It all started with a Monday morning editorial meeting when our Advertising and Marketing Executive, Caoilinn gave the team a flavour of her weekend.
Not that our editorial meetings are always straight down to business – they’re not – but on this day we spoke for longer than normal and, with much more gusto, about Newry’s food scene than about anything else.
It was mutually agreed on all fronts that Newry boasts an abundance of eateries – each with their own unique concept and all offering something slightly different to the next.
So, our editor – feeling slightly more generous than usual – said, “Girls, take yourselves on a Food Tour of Newry!”
Needless to say, we bit his hand off!
We started with Caoilinn’s firm favourite, Finegan & Son Café and Brew Bar on Kildare Street where we enjoyed a rustic breakfast tapas experience.
This incredible family-run business puts an insane focus on flavour – but that’s not to say they are lost on presentation.
Each aspect of their menu is showcased in its own right; each component is delivered as though it were a dish on its own, seasoned as such and with a garnish that does what a garnish should do – adding to flavour as well as visual appeal.
We ordered ‘bread plus 3 items’ each which equated to a shareable breakfast comprising sourdough, poached eggs, pork sausages, porridge, smoothie bowl, potatoes and, the show stealing ‘Black Lava’ pudding – which owner Graham boasted that they make in house to a special (and secret) recipe.
For those who enjoy a little heat – we highly recommend.
Then, with our readers highly recommending a stop at The Shelbourne Bakery, we made our way around the corner to peruse their selection of baked goods.
This business has over 100 years of industry experience – and it shows.
Their counters were lined – nay heaped! – with all manner of buns, biscuits and breads.
It’s an overused phrase to say that you’re spoilt for choice, but we were.
After much deliberation we chose our chocolate crispy buns – which once they were out of the store and in our hands seemed to have doubled in size!
They also have a well-stocked salad bar, deli counter and restaurant which both appear to go down a treat with locals who were quite literally queueing up to enjoy.
A short drive took us to John Mitchell Place where we decamped for a hot drink at Measured Brew Bar.
Here, we met two of the friendliest baristas imaginable who chatted while lovingly preparing our cappuccino coffees while we took a seat at their cushion-lined window area.
Kinder lovers, listen up! We were served a freshly heated croissant topped with lashings of velvety bueno sauce and flaked almonds. It looked extravagant and it tasted extravagant – but that’s what we wanted.
Measured are famous for their acai bowls so the girls couldn’t let us leave without getting a look at what we were missing out on.
We didn’t need to taste it to know that we had missed a trick. On a wooden tray, they presented ‘The Classic’ – a layer of frozen acai topped with chopped strawberries, banana, granola, flaked almonds, chia seeds, desiccated coconut and, of course, a dollop of creamy peanut butter.
When we are back, we know what we are ordering!
Moving on to the next – we stopped off at Monaghan Street to see what all the fuss was about with Nine Squared Coffee.
This edgy, little coffee shop has recently been hitting headlines since opening their second store in Belfast.
Still enjoying the caffeine buzz from our Measured stop off we decided to sample Nine Squared’s decaffeinated hot drink options, with Caoilinn opting for a hot chocolate and a matcha latte for me.
Our talented – and knowledgeable – barista, Ryan suggested making the matcha latte with coconut milk, so we trusted the process and it did not disappoint.
I’ve had matcha before, but not like this. It was light and frothy and the coconut milk added a little sweetness without overpowering. And, we have it on good authority that it’s even better with a drizzle of honey!
Our last stop of the day was Art Bar Funkel – a Newry staple.
While we were in no immediate need of lunch, with bellies still full from our food tour thus far, we decided that if we wanted lunch it had to be here.
Tapas started our day, and so, it would end it.
Our server, Dara took the time to let us in on the business’s family history explaining that he is one of three sons taking an active role with front of house responsibilities. His father, Aidan is both owner and chef.
After a quick chat, we finally landed on ordering nachos, pil pil prawns and funky spuds – an Art Bar Funkel favourite – topped with parmesan and garlic butter.
It took no time for our food to arrive and in the short time that we waited the restaurant’s tables quickly filled.
The portions were generous to say the least – at one point we questioned if we had indeed ordered small plates!
The prawns were a huge hit for both of us, fresh and juicy with a hint of chilli and two slices of ciabatta bread to mop up the sauce.
The perfect end to a day of exceptional wining and dining – all within walking distance of each other and all a true reflection of the high standard of hospitality that Newry has to offer.
