Gallaher & Co. Bistro
It’s just another one of those buildings in Dublin that people fly past every day without ever noticing. Yet the D’Olier Chambers is undoubtedly one of the prettiest buildings in Dublin. On the corner of D’Olier St & Hawkins St, the premises currently plays host to Gallaher & Co. Bistro. The venue is a hub of activity, a traditional meeting point for journalists, Trinity students, and visitors to the city. One of the most popular stops on the Irish Food Trail, let us tell you why we keep coming back!
Finding the balance between Irish history and fine dining is paramount for us at the Irish Food Trail. Naturally, a building with a bit of history behind it immediately makes for a more wholesome dining experience. Considering the D’Olier Chambers were erected in 1891 by James F. Fuller of Farmleigh House fame, Gallaher’s Bistro fits the bill. Built from yellow stone and terracotta, a unique feature in Dublin, and with its decorative features, tall chimneys, and scrolled gables, it dominates the surrounding area yet remains inviting and homely.
The name of the restaurant itself pays homage to Gallaher’s Tobacco Company, the original business on the premises. Once the biggest Tobacco importers in the world, it’s easy to then understand why the building features such lavish architecture. The D’Olier Chambers later managed to remain unscathed during the 1916 Rising despite the best efforts of the gunboat “Helga”.
Both of these aspects of the building’s history are acknowledged just inside the front door of the restaurant. Hanging on the wall inside the main entrance is a Gallaher Tobacco advertisement from the early 20th century, as well a picture of the Chambers the day after the 1916 Rising ended. The interior plays against the classical design of the building with sleek and modern features.
The Food
Perhaps the number reason for returning to Gallaher’s Bistro? The food, of course. Guaranteed to be tasting the freshest Irish produce available, Gallaher’s sources all their food locally. What we find extraordinary is the variety of flavours that can be produced from locally sourced Irish produce. For meat and fish, Gallahers use Hicks and Wrights respectively. Both suppliers are well-known in Dublin for outstanding quality in fresh produce. Many contemporary dishes as well as some old classics are available every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
We keep coming back for starters like the Ham Hock Terrine or Goats Cheese Salad, plus entrées like the Fish & Chips as well as the Shoulder of Pork. Still not convinced? Gallaher & Co Bistro is BYOB, only requiring you to pay a corkage fee of €6 for a bottle of wine, and €1.20 per can or bottle of beer, ale, or cider. You can always avail of the bar drinks, a full wine menu and some wonderful craft beer from the 5 Lamps Brewery and Dowd’s Lane Brewery. The restaurant is also a great spot to simply grab a cup of tea or coffee, with several seats available at the bar area. Gallaher’s caters to groups of all sizes and for every occasion. For us, no dining experience is complete without dropping in to Gallaher & Co. Bistro.
