Flanagan's named Just Ask Restaurant of the Month

FLANAGAN'S Gastro Pub in Brickens has been awarded Just Ask Restaurant of the Month for June.

Selected by renowned food writer Georgina Campbell and Bord Bia, the Just Ask Restaurant of the Month rewards eateries across Ireland that exhibit best practices in showing transparency in the sourcing of the food on their menus.

Flanagan’s once provided Brickens with the traditional village combination of bar, grocery and hardware that was so common in rural Ireland up to the 1970s. However, big changes came in 2010 when the current owners, Luke and Caroline Flanagan, transformed the old premises into a modern gastro pub.

The cooking is firmly grounded in local and other Irish artisan foods, and there’s not only an extensive online supplier list highlighting the producers of their valued ingredients and craft drinks, but the menu also state unequivocally that ‘All our beef is 100% Irish’ and each page specifies the provenance of the meats used.

Speaking about their suppliers and producers, owner Caroline said: “Our minced lamb and minced beef is supplied by Keane's Butchers in Claremorris, and Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis also supply us with beef. Costello & McDermott, Ballinrobe, supply us with our chicken, and pork comes from neighbouring Andarl Farm in Brickens. Our fresh fish and seafood are supplied by Starcrest Seafoods of Laghey in Co. Donegal and fruit and vegetables are supplied by Connolly’s of Hollymount, and certified organic growers, Mill House farm of Williamstown, Co. Galway. Dairy products come from a diverse range of local suppliers including the fabulous Velvet Cloud Sheep’s milk yogurt of Claremorris.”

Georgina Campbell commented: “All round, the Flanagans are doing a great job at this busy pub and it’s good to see their hard work bringing success – their ongoing development and improvement of both the food and drinks offering is a credit to all concerned.”