In the Pynck at the Eat Yard in the Lep
WHILE the latest Dublin coronavirus lockdown is underway until on or around 12th October, all anyone can do is wait for the Eat Yard at the Lep, just barely in County Dublin to recommence service.
The place was booming up until mid-September in a brave new world solution to restaurant dining in comfort, under the big top as it were at the Salmon Leap Inn with plenty of social distancing and heaters, the concept born out of the previous global lockdown when nobody went anywhere except the living room sofa.
There is an ice cream parlour, pizza van and a great gastropub menu at the Eat Yard at the Lep, Dublin Ireland
“The owner, Cathal O’Shea, it was his concept during the lockdown,” said manager Ciaran Meagher. “He has always been into quirky things and re-introducing old Ireland to the 2020s.”
The O’Shea concept evolved into a series of horseboxes, perfect for seating up to six people in one group or in one, a haircut with a licenced barber; a snug for people who just want to be alone with each other somewhere other than home; a vintage fire truck, converted into a domed pizza van where the kids can climb into the driver’s seat and sit behind the wheel and plenty of room for some of the great food rustled up by chef Mark Ivers.
“It’s going really well,” said Ciaran Meagher. “It isn’t for everybody but the times are changing. We might never move back inside, and people are going to be aware of not being too close to people.”
Groups of six are safely socially distanced while dining in horseboxes
Everything served here – according to one group of six – workmates at a farewell party so well used to each other – was excellent, and prices range from €3 for steamed basmati rice to €15.50 for the hand battered fresh market fish and chips. Here, even the most simple fare is like being at a party anyway from old fashioned turnstiles at the entrance to the circus big top roof; there is plenty of room for a big crowd but booking really is encouraged here, even on weekday afternoons once the first half of October is behind us.
Sign up for a shave and a haircut while at the Eat Yard at the Lep in Dublin Ireland
Reserve a place in the Eat Yard at the Lep at https://salmonleapinn.com and while waiting for the day to come, take the online video tour of a dining area that puts the ‘distance’ in social distancing.
