In the ‘Pynck’ at Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms, Waterford
A RESTAURANT with plenty of art gallery and events centre thrown into the mix, The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms in Waterford on 2 Great George’s Street is quite a gem when it comes to some of the best in artisan food.
Ask for one of the House artisan pizzas in The Parlour or craft your own. The shrouded table in the background is a unique way of saying it’s reserved
Shepherd’s Pie at The Parlour in Waterford, a real winter warmer
While the 18 th century building itself, originally the home of a local merchant built with a direct view to the quays and docked sailing ships that once filled one of Europe’s largest ports, has housed the Science and Religion Society while currently the base for Waterford City Chamber, the ground floor restaurant and bar is an homage to the ornate excesses of the Victorian Era, and the dark days of Prohibition.
Cosy up to The Parlour Bar’s wrought iron railing
Waiting staff here, dressed in the Victorian garb of the day circulate among patrons with surprisingly contemporary artisan food menus and almost all is made on premises, including the Prohibition Pulpit artisan pizzas. Festoons of wrought iron, handmade by owner Sarah Jane Hansen’s father-in-law John enhance the feeling of being back in late 19 th Century New York City or Paris and as for conversation among family and friends there is never a dull moment, what with all of the original and reclaimed artwork adorning the walls.
Around every corner in The Parlour there is something interesting to see, such as this gorgeous Georgian Era skylight and cantilever staircase
“I love history and the arts and I wanted to amalgamate those passions together as well as music,” said proprietor Sarah Jane when she spoke with Pynck.com recently. “The paintings and art came from auctions and second hand shops, and people started bringing in original artwork to donate.”
Tall ceilings in The Parlour provide plenty of wall space for an art gallery
The menu features a favourite winter warmer, Shepherd’s Pie for €10, the mince beef prepared in a light and bright tomato base flavoured with finely minced, sautéed white onions and seasonings. As for the artisan buffalo mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil pizza also for €10, there wasn’t even a crust left on the plate when all was said and done.
The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms in Great George’s Street, Waterford is the former home of an 18th century merchant
“We don’t just like to fill the belly, we like to fill the soul,” added Sarah Jane. “It is a
feast for the senses.”
The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms offers scrumptious Afternoon Tea and plenty of party space, which includes The Tipple Bar for private functions. Events happen regularly here, anything from Victorian reading nights by candlelight to jazz sessions and wedding receptions, all of which can be booked at info@theparlourtearooms.com.
The Parlour is online at https://www.theparlourtearooms.com or phone +353 (0)51 325851 to book an event or reserve a space.
