A leisurely weekend drive through the meandering roads of east Kildare brought us to Burtown House. We had previously visited Burtown House to avail of the fabulous takeaway menu that was on offer from The Green Barn in the midst of summer.
For the majority of the produce on offer in The Green Bar Restaurant, Cafe and Shop, zero food miles have been accumulated. The surrounding gardens are the origin of much of the hearty fare on offer. On the day we visited head grower, Dermot was busy sorting an abundance of vegetables that had just been extracted from the rich soil of the surrounding land.
Owner operators James & Joanna Fennell run Burtown House with a profusion of rustic style, grace and elegance. From the moment you enter the airy open space of the shop which leads through to the restaurant and gardens you are enrobed in a wonderfully homely, holistic atmosphere.
Arriving in time for brunch we were seated on the terrace. A concise Brunch Menu, short and sweet but oh so appealing.
Despite the size of the menu we still had a job deciding what to order, it all sounded so appealing.
Our first dish of choice was Wild Mushrooms €14.50. A melange of Wild Mushrooms, Thyme, Wilted Spinach, sweet, tender Roast Baby Turnips served on sourdough and topped with two perfectly poached Free Rang Eggs coated in a silky Hollandaise. Artful presentation applies to every plate served in The Green Barn.
Next to the table was our order of Pancakes €9.50. The promise of Candied Coconut, Garden Rhubarb Compote & Organic Maple Syrup as plate-mates had us eagerly awaiting the arrival of this brunch staple, we were not disappointed. A trio of hearty, farmhouse style, griddled pancakes with a crisp exterior and fluffy as a cloud interior, complimented so well by the rhubarb compote which retained a distinct tartness. Dipping chunks of pillowy pancake into tart rhubarb compote and finishing with a dip in the accompanying candied coconut made for many moreish mouthfuls.
We enjoyed a flat white and a mint tea while sitting outside soaking up the autumnal rays. The Gardens at Burtown House are the perfect place for a leisurely post brunch stroll.
We left The Green Barn at Burtown House feeling revived and refreshed. Click Here for further information on Burtown House.
WRITTEN BY KEITH MAHON & OLIVIA BYRNE