Val Manning’s roadside Emporium, just near Ballylickey bridge in West Cork, has long been a stalwart of the Bridgestone Guides but who would have thought that it could be so wonderfully rejuvenated at this stage of its existence? The touchpaper was lit by the arrival of Val’s niece Laura and her husband Andrew Heath into the business and their enthusiasm seems to have sprinkled the whole place with some magic dust. More than just an emporium for the finest locally sourced food in the area, Manning’s is now a super cool café - it might be the only place in West Cork serving a Flat White – and if the raspberry cupcakes and scones that we tried are anything to go by, the food is delicious. The genius touch though, is the addition of a sherry bar, right at the front of the shop. It’s hard to imagine anything more enjoyable than sitting at that little bar with a glass of chilled fino sherry, some local cheese or cured meats, listening to the genial and venerable Val chatting away to customers and so visibly enjoying his work. The wine selection is the work of someone who knows what they’re doing – some great Rieslings and quirky New World Sauvignon Blanc’s caught my eye. And one more thing about Manning’s – it’s buzzing with customers. It took our third visit before we could get a seat in the café!
Eamon Barrett at Manning's, Ballylickey
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