic of Sun and Sand lies in its beautiful contradiction – a cozy Irish pub atmosphere meets authentic Indian cuisine that would make your grandmother's secret recipes blush with envy. The father-daughter team running the kitchen has mastered that elusive balance between tradition and innovation, creating dishes that feel both familiar and excitingly new. Their Chicken Biryani, a dish that's often the litmus test for any Indian restaurant, is nothing short of a masterpiece – each grain of rice perfectly seasoned and carrying stories of generations of cooking expertise. Walking into the dining room, you're greeted by an atmosphere that somehow manages to blend the warmth of an Irish pub with the exotic allure of an Indian eatery. The walls tell their own story, with a carefully curated mix of local photographs and Indian artifacts. The sound of sizzling tandoor meats mingles with traditional Irish music, creating an unexpected but oddly perfect soundtrack to your meal. The menu is where things get really interesting. While they serve the classics you'd expect – yes, their Butter Chicken is divine – it's the lesser-known regional specialties that truly shine. The Chicken Chettinad, with its complex blend of spices, is the kind of dish that makes you want to book a flight to Chennai immediately. And for the vegetarians among us, the Saag Paneer is so good it's converted many a dedicated carnivore into at least considering a meat-free Monday. What sets Sun and Sand Greystones apart is their commitment to customization. Want your curry Indian-spicy? They'll happily oblige with a heat level that'll have you seeing through time. Prefer it mild? They'll adjust the spices without compromising on flavor. It's this attention to individual preferences that's earned them their loyal following and impressive 4.8-star rating from over 100 reviews. They've thought of everything here. The takeaway service is efficient, the delivery prompt, and if you're dining in, the staff's recommendations are spot-on. They serve both beer and wine, and trust me, few things beat their perfectly chilled Kingfisher beer paired with a plate of tandoori starters. For families, there's a children's menu that introduces young palates to Indian flavors without overwhelming them. The Sunday roast deserves its own paragraph – yes, you read that right. Sun and Sand has mastered not just Indian cuisine but traditional Irish fare as well. Their honey-glazed ham and legendary mash potato have become the stuff of local legend, proving that great cooking knows no cultural boundaries. What really warms my heart about Sun and Sand is how they've become woven into the fabric of Greystones life. They started during the pandemic when we all needed comfort food the most, and they've continued to serve the community with the same passion and care. The fact that they'll even prepare off-menu items (like the Chole Bhature story I heard from a regular) speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and their customers. So here's my advice: Next time you're in Greystones and your taste buds are crying out for something extraordinary, make your way to Sun and Sand. Whether you're a curry connoisseur or a timid first-timer, they'll treat you like family and feed you like royalty. Just remember to book ahead for dinner service – word's gotten out about this place, and the secret isn't likely to stay quiet for much longer.

Just what New Ross needed - another pub with a takeaway attached. Brad Ógs Bar & Brads Takaway (yes, that apostrophe is conspicuously missing) sits there on the street like a defiant challenge to both spelling conventions and gastronomy. Yet here I am, penning what's about to become a surprisingly positive review of this dual-personality establishment in New Ross's evolving food scene. Let's address the elephant in the room - the peculiar hybrid nature of Brad Ógs Bar. It's a pub that couldn't decide whether it wanted to be just a watering hole or feed the masses, so it went ahead and did both. Normally, this would be where I'd launch into a tirade about jack-of-all-trades establishments mastering precisely nothing, but hold that thought. The first thing that caught my attention was the parking situation - ample space, which in New Ross is about as rare as a warm day in January. Already, they're one up on half the establishments in town that expect you to develop parallel parking skills worthy of a Formula 1 driver. Inside, yes, there are those two pillars near the pool table that one particularly disgruntled reviewer mentioned. They're supporting the building, darling - would you prefer the roof in your lap? Though I must admit, it does add an element of skill to your game when you have to execute shots around architectural features. But here's where my cynicism started to crack. The bar service is surprisingly competent, with staff who actually seem to remember your face and drink preference after a visit or two. They're serving proper pints, cocktails that don't taste like they were mixed by someone whose only qualification is watching "Cocktail" once in 1988, and a wine selection that, while not exactly challenging Bordeaux's finest, is perfectly serviceable. The outdoor seating area is another unexpected pleasure. In a country where outdoor dining often means huddling under a dripping awning while your cigarette slowly dissolves in the rain, they've managed to create a space that's actually pleasant to occupy. The tables are clean, the chairs don't wobble, and there's enough space between them that you're not inadvertently joining someone else's conversation. Now, about that takeaway portion. I approached Brad's Takaway (still cringing at the spelling) with the kind of trepidation usually reserved for gas station sushi. But damn it if they haven't managed to pull off something remarkable here. The menu isn't trying to be everything to everyone - a refreshing change in an era where some chippers seem to think they need to offer everything from pizza to pad thai. Their burgers - and I can't believe I'm saying this - are actually good. Not "good for New Ross" good, but legitimately satisfying. The chips aren't just an afterthought either, arriving hot and crispy instead of the lukewarm, limp affairs that many places try to pass off as acceptable. The establishment accepts all major forms of payment - cash, card, and even that newfangled contactless stuff - which is more than you can say for some supposedly more upmarket places in town. It's a small detail, but one that matters when you're not in the mood to hunt for an ATM at closing time. What's particularly noteworthy about Brad Ógs Bar & Brads Takaway in New Ross is how it manages to serve two masters without disappointing either. The pub remains a proper pub - not some food-focused establishment that happens to serve alcohol. Meanwhile, the takeaway maintains its own identity without feeling like an afterthought. Is it perfect? Of course not. The pool table situation is admittedly awkward, and there are moments when you might wish for a more extensive menu. But there's something wonderfully unpretentious about a place that knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. Look, I came to Brad Ógs Bar & Brads Takaway in New Ross prepared to be underwhelmed. Instead, I found myself becoming a regular - something that pains my critic's soul to admit. If you're in New Ross and looking for a spot that combines decent drinks, surprisingly good takeaway food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger, you could do a lot worse. And yes, that's as close to a glowing recommendation as you're going to get from me. Now, if they could just sort out that apostrophe situation...