Spectacular Dripsey venue is the latest in Perry Street Cafe collection

Spectacular Dripsey venue is the latest in Perry Street collection

Fish Crumble

You'll find the latest addition to the Perry Street Cafe collection in McD's garden centre in Dripsey, perched beautifully on the left bank of the Dripsey River (a tributary of the Lee).

This, the fourth venue and venture from Brian Drinan and Paul Coffey, boasts a spacious, light-filled "marquee" with glass walls giving views into the colourful garden centre and a third side offering stunning riverside views that may, from time to time, include water-ski activity. A terrace stands by for sunny days, but even on dull ones, the natural light is a welcome mood booster.

Vegetarian quiche

Perry Street Café Dripsey offers familiar comfort food in a stunning riverside setting. While the menu may not break new ground, it delivers reliable quality and caters to a variety of tastes.

Indeed the menu follows the familiar Perry Street Cafe formula, featuring well-loved breakfast and lunch options. At breakfast, choose from the "Super Perry," "Full Perry," or "Half Perry" or pick from the enticing Moroccan breakfast, various egg dishes, granola, porridge, and pancakes and more.

Mango and Passion Fruit

Lunchtime brings a wider selection, with soups, chowders, and various sandwiches. The "Perry Street Toasted Special" with its combination of ham, red onion marmalade, tomato, Hegarty's cheese, and mustard mayo is a popular choice, as is the "Perry Street Falafel" served with hummus, salsa, lettuce, and sweet potato fries.

Pies range from the classic fish crumble to hearty cottage pie. Salads cater to varied preferences, with options like the "Roast Squash and Beetroot" salad featuring orange segments, avocado, feta, walnuts, and a zingy lemon dressing.

Apple Crumble

For something more substantial, the "Mains" section offers enticing choices like the "Chargrilled Chicken and Avocado Tortilla Bowl" or the "Chicken Parm" with rocket, parmesan, slow-cooked tomato sauce, and buttery pasta. Sides like fries and house salad complete these dishes.

While the menu may not detour towards uncharted territory, the execution is consistent. The "Fish and Chips" with its perfectly cooked haddock and light batter is a crowd-pleaser.

Perry Street (in its days as The Spinning Wheel)

Other standouts include the vegetarian quiche and the "Warm Chicken & Black Pudding Salad" with its crunchy and tasty combination of mixed greens, house dressing, sundried tomatoes, potatoes, nuts, cheese, and a balsamic reduction.

Chicken & Black Pudding Salad

Desserts, with daily variations (check the tempting assortment of treats displayed at the counter), include crowd-pleasers like "Mango and Passionfruit" and "Apple Crumble." Friendly and knowledgeable servers are ready to offer recommendations, not just on desserts but throughout your dining experience.

View of the river - skier not guaranteed!

A comprehensive drinks selection, featuring wines, teas and coffees, rounds out the offerings at this very attractive Dripsey venue (formerly well-known and well-loved as Griffins). The other Perry Street locations are Ringaskiddy, Grange and Cork city centre.