Union Hall, Glandore Bay, West Cork, Ireland.
baybery@iol.ie

"WEST CORK'S HIDDEN TREASURE"
By Jackie Keogh
The Southern Star Newspaper, Ireland
May 20, 1999

Francis and Kathleen Broadbery opened this intimate restaurant in Union Hall Village in the spring of 1998.

Hailing from Wexford and America respectively, Francis and Kathleen have brought their two young children and considerable years of experience to West Cork, in their first venture as proprietors of The Baybery restaurant in Union Hall.

FRESH Serving an eclectic mix of Irish and Mediterranean style fresh seafood, pastas, and local organic produce with a strong Asian influence, Chef-proprietor, Francis cleans, preps and cooks everything in house. From the catch of the day to the homemade ice creams for dessert, each dish is cooked to order so he is able to cater for any special dietary requirements.

Dinner begins with a selection of the chef's homemade breads courtesy of the house. The signature Baybery Herb Bread is made from herbs grown in their own kitchen garden and other breads are flavoursome combinations such as Sea Salt & Guinness Mustard or Sundried Tomato & Fennel. The virgin olive oils which accompany the breads for dipping Francis makes with cloves of garlic, sprigs of fresh rosemary and red onions.

ORGANIC The extensive use of the best local, Irish and organic produce is the foundation for The Baybery menu. From Union Hall Smoked Fish PatÈ to Bob and Judy's Organic Greens. Wild Salmon in season, Bantry Bay Mussels, Irish Beef and Lamb, and an excellent selection of West Cork Farmhouse Cheeses compliment the cheese board. Francis takes his inspiration from the finest and most natural ingredients. Using genuine imagination to create a feast for the senses as his presentation delights both the eye and the palate. "I try to design menus that are well balanced, intriguing and challenging to me creatively."

INFORMAL The atmosphere is informal, lively, and the service, efficient. In the year since it opened it has fast become a meeting place for locals and on any given night you might walk in to find the place full of your friends and neighbors. The Baybery has an open and friendly ambiance. You'd be as likely to see cozy couples dining dressed to-the-nines, as families with children devouring gourmet pizza and chips.

"During the past year we've put a lot of effort into creating a little haven where good food, good wine and good service go hand in hand with a casual, comfortable atmosphere." said Kathleen. Their efforts have come to the attention of food critics and the couple were extremely pleased to be included in Georgina Campbell's The Tipperary Water Guide Ireland 1999.

"We were thrilled with her comments but I have to say I don't think that we would have had such a successful first year without the support we received from our family and friends. We have also had the good fortune to have found great local people to work with, both in the kitchen and the front of house."

The restaurant, Just 10 minutes outside of Skibbereen, is the newest addition to Union Hall's already flourishing atmosphere: Maloney's pub is right across the street where people can stop off for a pint while they're waiting for their table, a friendly taxi service is easily available and there are three other brilliant pubs where there's always good craic. Bord Failte approved Accommodation is plentiful and if you inquire when making your dinner reservation The Baybery will happily help you to make arrangements for your stay locally.

UNIQUE During Autumn and Winter the restaurant hosts a unique series of theme weekends which had bookings pouring in weeks in advance to secure seating. The themes thus far have included Thai, Italian and Mexican. For each event the menu is designed, the restaurant decorated and music chosen to reflect not only the food of the region but the ambiance as well.

"These celebrations of different cultures has proven to be a voyage of discovery for ourselves and our customers," Francis said, "an opportunity to have a small adventure together."

The Baybery is open year round. The menu is reasonably priced and offers good value for the money.

Serving A La Carte dinner menu, also an excellent value four-course Early Evening Menu. Visa and Mastercard accepted Featuring a Full Bar and an Excellent Wine Menu, The Baybery's distinctive charm, genuine hospitality, and creative cooking ensures a delightful night out for one and all.

All material © 1998 - 2001 the Baybery. All rights reserved.	Site created July, 1998. Updated August 28, 2000.
	Site designed & maintained by Kathleen Churchill & Heather Weibel Tullio.