There’s a suitably old-fashioned feel to The Vintage bar on Irishtown road. Trends may come and go outside the walls of this hostelry, but inside the décor and the ambience is very much traditional.
The only nod to the present day is the large plasma screen TV, but thankfully it was turned off. A smaller television was silently showing, rather aptly, an old black and white John Wayne movie in the corner.

As I sat down to peruse the luncheon menu, I noticed the photographs and illustrations on the wall belonged to a bygone era. Here was a display of Ireland of yesterday with framed newspaper cuttings heralding great sporting successes of the 80’s and 90’s. On the adjoining wall, sketches of old Irish screen and stage luminaries looked on, some of whom have long passed on.

I arrived in the Vintage just before 2pm, just missing the lunch-time rush. I also missed the shepherd’s pie, the last of which was consumed by the hungry office hordes. I settled instead for the day’s special: smoked haddock with potato gratin.

The menu in The Vintage has plenty of variety for what is quite a small pub. There is a good choice of starters and main courses, or if you prefer something less substantial, plain and toasted sandwiches are served, all reasonably priced.

My smoked haddock arrived promptly and was well prepared, with the potatoes melted perfectly into the fish. Though I am not a great lover of smoked fish, this particular dish had an excellent taste, and was good value at €8.95.

I fancied something sweet for dessert, so I ordered death by chocolate accompanied by vanilla ice cream.

The Vintage also does a full complement of coffees, which are always an excellent way of cleansing the palette after a meal. In addition to the usual lattes and cappuccinos, they also have something I never came across before called a cappucrena which is espresso and foamed milk flavoured with syrup.

I thought I’d save that for another day. I settled instead for a tea to accompany my excellent dessert, which was just as filling as the main course.

The bill for my two course lunch was €13.65. My companion, who was on a liquid lunch, remarked that The Vintage was the kind of place in which one could happily while away the afternoon, such is the relaxed, convivial atmosphere in the place.

If you fancy somewhere different from the usual cafes for lunch, The Vintage has a lot going for it in terms of good food, friendly staff and quick service. I shall return and find out what a cappucrena really tastes like!