Ballycotton blessed to have Sea Church, where a top-notch crew transforms quality local produce into dishes to remember.

Ballycotton blessed to have Sea Church, where a top-notch crew transforms quality local produce into dishes to remember.

Fred's Chowder

Fish is prominent in the exciting new menu at Sea Church. And rightly so, as the spacious venue (formerly a school and located next door to a former church) is just a stroll away from Ballycotton harbour. When it comes to preparing fish, Executive Head Chef Fred Desomereux is the perfect man to get the best from it.

And it is not just fish that Fred and Head Chef Marcus O’Meara excel at; they also create outstanding meat dishes. We discovered this during a recent visit, just two weeks after the new team took over. Additional changes include the appointment of Sandra Biret-Crowley as restaurant manager. Many of you know that Sandra has spent several years as sommelier at the Hayfield Manor and, more recently, at the Castlemartyr Resort.

Sea Bass on the bone

Fred, who first worked in Ballycotton some 25 years ago, has since been cooking up a storm in places such as Greenes and Quinlans (both in Cork City). He has always had a particular talent for preparing fish dishes.

Monkfish starter

Naturally, I started with Fred’s Mediterranean Seafood Chowder (Creamy Tomato-Based with Smoky Bacon, Safron, White wine, Potatoes, Mixed Fish, Prawns, and Mussels) served with Stout Brown Bread. It was a superb mix, packed to the gills with textures and flavours (including that smoky bacon). Perhaps the best chowder I’ve ever tasted. 

CL, sitting on the opposite side of the table, had become quiet, pausing their conversation as they enjoyed the delightful Breaded Monkfish Scampi Starter served on a bed of Ballycotton Smoked Salmon Potato Salad, topped with Basil and Lime. The salad was exceptional, and this dish is also available as a main course.

Speaking of mains, the menu featured two specials that exemplified what can be expected here. One was a Fish and Seafood Platter, which included Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Cold Giant Shrimp, Smoked Mackerel, Anchovies, Ballycotton Smoked Salmon, Brown Soda Bread, and Smoked Salmon Potato Salad. From the land, there was the Caherbeg Farm 10oz Ribeye Steak, accompanied by Garlic Flat Mushrooms, Wild Baby Potatoes, and your choice of Brandy Pepper Sauce or Garlic Butter.

One of our main dishes was Baked Whole Sea Bass on the Bone, which featured olives, capers, sun-blushed tomatoes, anchovies, garlic butter, and white wine, served with buttery parsley baby potatoes. The cooking time for this dish is 25 minutes, but the wait is well worth it for a delicious experience. The flesh of the fish was firm, flaky, and white, with delicate flavours enhanced by the cooking method. Even the olives and capers played an outstanding supporting role in the dish.

Beef Cheeks Bourguignon

I chose the 5-Hour Slow Braised Beef Cheeks Bourguignon, which came with creamy buttery mash, sautéed wild mushrooms, and wilted spinach in a Bourguignon sauce. The stew, from a freshly cooked batch, featured tender, falling-off-the-bone beef and flavourful vegetables, including carrots, onions, and superb mushrooms, all enveloped in a velvety sauce. The rich, colourful red wine sauce was simply irresistible, and I even grabbed a spoon to savour the last drop! Like the fish dish, the Bourguignon was top-notch—a definite winner.

Sea Church 
 and school. Church 
building is now a music
venue, while the school
(right) is where you dine!

The desserts were all freshly made and absolutely delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Raspberry & Lemon Crème Brûlée, where the juicy fruit added a flavour and tartness not typically associated with this dish. It was superbly executed, with creamy and smooth custard beneath a crunchy, caramelised topping.

The service, including that from the bar (Teeling's Single Malt and Horgelus Sauvignon Blanc/Colombard), was friendly, informative, and very efficient. When we arrived early in the evening, the weather was dry, but by the time we said goodbye, it had started to rain. Fortunately, our drive was waiting in the large car park just across the road.

Enjoy Drinks Reception And Delicious Finger Food Before Ringing in 2023 with Jack L At Sea Church Ballycotton

Enjoy Drinks Reception And Delicious Finger Food 

Before Ringing in 2023 with Jack L At Sea Church Ballycotton

Renowned Irish singer / songwriter unveiled as mystery guest for an extravaganza at the stunning East Cork venue 

Guests to Sea Church Ballycotton can ring in the New Year in style with renowned musician Jack L topping the bill on a jam-packed night of entertainment.

Jack L, known for his powerful vocal chords, thrilling performances and world class musicianship, has been entertaining crowds since the nineties with hits like ‘Georgie Boy’ and ‘The King of Soho’ among a vast back catalogue. The Athy native, who recently packed out the 3Arena, is no stranger to Sea Church having played two sold-out shows at the intimate venue in November 2021, as well as taking part in the first season of the the highly acclaimed RTE series ‘The Ballycotton Sessions.’

The New Year’s Eve party at Sea Church will kick off with a drinks reception in the main bar at 7pm, where guests will be entertained by Ruairi De Leaster and Simon Daly. This will be followed by a delicious selection of hot finger food before Jack L takes to the stage for a full set that will finish with a countdown to 2023. The party certainly won’t end there - an in-house DJ will play at Sea Church until 1am. 

For those looking for a total New Year’s Eve getaway, Sea Church has teamed up with the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton to offer a great value package deal. The famous lodgings, which are normally closed from October until March, will open to allow music fans enjoy a night’s entertainment followed by a luxury overnight stay in the four-star premises, overlooking the ocean in the heart of Ballycotton. Those who want to make the most of New Year’s Day can enjoy a delicious breakfast at the restaurant in Sea Church. 

General Manager of Sea Church John Kidney says they’re very excited to bring Jack L back to Ballycotton, “New Year’s Eve at Sea Church is shaping up to be a night to remember. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Jack L back with us to headline the party - he’s an incredible performer and I can’t think of anyone better to ring in 2023 in Ballycotton. The whole night at Sea Church including food and drink costs just €70, and there are great package deals available at the Bayview. The fact that you have the option of staying the night in Ballycotton and waking up by the sea on New Year’s Day is the icing on the cake.”

For tickets for the New Year’s Eve Party, and the package deals at The Bayview Hotel, visit www.seachurch.ie 

Optimism as new takeaway café launches at Sea Church in Ballycotton

press release

Optimism as new takeaway café launches

 at Sea Church in Ballycotton

Sea Church in Ballycotton is not only renowned for its incredible live music venue and restaurant, as now, it will certainly also be known for its new ‘Grab and Go’ takeaway café which just launched.

The new ‘Grab and Go’ coffee shop is housed in an up-cycled shipping container, selling specialty coffee, in house baked goods, and a range of freshly made foods including signature sandwiches, homemade pizzas and delicious gourmet salads for something a little more savoury. All freshly made, every morning. 

Using only locally sourced produce, the freshly ground coffee comes from Drury Coffee Roasters, from nearby Youghal. What better way to compliment it than beautifully baked goods from Jack Cuthbursts bakery in Midleton, who have produced some of Ireland’s finest handmade bread and baked goods for six generations.

This unique container café is located in front of the Sea Church venue, and customers will have the option to take away a sandwich or coffee, or sit and enjoy them on the benches in front of the café to relax and take in the stunning sea views. There are also many other cold drink options such as iced coffees and delicious frappés available.

For the hot summer days, and even the chillier ones, the Ballycotton café has you covered. ‘Grab and Go’ will also be fully stocked with heavenly frozen treats from Cork City’s number one stop ice cream shop, Popsicle, filled with a range of flavours such as kiwi and raspberry, watermelon, 99, and oreo.

Head Chef of the Sea Church restaurant, Gerry Gillen has said that “The response has been amazing since the launch of ‘Grab and Go’. We already have regulars visiting which is great to see. The freshly ground coffee and homemade fresh foods are always popular, and what better way to enjoy them than being right in front of the sea”.

‘Grab and Go’ café is also totally accessible for wheelchair users, buggies, and bikes, and open all seven days of the week from 9am to 5pm, so plenty of time for a midmorning ‘pick me up’ or a ‘winding down’ weekend. So whether you’re coming back from a hike, feeling like a quick break from work, doing a solo trip or meeting up with friends, ‘Grab and Go’ is the perfect place to visit.

East Cork Food Now. A One Day Snapshot

East Cork Food Now. A One Day Snapshot

With the 5km limit banished, we headed east on a little ramble that took us through Midleton to Killeagh and then back to the coast around Ballycotton. The weather was sunny and quite warm, all in our favour, as we had a quick, though far from exhaustive, look at what was going on food-wise in the area.

First stop was the relatively new Grumpy Bakers in Midleton. There was a little queue (partly for coffee) outside. Inside our first choice sourdough has been sold out (at about 10.00am). But they did have what turned out to be an excellent wholemeal sourdough and a delicious rhubarb and custard Danish.

Superb local cheddar available at Joe's Farm

Next stop was in the lovely countryside north of Killeagh where Joe’s Farm operates. You’ll know Joe and Sandra through Joe’s Farm Crisps (which have a wide distribution). But did you know, that once the pandemic struck, they turned part of the yard into a farmers market. Of course they have lots of their own vegetables and potatoes for sale but much more besides, including produce from Waterford (Tom Baldwin’s ice-cream) and Achill Island (Sea Salt and Sea Salted Fudge) and Laois (The Merry Mill). No shortage of more local produce either including home baking and the most delicious Raspberry Jam (produced by the adults and children of the Cooking Club in Youghal). In no time at all, we had our bags full and ready for road. Oh, by the way, they don’t do credit cards so be sure and bring cash (including perhaps a few small denomination notes).

The sun was well and truly in charge as we pulled into the car park opposite the Sea Church Restaurant and Concert venue. By the way, the newly installed Sea Church van opens for business on Wednesday April 28th. It will be open 7 days a week 10AM - 4PM for all your coffee and cake needs.

We strolled in toward the village proper where CUSH restaurant is offering an At Home service. We didn't get that far though. Spotted an ice-cream cone outside the Trawl Door and, in a separate room called Coney Island, got a couple of delicious cooling beauties, Strawberry along with a Rum & Raisin both made by Glenown Farm of Fermoy. We could also have had a lot more including an East Cork Mess or a Ballycotton Banoffee! Had a quick look at the Trawl Door itself which was busy. Lots of good stuff here, including a selection of wine and a very tempting deli counter. Must call there again when it’s less busy and when I don’t have an ice-cream in my hand.

Strawberry ice!

The Blackbird and The Schooner Bar here are not able to open of course under the current regulations but each offers takeaway at weekends. The popular Skinny's Diner also has weekend hours posted up on the window but you may need to check in advance.

Back then to pick up the car and our next destination was the beach at Ardnahinch. Here, the car park was close to full. On the beach itself as we walked along, we could see about 15 colourful "kites” in the sky at the next beach up, Ballinamona, quite a spectacle provided by the kite surfers as they enjoyed the brisk wind!

But we weren't there to see them! We were looking for the Trawler Boyz from Ballycotton who set up shop every weekend in the Ardnahinch Car Park. But we were too early as they weren’t due to start for another hour or two. There are some good reviews coming from that three person operation and they later reported selling some 500 meals during their few hours there. Check their Facebook page for opening times. Hours currently shown are: Fri & Sat 4.30-8.30; Sun 1.000-7.00. Tel: 086 4073057.

After Ardnahinch, we headed to a very important date, to collect our “At Home” dinner from Ballymaloe House. These meals come in all types of boxes and bags but none presented as classily as this one, it even had a bunch of tulips attached! We got a great welcome and a lovely chat as well. And the meal, featuring the first of their asparagus, East Cork Beef Cheek, a gorgeous panna cotta plus a super Irish cheese plate, was also high class. Details and next menu here.  

Ballymaloe Pop Up Wine Shop. Saturday afternoons only.

As we arrived, Colm McCan was opening up a Pop-up wine shop at the front of the Grainstore. He had a well-judged selection of organic and natural wines, also the Ballymaloe Gin. And also there was their very own cider, made with apples grown on the farm, including Dabinett, Crimson Bromley, Santana, Topas, Delles Bell and Dellinquo. You can get it only in Ballymaloe or though the At Home menu. Delicious and refreshing as we found out when we got home and relaxed in the garden before getting that marvellous dinner onto the table later on. Quite a day in the east.

PS: A day or two later, we were in Knockadoon. You’ll find the Lobster Pot food truck in place at the pier here, again opening at the weekends.

Sea Church. The Splendid New Dining Venue in Ballycotton

Sea Church
The Bright New Dining Venue in Ballycotton
#whenchefsworkagain

With restaurants scheduled to open (in some form or other at the end of June),  I thought I'd let you know about Sea Church, the new restaurant in Ballycotton, which was our last outing (Mar 11th) before the lockdown. It closed a few days later. Let's hope it and other restaurants will be up and running before the summer runs out!

Pan Roasted Fillet of Hake with Carrot Puree, Steamed Greens, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. A generous well executed dish with superb greens and a winning purée instead of a heavy creamy sauce. And an unlisted helping of super potato mash.

We enjoyed a sterling lunch there. Breakfast and dinner are also available and you are welcome to drop in any time of day though you may have to reserve for peak times.

Snitzel of Chicken. Crispy Coated 200g of Chicken Fillet. Plain, with Chicken Gravy, Hand Cut Chips and Caesar Dressed Leaves. For an extra euro came a terrific moistening pizza style topping of chorizo and cheese. The Schnitzel itself was excellent as were those skin-on fries. Be sure and spend that extra euro - well worth it!

A few local producers are name checked on the menu, the coffee is roasted in Youghal and the head chef Owen Davidson has declared that “menus take inspiration from the surrounding landscape, utilising the fantastic fresh seafood and ingredients we have right here on our doorstep”. And that certainly seems to be the case as modern Irish cooking, of a crackingly high standard, is what you get here.

This temptation dripping dessert caught lots of eyes as it was paraded to the table. Presentation is neat and tidy all through and especially with this teasing Black Forest Mousse (Cherry and Kirsch Compote, Shaven Chocolate, and Chocolate Cream). Decadent. Delicious.

Much more modest but still another gorgeous dessert: Apple and Calvados Crumble, with Vanilla Ice Cream, Orchard Thieves Custard

The view from our table

The church is the music venue while the restaurant is in the old school to the right, both beautifully restored.

A sheltered outdoor area (above and below)

Another outdoor table

Why not take the short stroll to the village to check out the harbour and the lighthouse.
Probably best done before your meal!

#TakeMeToChurch

Sea Church

Ballycotton

Co. Cork

Tel: 021 2340525

Sea Church Restaurant Opens in Landmark Ballycotton Venue

press release
Sea Church Restaurant Opens in Landmark Ballycotton Venue

Sea Church Restaurant has opened in the old schoolhouse in Ballycotton, East Cork this week. The new incarnation of this Ballycotton landmark sees a welcoming, laid-back restaurant overlooking the dramatic Atlantic coastline. It is part of a multi-million euro two year renovation by local businessman Pearse Flynn, which included a transformation of St Colman’s Church of Ireland into an iconic event space. Adjoined to the church by a glass atrium, the restaurant retains the schoolhouse’s architectural structure while inviting the contemporary styling of a modern restaurant.

The 82-seater restaurant has drawn on inspiration from the sea for both its menu and interior, the latter reflecting a contemporary maritime décor. Sea Church’s food philosophy is centered around fuss-free dining using the best of Irish ingredients and featuring a number of local suppliers.

Executive Chef Owen Davidson said, “I am delighted to be part of such an exciting project. The building’s setting by the sea and its history within Ballycotton makes it such a unique location for a restaurant. We hope that in tandem with the music venue, it will become a focal point in East Cork for both locals and tourists alike, really showcasing what this part of the country has to offer. The menus take inspiration from the surrounding landscape, utilising the fantastic fresh seafood and ingredients we have right here on our doorstep”.

Sea Church has a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, serving classic dishes elevated by quality ingredients. For lunch, diners can expect classics such as Naturally Smoked Haddock Chowder with Homemade Wholemeal Soda Bread; Roast Chicken Sandwich with Carved Roast Chicken, Crumbly Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roasted Garlic, Basil Mayonnaise, Caesar Dressed Leaves, Grilled Artisan Bread; and Classic Margherita Pizza with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Basil, Macroom Mozzarella.

Weekend breakfast options include Eggs Benedict with Chargrilled Bacon, Grilled Sourdough, Hollandaise Sauce, Watercress; Buttermilk Pancakes with Stewed Fruits, Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup; as well as the classic Sea Church Full Irish.

The evening menu sees dishes of Whipped Ardsallagh Goat’s Cheese with Crispy Filo, Classic Tapenade, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Rocket; Golden Fried Fish and Chips with Smithwicks’s Red Beer Battered Haddock, Hand Cut Chips, Tartar Sauce, Buttered Garden Peas; and Mandarin and Honey Roasted Half Duckling with Apricot Stuffing, Cointreau Glazed Carrots, Duck Fat Baby Potatoes, Red Wine Jus. All desserts are homemade and include favourites such as Warm Apple and Calvados Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream, Orchard Thieves Custard, and Lemon Tart with Fresh Raspberries, Basil Sugar, Crème Fraiche.

There will also be seasonal specials available across all menus to reflect the changing seasons.

The restaurant is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm, with later opening on Friday and Saturday until 9:00pm. 

Sea Church is located at Main Street, Ballycotton, Co. Cork. Bookings can be made by emailing reception@seachurch.ie, or by phoning (021) 234 0525. 

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Sea Church on social @seachurchballycotton.

St. Colman’s Church and Schoolhouse in Ballycotton Opens as New Music and Events Venue and Architecturally Designed Restaurant

St. Colman’s Church and Schoolhouse in Ballycotton Opens as New  Music and Events Venue and Architecturally Designed Restaurant

Sea Church in Ballycotton, East Cork will open this weekend as an intimate music and events venue and architecturally designed restaurant overlooking the rugged coastline.   

Following a multi-million euro restoration by local entrepreneur Pearse Flynn, the church will function as a music venue with a capacity of 120. It opens this weekend with The Frank and Walters performing on Friday the 28th of February and Lisa Hannigan performing on Saturday the 29th of February and Sunday the 1st March. Other artists lined up over the coming months include John Spillane, Jack O’Rourke and Mary Counghlan. 

Mr. Flynn purchased St Coleman’s Church in 2018 and has worked closely with architects, interior designers, restoration experts and specialist builders to create the unique venue and return the building to its former glory. The project took two years to complete with original features such as oak panels, wrought iron gates and pointed arch stained-glass windows painstakingly preserved, while the bell tower and timber staircase are restored to their original specification. 

The restoration plans were drawn up by Paul Haffey Interior Design, and Rose Construction managed the build. The overall project includes the restoration of the old schoolhouse behind the church, which has been developed into Sea Church Restaurant due to open on the 5th of March, and a car park and community playground across the road which is due to be finished later this Spring.  

Speaking about the project, Pearse Flynn said “Ballycotton and the surrounding area has enormous potential. It is so beautiful and unspoiled. The trick to the Sea Church development was to get the balance right and to retain its original charm. The design of the restaurant had to come from the surrounding beauty. We wanted to maintain the harmony of life and give a modern maritime feel inside the restaurant while steering away from the traditional. I believe we have achieved a look that is fresh and contemporary while paying homage to the beauty of the surrounding countryside.”

Sea Church is equipped with a high-end audio system and full in-house DJ equipment. The unique venue, which includes a large outdoor terrace with unparalleled views, is available for private events and ceremonies making it perfect for special events, exhibitions and functions. Sea Church is also an approved venue for civil ceremonies and can cater for weddings of between 100 and 150 guests, with a dedicated events team in place who work with the best local suppliers to customise each event.

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Sea Church on social @seachurchballycotton.