It comes as no surprise that Hooked is one of Sligo’s most loved restaurants. The younger, trendy little sibling of Eala Bhan, both restaurants a stones throw apart along a beautiful scenic stretch of the Garavogue River. The welcome is warm and a glimpse of the menu reassures you that you will not be leaving hungry. An eclectic and imaginative interior, designed by owner and local food champion, Anthony Gray.
Anthony’s ethos has always been to support local artisan producers and he invests his time and money back into the local economy in a way that is highly admirable. This is a man that lives, eats, sleeps and breaths his craft and the results speak for themselves.
Weekend brunching is always a welcome way to while away a couple of hours. Brunching popularity is most definitely at an all time high here in Ireland but finding a spot that does it really well can be tricky. The menu here in Hooked is absolutely riddled with wholesome goodness and if we hadn’t already seen the portions that our fellow diners were receiving we might well have ordered more than two dishes (this has happened on more than one brunching occasion).
We almost never order burgers, no great reason just because neither of us are hugely into them but we actually spotted this very dish being delivered to a fellow diner and failed miserably to take our eyes off of it. When this beauty wafted past our table we were, well…Hooked! The Hooked Spicy Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Burger €13.95 was an absolute dream. Chicken so juicy and tender, just the right balance of spiciness in the crumbling, crisp coating, sandwiched between a feather light brioche bun, delicious.
We adore Eggs Benedict and could not pass up the opportunity to try the Hooked version. Eggs Benedict Chick’s Style €9.95. This plate of food was a festival of flavour. Thick, crusty bread slathered with melted butter, two perfectly poached free range Ballisodare eggs dripping in a heavenly hollandaise, nuggets of smoked chorizo dotted around the plate, delicious.
We literally had no room for dessert but we will definitely be revisiting Hooked in 2020 to sample some more of this foodie haven’s delights. Hooked encapsulates casual dining done exceptionally well. From food to service. You feel welcome and at ease here and you leave recharged and refuled. Brunching at its best!
Hooked
3-4 Rockwood Parade
Sligo
(071) 913 8591
WRITTEN BY KEITH MAHON & OLIVIA BYRNE