As the evenings get shorter and a chill creeps in, we’re all saying goodbye to picnics and barbecues and hello to hearty, warming meals. Autumn is that time of year when comfort food takes centre stage, think roasts, carveries, and cosy pub classics that make you want to linger at the table. And luckily for us in Cork, there’s no shortage of spots serving up dishes that hit all the right comforting notes.
As a proud foodie, when I made the move from Douglas to Glanmire, my stomach was the one doing most of the worrying. Right at the top of my “things I’ll miss” list were some absolute legends like the stir fry from Eco, Johno’s famous breast in a bun, KC’s mouthwatering Canadian, and those dreamy Spanish fries from the sadly now-closed East Village.
There’s just something about a good carvery that always hits the spot, especially on a Sunday. A roast dinner is the kind of comfort that never goes out of style. So you can imagine my delight when I stumbled across The Elm Tree in Glounthaune.
Fun fact: in Celtic mythology, the elm tree is linked to the god Lugh, known for his intelligence and skill and honestly, those qualities shine through in every plate served at the Elm Tree. From my first visit, it was clear that the carvery was crafted with thought and love. Add in the beautiful setting and lovely service, and it’s no wonder the place is buzzing.
Their award winning carvery offers a selection of traditional roasts, as well as some modern twists, offering selections from roast beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb complemented by creamy mashed potatoes and a variety of vegetables. And I’m not just talking about the carrots and broccoli that Irish restaurants seem intent on dishing out. On one occasion when I brought my dad, he was overjoyed to see cabbage and root veg being served. There are numerous sauces and gravies to complement every dish and nobody raises an eyelid if you decide to mix and match!
The last time I was at The Elm Tree, I genuinely struggled to decide what to go for because everything looked so yummy. I was seriously tempted by the roast turkey, which was juicy and perfectly cooked (because let’s be honest, dry turkey is just a tragedy). This one was infused with thyme and rosemary, paired with a gorgeous herb and butter stuffing, rich roast gravy, and a pop of cranberry sauce. Then there was the honey-glazed loin of bacon, a beautifully poached smoked haddock, and a pan-seared chicken supreme filled with a chili and orange stuffing that just sounded too good to pass up. For the sides there were oodles of creamy mash, perfectly cooked veg, and sauces that deserve their own spotlight. In the end, the chicken supreme won me over (mostly because I couldn’t resist that stuffing), and it was a great choice. They have loads of creative vegetarian options too.
The portions are very generous, even by my partner’s standards and he holds a strong reputation for the volume of food he can consume! Usually when we go to the Elm Tree, we share a dessert and that is saying a lot for us, especially since their desserts are second to none, ranging from homemade banoffee pie, mud pie and granola crumble, and my favourite is the warm chocolate brownie. It’s worth a visit for the desserts alone.
It might not be a light bite or quick round trip, but if you’re looking for a relaxed day out with the family, a comforting catch up with the girls, or a romantic day out for two, it’s definitely one to add to your list. This time of year It’s the perfect stop after a walk surrounded by the browning trees as autumn rolls in or by the cliffs in Ballycotton, where you would have built up a healthy appetite.
One thing worth noting is that the restaurant operates a strict no-reservation policy for carvery diners, meaning you’ll just have to rock up and take your chances with the queues. And take your chances you will! This is not the spot to brave the lunch-time rush, especially if you’re in a hurry, as the queue can build up quite fast and can be long. The first time I visited I brought my partner, and returned a few weeks later with my dad, who was not as patient! Unlike his daughter, who has mastered the art of queuing thanks to KC’s in Douglas, I think he was secretly traumatised when he saw the long line – we arrived during the eye of the storm at one o clock. But we had good chats during the wait and the delicious food deleted all his memories of the wait! He raves about the place now as much as I do now.
The carvery costs €18.70 and runs weekdays from 12 to 3pm, and starters at 11.30 am on Sundays and bank holidays. While the staff manage seating efficiently, it’s best to arrive just before the 1pm rush, around 12pm, or after it quiets down, closer to 2pm.
Still new to the parish, The Elm Tree, especially their carvery lunch has made me feel very welcome. It’s already one of my favourites and easily ranks among the best dining spots in Cork!
By Kathy Prendeville
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