Bracken's Superb Rebel Version of the Battenberg Cake. Great sandwiches also and amazing service

Bracken's Superb Rebel Version of the Battenberg Cake. 

Great sandwiches also and amazing service

The rebel version of Battenberg cake is very different to the original royal version, though both are named after a German royal who married a British counterpart. With hostilities breaking out, the British part of the marriage eventually switched names to Mountbatten but the cake retained its name. The UK cake is perhaps more colourful but the Cork version, with its unique chocolate covering, is a big favourite here and has been for a long long time.

Cork’s Battenberg was usually associated with Thompsons in MacCurtain Street. Back in their mid century heyday, they installed a multi-purpose sponge plant to cater to the demand for it and Swiss Roll (perhaps the most famous cake produced at the eponymous bakery).

Thompson closed for good in the 1980s but Cork's renowned sweet tooth continues to thrive and you can still enjoy the local Battenberg. We were in Bracken’s Bakery and Café recently and they a tableful of it. Just couldn't resist. We bought one and absolutely enjoyed it later on at home. Well worth a try.

Sharing. Four pieces, two from each sandwich, 

Bracken’s are a family run bakery making and baking since 1981 and you can find them on the Old Mallow Road, Cork, at the top of Fitz’s Boreen. We arrived at the peak of lunchtime, on a Monday, and it was packed. A queue snaked around to the counter and the small sit down area alongside was packed. They have some seating outside but it is a bit early in the year for that.

A few weeks ago, I was amazed at the speedy and friendly service at the carvery counter of the Elm Tree. The service at Bracken’s is even more amazing. There is no menu as such and, if you are new to the place, you won’t really know what is available until you wind your way through the tempting cake displays and get to the counter and see the huge range of ingredients.

Here, you can build your own sandwich. Brown or white? Butter. You pick chicken or ham or turkey or tuna. The salad, peppers, tomatoes or coleslaw from the many fillings. Be sure and add something like the coleslaw (excellent), as you need some bit of moisture. All the while your server is building your order and, if it is for takeaway, they cut it in four and wrap it for you! The service, under pressure, is really top notch.

We had quite a lunch back home with our two sandwiches and a bit pot of tea, Barry's of course. By the way the Bracken brown bread is superb (and presumably so is their white). The Battenberg was reserved for the evening and provided a very satisfactory outcome to our short visit.

Bracken Info:

Contact them on 021 4302 777 or email info@brackens.ie.

Hours:

Monday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM