The Pottery restaurant is
DINING at the Arklow Bay Hotel has never been so good, as newly designed The Pottery restaurant is now open for business. Drawing on Arklow’s rich history, the hotel has looked to the famed Arklow Pottery for inspiration and the restaurant pays homage to that era from its new name down to the finer details such as the old photographs on the walls.
The Pottery has been months in the making and is the brainchild of the Hudson family, restaurant manager Gráinne Murphy and restaurant chef Áine Donegan.
For much of this year, they have been putting plans in place, redesigning the restaurant space and perfecting an array of mouth-watering recipes which are sure to impress.
‘ The name came about after we put it to a public vote on our Facebook page. The vast majority voted for The Pottery and it is a lovely way to preserve an important part of Arklow’s history,’ explains Gráinne.
‘We want to let people know that we are open for business, not just for hotel guests but for everyone,’ she adds.
The Pottery which has had a complete overhaul in the hotel’s dedicated restaurant space, separate to the bar and function room is bright, spacious and split on two levels, making it a perfect choice for those who wish to reserve a section for a special occasion, or just book in a large group for lunch or dinner.
Bathed in blue, green and grey tones, The Pottery also features an impressive display of famous and now rare Arklow Pottery items which are housed in custom-made units for guests to view.
Other samples of the pottery are hung on the walls along with the old photographs, so many Arklow people might recognise a familiar face or two.
The Pottery is elegant yet relaxed, and full of atmosphere and Áine’s mouth-watering dishes will have customers returning time and time again.
With a background in Marlfield House and the Amber Springs Hotel, Áine has vast hotel restaurant experience and prides herself on putting a modern twist on classic recipes.
‘We take the best part of a recipe and modernise it. We keep the basics, and make sure they have great flavour and presentation,’ she says.
Gráinne and Áine are ably assisted by a great team of staff who are eager to know just what is being served to customers and who are well schooled in the ingredients and also regarding allergens.
It is hoped that The Pottery will fill the significant restaurant void which Arklow is currently experiencing and the team at the Arklow Bay Hotel are very proud to present their new venture.
Whether it is a family Sunday lunch, a special occasion, a romantic meal for two or a business dinner, The Pottery is the perfect choice.
The Pottery will be officially relaunched on Friday, November 10. Opening hours are 6 p.m. - 9.30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1-8 p.m. Sunday.
See arklowbay.com or the hotel Facebook page for further details.