The Donnybrook is a new venture by chef and restaurateur Oliver Dunne of Bon Appetit, Beef & Lobster, and Cleaver East, which has opened its doors in the heart of Dublin 4. Previously known as O’Connell’s, The Donnybrook is fast becoming the go-to pub for locals and filling the void left from the closure of Kiely’s earlier this year. It is the first venture Oliver Dunne has had in the pub scene in Ireland and he brings his signature style of flavour-led food along with him.
The Donnybrook is a ‘neighbourhood gastropub’ where the pub offering is of equal measure to the food service. The gastropub has been divided into a separate bar and restaurant area, with a full bar license, screening of all major sporting events and live music planned, along with a stylish yet invitingly casual dining space for the locals of Donnybrook to kick back for a family Sunday roast or a midweek meal.
The new incarnation of this Donnybrook landmark has retained many of the previous structural elements however a bright and contemporary feel replaces the previous more traditional décor. The refurbishment has introduced significant light into the venue, as well as modern furnishings and pops of colour throughout, taking it seamlessly from day to night.
Oliver Dunne said, “I am really proud to have opened my first South Dublin venue in such a renowned and prestigious address as Morehampton Road. The main aim for us in creating The Donnybrook Gastropub was to offer a relaxing social space for the Donnybrook community and surrounds to pop in for a drink, coffee, sandwich, or a meal; meet up and hang out with friends and loved ones in a cosy environment with restaurant-standard food at pub prices. The ethos is simple – come as you are!”
The food at The Donnybrook is fun, imaginative, and comforting: the kind of food that makes people happy. The dining experience is complemented by The Donnybrook’s innovative, creative cocktails and impressive selection of craft beers and boutique spirits.
Both daytime and evening menus see starters such as Crispy Squid Rings, Honey and Black Pepper Aioli, Amalfi Lemon and Black Garlic, Soy and White Miso Glazed Chicken Wings, Sesame, and Crozier Blue Thousand Island, and mains such as 30 Day 12oz Striploin, Home Cut Fries and Garlic Butter or Peppercorn Sauce, and Lambay Island Crab Claws and King Prawns in Chive, Lemon and Garlic Butter. This is followed by a selection of creative dessert options including Coconut and Cacao Tarte, Passion Fruit Sorbet and Fried Fruit Doughnuts, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Ice Cream.
It wouldn’t be a gastropub without jaw-dropping sandwiches, and the daytime menu features daily sandwich specials as well as Donnybrook signatures of BBQ Pulled Pork Brioche Dog, Sriracha Hot Sauce, Honey and Mustard Mayo, Crispy Onions, and a pub classic toastie – The Donny Ham and Cheese Old School Toastie.
At the weekend, the Donnybrook is the place to be for brunch, with popular dishes on the menu including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Belgian Waffle, Maple Syrup, Crispy Bacon, Poached Egg; Crispy Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ball with Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce, Pesto Mayo, Rocket and Parmesan; and a weekend brunch classic of Buttermilk Pancake Stack, Organic Maple Syrup with Seasonal Irish Berries and Grilled Bacon.
The Donnybrook Roast is available every weekend and is served with all the trimmings you could possibly look for- Roast Sirloin of Dry-Aged Hereford Beef with Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, Honey-Glazed Chantenay Carrots, Tenderstem Broccoli and Beef Gravy.
Lunch is available Monday to Friday 12:00pm to 4:30pm, and dinner is available 5:00pm to 9:00pm seven days a week. Weekend Brunch – which includes the Donnybrook Roast – is available Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm. The bar is open until late Monday to Sunday.
Bookings can be made online at www.thedonnybrookgastropub.ie, or by phoning (01) 269 6116.
The Donnybrook is located at 135 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following The Donnybrook on Instagram and Facebook at @thedonnybrookgastropub and Twitter at @thedonnybrook_.
