Bantry has been given the gift of a Down to Earth Café, says Connie McKenna
The Stuffed Olive, which is now open in its new premises, is roaring right from its new beginning. As I entered, on the opening day, it was completely packed, including a group of sweet little old ladies sitting round the table, having their afternoon tea. I sat outside, watching the social buzz dance within the room. Delightful. Sheridans biscuits, as well as Gubbeen and Dittys Oatcakes are on sale. The Stuffed Olive know the good stuff, and they have it on the shelves.
As for my lunch out, I had a beetroot salad with red onions, shredded carrots with seeds and pickled cucumber. Colourful and clean. Gourmet salads bursting with vibrancy and health. Highly similar to a salad you'd find in a vegetarian-health guru-eatery. Their brown bread is sweet, the perfect salad juice mop. The café has no time for salads that are drowning in mayo, nor for squidged paninis with industrial cheese and miserable meat and soggy tomatoes. The salads look as if they were created with love, and look so colourful when you see them through the glass.
Lastly, I had a cappuccino. Pretty as a picture, like a classic Parisian coffee. The room itself is clean and simple. It's a space designed for movement, and for stopping after the busy pace of the day. All I can say is: Bantry, you've been given a gift. Love this new little place. It will warm the hearts of everyone to visit.
