Sea Church Restaurant has opened in the old schoolhouse in Ballycotton, East Cork this week. The new incarnation of this Ballycotton landmark sees a welcoming, laid-back restaurant overlooking the dramatic Atlantic coastline. It is part of a multi-million euro two year renovation by local businessman Pearse Flynn, which included a transformation of St Colman’s Church of Ireland into an iconic event space. Adjoined to the church by a glass atrium, the restaurant retains the schoolhouse’s architectural structure while inviting the contemporary styling of a modern restaurant.
The 82-seater restaurant has drawn on inspiration from the sea for both its menu and interior, the latter reflecting a contemporary maritime décor. Sea Church’s food philosophy is centered around fuss-free dining using the best of Irish ingredients and featuring a number of local suppliers.
Executive Chef Owen Davidson said, “I am delighted to be part of such an exciting project. The building’s setting by the sea and its history within Ballycotton makes it such a unique location for a restaurant. We hope that in tandem with the music venue, it will become a focal point in East Cork for both locals and tourists alike, really showcasing what this part of the country has to offer. The menus take inspiration from the surrounding landscape, utilising the fantastic fresh seafood and ingredients we have right here on our doorstep”.
Sea Church has a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, serving classic dishes elevated by quality ingredients. For lunch, diners can expect classics such as Naturally Smoked Haddock Chowder with Homemade Wholemeal Soda Bread; Roast Chicken Sandwich with Carved Roast Chicken, Crumbly Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roasted Garlic, Basil Mayonnaise, Caesar Dressed Leaves, Grilled Artisan Bread; and Classic Margherita Pizza with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Basil, Macroom Mozzarella.
Weekend breakfast options include Eggs Benedict with Chargrilled Bacon, Grilled Sourdough, Hollandaise Sauce, Watercress; Buttermilk Pancakes with Stewed Fruits, Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup; as well as the classic Sea Church Full Irish.
The evening menu sees dishes of Whipped Ardsallagh Goat’s Cheese with Crispy Filo, Classic Tapenade, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Rocket; Golden Fried Fish and Chips with Smithwicks’s Red Beer Battered Haddock, Hand Cut Chips, Tartar Sauce, Buttered Garden Peas; and Mandarin and Honey Roasted Half Duckling with Apricot Stuffing, Cointreau Glazed Carrots, Duck Fat Baby Potatoes, Red Wine Jus. All desserts are homemade and include favourites such as Warm Apple and Calvados Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream, Orchard Thieves Custard, and Lemon Tart with Fresh Raspberries, Basil Sugar, Crème Fraiche.
There will also be seasonal specials available across all menus to reflect the changing seasons.
The restaurant is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm, with later opening on Friday and Saturday until 9:00pm.
Sea Church is located at Main Street, Ballycotton, Co. Cork. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected], or by phoning (021) 234 0525.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following Sea Church on social @seachurchballycotton.
