Mid-week lunch in Vienna Woods in its once "hidden" Crawford Bistro

Lunch in Vienna Woods, in its once "hidden"  Crawford Bistro

The Vienna Woods Hotel, overlooking Glanmire, has a long history. The original building, surrounded by woods and perched on a height overlooking the Glashaboy River, has stood there since 1756.

One school break (Easter or summer, I do not recall) in the early sixties, I worked here for a couple of weeks, helping new owner Joan Shubuek. I mostly did the washing up and a few other odd jobs around the place.

As my day came to an end, Mrs Shubuek would sometimes invite me to have a meal with her. A chicken was usually produced, and we chatted as we ate, before I got on my bike and headed to the hills on the opposite side of the river.

Our dining space the other day.

Comfy spot for a private party
in the Bistro

We, a quartet of us, had lunch here recently in the Mabel Crawford Bistro, which itself has had something of a hidden history. It is an unusual mostly narrow space (with a series of various sized, though mostly small, linked rooms) and reportedly long hidden until discovered about 16 years ago. 

“Moving an old fridge in 2009 revealed a 150 year-old kitchen and pantry, of the old house, which was transformed into a 90-seat bistro.” Generations of the Crawford family, the brewers, lived here from 1875 to 1946. The bistro is named after one of them.

Originally known as Lota Lodge, an 18th-century Regency-style country house was built here by Davis Ducart for Lord Barrymore. It forms part of a ring of grand country houses in the area, including Dunkathel House and Glyntown House. In 1951, it was purchased by a religious order and operated as a seminary until 1964 when Mrs Shubuek transformed it into a hotel, the name inspired by its surroundings that she thought resembled the Vienna Woods. 

The Fitzgerald family and Michael Magner bought it in 2006, with Magner taking full ownership in 2019 having bought out the Fitzgerald family. Now a four-star, family-run hotel, it blends historic charm with modern amenities across 22 acres, 10 minutes from Cork city. This spectacularly sited hotel is a careful blend of old and new, is very well decorated and comfortably furnished and a pleasure to visit. So why not call in for a drink or a bite next time you’re in the area. I can assure you it is now much changed from the 1756 structure.

During our recent lunch, we had a superb service, quiet and polite, proactive and effective. I wonder if it was like that in its earlier centuries!

Chicken Wings with Vienna Woods Hot Sauce with Cashel Blue Cheese Mayonnaise. An excellent
starter which is also available as a main course. 

Sixteen Hour Braised Bandon Beef Featherblade with Saffron Risotto,
Cavolo Nero, Garden Peas, Red Wine Jus. The risotto
was a nice change from the usual mashed potatoes.
 The Roast of the Day (beef) went down very well also.
Most mains are served with a side of seasonal vegetables.

This Warm Apple & Berry Crumble Tart, served with with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Apple Crisp was 

our choice for dessert, Quite a few more available including their Summer Bombe Berry Alaska and 

a Warm Chocolate Walnut Brownie. as well as Chef's Freshly Folded Cheesecake  of the day.