Cindy can stay out later at Arthur’s. Mayne’s serve tapas and wine until 1.30am, every night.

Cindy can stay out later at Arthur’s.

Mayne’s serve tapas and wine until 1.30am, every night.

Tapas in the sun

Mayne's offer outdoor dining in Pembroke Street

Cinderella used to go home at 12.00am. But now they stay out later, enjoying the craic and the superb tapas at Arthur Maynes. Not a late bird? Don’t worry. Those delicious bites are available from 12.00 noon. Arthur Maynes: “We are proud to be the only spot in Cork where you can sit back and enjoy refined tapas and a glass of wine until 1:30 am every single night.” 

We called in to the quirky Pembroke Street restaurant the other day at lunchtime, early birds rather then late! Quirky because, as you go into the premises, you may inspect their glass cabinets and investigate the medicines, cosmetics, and apothecary accoutrements from the past 120 years. Very little has been done to the ground floor of a building that houses Arthur Mayne’s, a former chemists, now one of the most unusual bars in Cork city.

People were dining al fresco in Pembroke Street but we made our way through the dark interior to the sunlit area at the rear, an area that Mayne’s share with Crane Lane, a sister business. People were also enjoying the air here but we had no problem in getting a table.

Paté

We skipped the first page and concentrated on the back page where the tapas are listed. We made it easy for our server, picking the last four on the list, skipping the cheese board, the meat board and the combo of the two.

Tapas are small, tasty shareable plates in Spanish cuisine, classically featuring items like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and tortilla española. They are designed to accompany drinks in social settings. Pintxos are the Basque version, usually small, flavourful snacks typically served on a piece of bread and held together with a toothpick.

No toothpicks at Arthur’s but two of our four were close to the Basque offerings. The Marinated Mozzarella & Pesto (Crostini Toasted Crostinis topped with Garden Pea almond & Basil Pesto, Marinated Mozzarella & Sundried Tomatoes} and the Pan Con Tomato (Crushed Tomato, Garlic & Olive Oil on Toasted Crostinis). Tasted every bit as good as they looked and each well-priced.

Hummus

The quality, and the value, was also evident with the other dishes: the Chicken Liver and Brandy Pâté (Served with Toasted Crostinis and Quince Jelly) and the Hummus (Served with a Rustic Baguette). The Tapas are served 12.00pm to 1.30am every day. The lunch menu is available 12.00pm to 3.00pm. I read afterwards on social media that they also do specials but we weren’t offered any on our visit.

Good company!

We concentrated on the tapas but from previous experience here I can recommend the Spiced Beef Stack (Traditional Irish Spiced Beef, Caramelised Onions, Gherkins, Mixed Leaves, Tomato & a Seeded Mustard Aioli on Sourdough).

Twenty or so bars in Cork City, including the Rising Sons brewery and the Old Brennan’s Winehouse, are collectively known as the Cork Heritage pubs and the man who has (and is) breathing new life into this collection is Benny McCabe. bennylovespubs 

Of course, there is a full bar in Mayne’s and currently you may sparkle in the sun with a bottle of Furlan Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spumante Rose from Treviso or a pints of one of the Rising Sons beers, not to mention their cocktails. Don’t be too late, now!

Dining in the lane