Grey’s Lane Bistro – October News 2017

Welcome to our October at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Hello Autumn

So, Autumn is definitely here, no Indian summer for us this year but a blustery September instead…. Ah well, other parts of the world have had a really hard time so let’s count our blessings…

See you next year Dingle Food Festival

Dingle Food Festival Tickets and Programme — All gone now!

The 11th Dingle Food Festival just gone by was once again a very successful one: what great stalls, friendly atmosphere and fantastic music!!!…

Dingle Dinners book launch

Book signings at Grey's Lane Bistro — Book signings at Grey’s Lane Bistro

Trevis Gleason’s most recent book Dingle Dinners, was launched during the festival, but beforehand all the local chefs whose recipes feature in Trevis’s book got together at the Bistro to sign their pages on 100 copies, a rare enough sight…

Book signing of Dingle Dinners at Grey's Lane Bistro — Trevor Gleason’s – Dingle Dinners – book signing

Trevor Gleason's Book Dingle Dinners book signing at Grey's Lane Bistro — Trevor Gleason’s – Dingle Dinners – more book signing

Dingle Dinners is available to buy at the Bistro for €25.00

Dingle Dinners book at Grey's Lane Bistro — Dingle Dinners available at Grey’s Lane Bistro

Interior Decor

A few things have changed at the Bistro, as you might have noticed our new tables or the way we have re-arranged them, making the centre part of the main room a much cosier space to sit in.

Grey's Lane Bistro New Dining Layout — New table layout at the Bistro

Bit by bit we have also been working on the wall decoration with the help of Emer Antar, who did such amazing work on the front last winter.

Front of Grey's Lane Bistro new deco panels — New decor panel

Wall Decor at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle — More wall decor

Groups Welcome

These few changes mean that we are now able to accommodate much larger groups, we reckon up to around 90 people quite comfortably.

Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant Upstairs Dinging Area — Upstairs Dining Area at the Bistro

Wedding Bells

We have our first big event, a wedding, taking place on Friday the 20th of October, and we’re really excited about it…. so looking forward to making the place look even more fabulous for the big day!!!!….

Opening Times

As the tourist season slows down we are now open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for breakfast, lunch and coffee, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00am to 8.30pm also serving early evening and evening meals. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Dingle Peninsula Festivals

Still plenty of festivals to look forward on the Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Folk Fest takes place this weekend from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October.

Dingle Folk Festival 2017 — Dingle Folk Fest

Then the Annascaul Walking Festival from the 28th to the 31st …..and the Dingle Maritime Festival that same weekend.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — Happy Halloween!

We expect our usual numbers of visitors towards the end of the month during the mid-term break and Halloween from the 27th of October to the 6th of November. We will then be open for more evenings for early evening and evening meals.

You can check our Facebook or Twitter for updates. Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor.

Ich bin ein Berliner

One more thing I’d like to mention this month is the opening of a new route from Kerry Airport to Berlin on the 29th of October. This is fantastic news for us, as it means a potential 9 million visitors from the Berlin area (not sure if we can accommodate all in one go!!!). It is also such an easy way to reach one of the most vibrant European cities from Kerry. Can’t wait to go there myself…

See you soon…

Wishing you all a good month of October! Enjoy the longer evenings by the fire and don’t mind that stormy weather… See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – September News 2017

Welcome to our September at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Catching our breath…!

August has come and gone, not a free minute to write this blog!! Now that things are quietening down a bit, I’m grabbing the opportunity to finally keep you all updated.

Dingle Harbour — Glistening water on a glorious sunny day in Dingle

Festival Season

It was a great month of August really, and although we didn’t get the opportunity to sample the festivals, races and live music ourselves, we heard tremendous feedback from many customers. So, a big “Well done!” to everyone who was involved in the organisation of these events and activities in Dingle and around the Peninsula…

Opening Times

In September the Bistro will open from 12.00pm (for lunch) until 8:30/9.00pm (for evening meals) Tuesday to Sunday, and from11am Saturday & Sunday for brunch. A significant part of our staff is leaving at the end of the season, so we are closing one day a week (Monday). Bookings are very much advisable for an early evening or evening meal on 066 915 2770 to avoid disappointment.

Vegetarian tagine, cumin, mint & chickpeas with couscous

“Jazz on Sunday” and Piano

Regarding the live music at the Bistro, we are still looking forward to our weekly dose of “Jazz On Sunday” throughout the month and a few Saturday evenings with Louise on the piano on the 2nd, the 9th and possibly the 16th of September. I will keep you updated on our our Facebook and Twitter.

Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor if you feel like it, it is always greatly appreciated…

September Festivals & Activities

The Dingle Marathon is just around the corner on the 2nd of September. Best of luck to everyone taking part! We are nearly fully booked for the early sitting, but a good few tables are still available for later Saturday evening .

Dingle-marathon-1-mile-sign — On your marks, get set, …..

The Dingle Tradfest takes place the following weekend on the 10th and 11th with artists like Kern, Velocity (half of that group being local…) and many more.

Dingle Food Festival 2017

The rest of the month, I’m sure, will fly by and then it will be time for what a lot of locals call “the best festival of the year”. The 11th Dingle Food Festival takes place from the 29th of September to the 1st of October, and if last year is anything to go by it promises to be another fantastic weekend…

Head Chef Ed at Dingle Food Festival 2016 — Throwback to Dingle Food Festival 2016 with Ed on duty…

We haven’t decided yet what we will prepare for that weekend, but it will definitely have something to do with food, wine and music!!!

See you soon…

Anyway, have a nice few weeks and enjoy the beautiful autumn light and softness in the air… See you soon at the Bistro or around Dingle!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – July News 2017

Welcome to our July at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Summertime…?

Oh my, my, my, my …July!!!!
Well done to all the students who worked hard on their exams, hopefully they can now enjoy some well-deserved time off… Here we are finally: body boards down from the attic, swim gear at the ready, all we need is the sun to come out from behind the clouds!!!! June was an enjoyable month, growing steadily busier at the Bistro and we are now fully equipped and staffed to face the height of the summer season.

Mouth of Dingle Harbour — Any sign of Fungie at the mouth of Dingle Harbour?

July Festivals

There are plenty of activities to sample on the peninsula, horse-riding, rock climbing (Play At Height), sailing at the club or supporting the rowers at the Ventry regatta (22nd & 23rd), Irish learning or brushing up (10th-15th) and of course, mixing up with the locals at the Agricultural show (July 16th) or in the pubs during the trad sessions…… there has to be something for everyone!!!

National Holidays

On this month’s calendar we could also add some patriotic dates: the 4th of July for our American cousins (and 2 members of our staff), see a few snippets of our amazing stay in NY city last February. We even found Fungie’s cousin, in Spanish Harlem of all places… the 14th of July for our French neighbours (and accounting for 22% of the work force at the Bistro!)…and last but not least, the 21st of July, Belgium’s national day, for our one and only Bérénice!!

trip to new york — Our trip to New York…

Updated Wine Lists

Our red and white wine lists have now been updated on our website if you want to browse through them to find a wine to complement your meal… Our staff will also be only to happy to help you in your choice.…

New wines at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — Six new wines being added to our wine list!

Opening Times

The Bistro is now open every day of the week from 10 am to 9 pm (ish) and bookings are very much advisable for an early evening or evening meal on 066 915 2770 to avoid disappointment.

greys-lane-bistro-dingle-restaurant-trio-of-fish-saffron-cream-beetroot-and-anchovy-salsa — Trio of fish saffron cream, beetroot and anchovy salsa

“Jazz on Sundays” and Piano

Live music is still very much “alive” at the Bistro, Joe and Hakan with “Jazz On Sundays” and Louise on Saturday 1st, Saturday 15th and probably one or two more evenings this month. I will keep you updated on our our Facebook and Twitter. Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor if you feel like it, it is always greatly appreciated…

See you soon…

Anyway, wishing you all a wonderful July and looking forward to seeing you around Dingle or at the Bistro at some stage this summer… See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – June News 2017

Welcome to our June at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Summer time just around the corner…

It has been a busy couple of weeks and we’re easing into the summer season despite the weather! It’s great to see so many events almost every weekend: you may have heard the rhythmic beats of Dingle’s Global Rhythm Festival or seen the throngs of courageous participants in the annual Dingle Adventure Race last weekend brave not only the challenging courses, but also the less than clement weather! Bravo to both competitors and organisers!

Dingle's Global Rhythm Festival programme. — Browsing Dingle’s Global Rhythm Festival programme.

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire to Dingle Race

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race leaves Dún Laoghaire on Wednesday 14th June and is expected at the weekend. You can track the progress of the participants on-line. Started in 1993, this year has a record number of 45 entrants according to the organisers. There is an interesting article in afloat.ie with some of the history of the race. Should be a busy marina and hopefully good weather will await them!

Dingle Marina County Kerry Ireland — Dingle Marina

Fluoride-free water

As you might have seen already, the Bistro is now serving fluoride-free water. This means that the coffees, water jugs and ice cubes in your drinks are all fluoride-free!! If you are interested in learning more about the subject, a talk with Paul Connett, renowned water fluoridation critic, will take place in An Diseart this weekend, Sunday the 18th of June at 7pm.

New Wine Lists

So, even if our water now tastes and feels great, it is no reason not to try out our wines!…
We are taking our wine list to a new level here at the Bistro by adding a total of 6 new wines. Some of them are coming back on the list, like the Mokoblack Marlborough Valley, a New Zealand Sauvignon blanc, others are grapes we haven’t tried yet, like the Pinot Noir from the Muret vineyards in Languedoc. Joining our wine list are also some Chardonnay (including a Chablis), Montepulciano and a Chȃteau St Emilion Grand Cru … We’ll be updating our red and white lists shortly and you can check out our Facebook or Twitter for more updates.…

Opening Times

Now that I have made you curious about all these new wines you are surely wondering when can you book a table for an early evening or evening meal at the Bistro ? Well, we are open for dinner all through the month of June every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and most Sundays so give us a buzz on 0669152770 to book your table!! …and we’ve added some new dishes and a few changes to our breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday.

Father’s Day

Now Father’s Day falls on Sunday 18th June this year. If you’re struggling with gift ideas, why not treat your dad to a Grey’s Lane Bistro gift voucher?

Jazz on Sunday

“Jazz on Sundays” from 2pm to 4pm is back and in full swing already with Joe and Hakan and we also have Louise entertaining us on the piano in the evenings.

Joe and Haken playing Sunday jazz session at Dingle restaurant at Grey's Lane Bistro. — Joe and Hakan: Sunday jazz at Grey’s Lane Bistro.

See you soon…

As soon as our kitchen team is complete, we will be extending our opening hours, in the meantime do check our business opening times on our Facebook or Twitter for more updates. Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor if you feel like it, it is always greatly appreciated….

Anyway, we’re all really looking forward to an event-packed summer in Dingle and at the Bistro… Hope you enjoy it too… See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – April News 2017

Welcome to our April at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Spring is in the air…

April has finally arrived and it’s starting to feel like spring… plants are blooming, lambs are prancing around the fields and everybody’s spirit is lifted by the milder weather…
The holidays will be upon us in no time and we are looking forward to the new and returning visitors for the 2017 season at the Bistro!

Opening Times

We will be open for dinner 6.00 – 8.30pm on Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, from Friday 14th to Monday 17th and from Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd during mid-term break. We’ve added some new dishes and a few changes to our breakfast, lunch, early evening and evening meals .

Tapas & Live Music

There will be two Tapas and Music events taking place at the Bistro, both from 10pm :

On Friday the 14th, Kai Heumann (virtuoso guitarist) and friends (Ben Janning & Mattie Barker) will enchant us with Latin and gypsy rhythms and on Thursday the 20th, The Hunters, a Sligo based trio (Guitar, Bass and Percussion) will take the stage with their mix of folk, alternative music and blues.

Hope Guatemala Walk & Run

Soon after that it will be time for our annual “Hope Guatemala Walk & Run” on Sunday 23rd, for which the sponsorship cards can already be obtained at the Bistro. This day has always been a fantastic opportunity for our community to support this charity’s work in small Guatemalan communities, every euro raised goes directly to where it’s needed, it’s a fun day, a beautiful walk from the Bistro to Paudie O Shea’s pub in Ventry and plenty of food, spot prizes and music on arrival.

New playground

Hopefully by now our new playground will have been in use for a while already, an opening ceremony with some surprise guest is in the planning but I can’t divulge anything yet…

Féile Na Bealtaine

Feile Na Bealtine 2017 — Féile Na Bealtaine 2017

This year, April will end with the Féile Na Beailtane festival from Thursday 27th to Monday 1st, during which two events will take place in the Bistro :
On Thursday 27th Gábor Péli (conductor of the Dingle New Choir) will officially open an exhibition by Emilia Varsanyi. Emilia is a Hungarian artist recently arrived on the peninsula and whose oil paintings are primarily inspired by the plants, trees and flowers that surround her.

Emilia Varsanyi's art at the Bistro — Emilia Varsanyi’s art on display at the Grey’s Lane Bistro

“The Road Not Travelled”

On Monday May 1st, John Holstead’s Sculpture, “The Road Not Travelled” will be sold to the highest bidder during Feile Na Beailtane 2017!!!
It has been a long wait to find out who will get to go home with John’s piece but it was so amazing to get to admire it and enjoy it during all those months… Bids can be placed until noon on the 1st of May, so if you’re still hesitating, do come by the Bistro for one more look. Bidding forms and envelopes can be obtained from the Bistro. And don’t forget that every bid costs €5 which are donated by John to the charity Hope Guatemala.

See you soon…

You can check our Facebook or Twitter for more updates. Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor.

Anyway, we’re all really looking forward to an event-packed April at the Bistro, which will bring us nicely into the summer months… Hope you enjoy it too… See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – December News 2016

Welcome to our December at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Other Voices

December started with a bang this year, a very loud one as a matter of fact: Other Voices brought its usual contingent of artists and technicians, but also a huge crowd of music lovers that really took over our quiet and sleepy community by storm…. It felt like being back in the busy summer all of a sudden, with the addition of music venues popping up all over the place and street vendors making a killing at midnight !!!!….

On Saturday we had the pleasure to welcome a young artist form Galway, Maija Sofia. Her performance was greatly appreciated by all present, we just wish she could have stayed a while longer…
This year, Philip King and his crew really outdid themselves in terms the beautiful spaces created for the music, the quality of the sound everywhere and the sheer number of gigs available all weekend, well done to them.

Christmas Party

Christmas Tree at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — Getting into the Christmas spirit…

Plenty of Christmas fairs and markets to go to over the coming few weeks, and Christmas decorations to enjoy all over town.

We also have our Christmas mood on at the Bistro.

Our big nights this month are Friday 16th and Saturday 17th when we host Christmas parties. There are still a few tables left so if you feel like treating yourself and friends or colleagues to a delicious meal, don’t hesitate to give us a call to check for availability.

Opening Times

We will all take a small break for Christmas, closed from the 24th to the 26th December included and will reopen on Tuesday the 27th December for 12 days uninterrupted until the schools start again.

Sweets at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — Chocolates anyone?

Come and join us before or after our seasonal break for a meal, a coffee or a glass of mulled wine, the chocolates are on the counter, as the tradition dictates for the last 10 years….

Mulled wine at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — ‘Tis the season for mulled wine!

Thank you!

We would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support over the past year and a half. Moving to Grey’s Lane has been a big deal for us, a huge learning curve and all in all a very enjoyable adventure…

See you soon…

May you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas and a smashing New Year!!

See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – November News 2016

Welcome to our November at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

…back to school …again!

Mid-term break is over, back to school!!! (or not…)
We had a lovely and busy week with lots of visitors from near and abroad, enjoying the mild autumnal weather and the Halloween celebrations.

“The Road Not Travelled”

John Holstead’s “The Road Not Travelled”, is attracting its fair share of bidding and positive comments at the Bistro (don’t forget, every time you place a bid, €5.00 goes to the charity Hope Guatemala!!!!)
The sculpture is particularly striking in the evening when the lights come on…

From the kitchen…

Nougat dessert at Grey's Lane Bistro Dingle Restaurant — Nougat… new desserts on the way.

November is when we prepare for the upcoming end of year celebration. Ed and the team are trying out new ideas and recipes, for desserts in particular, what do you think about this lovely looking nougat?

No worries, you will get to taste it soon…

Opening Times

As for us at the Bistro, we are concentrating mostly on day trade : we are open every day from 11 to 4pm for breakfast, lunch and coffee, and Jazz On Sunday is still going on, Joe and Hakan are looking forward to entertain you with their mix of modern and old time Jazz from 2 to 4pm every Sunday, call by for a bite or a drink.

On Saturday the 12th of November we will also be open for dinner. Bookings will be essential for this particular evening as most tables are already reserved.

National Circus Festival of Ireland

November is a much quieter month before the buzz of December. Still, there is a bit to do when you know where to look for it. For example, the National Circus Festival of Ireland takes place in Tralee (November 10 -13) and this year is their 15th anniversary. They’ve got some amazing international acts, acrobats, magicians and jugglers to name but a few performers… a great way to beat the grey, misty November blues and fun for all ages.

Camphill Annual Winter Craft Fair

On the 20th it’s the Camphill Annual Winter Craft Fair. You always get a warm welcome and it feels good to visit this long established community and sample their delicious jams and herbal teas (Christmas stocking ideas!!).

Christmas Party Menu

Keep an eye out for our posters and flyers in town, advertising for our Christmas party night on Saturday 17th December. Whether with friends or colleagues, small or larger groups, all are welcome!

Other Voices arrives in town

From the 27th of November the crew of Other Voices will start arriving into town!!… Rejoice, music lovers, if last year is anything to go by, the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Dec 2016 should be exceptional!!!

See you soon…

Last year we were delighted to host Maria Kelly and Saramai. Of course we will host some of the Music Trail acts at the Bistro again this year, but which ones??….. You will have to check our Facebook or Twitter for updates…. See you soon!

Grey’s Lane Bistro – October News 2016

Welcome to our October at Grey’s Lane Bistro!

Bye Bye Dingle Food Festival 2016

Wow! Just catching our breath! The the 10th Dingle Food Festival has passed and gone; a great success seems to be the consensus. So much colour, entertainment, wonderful food, glorious sunshine and of course a fantastic food-loving crowd out to enjoy themselves! Did you enjoy it as much as we did? Thank you all for coming to visit us and sharing in the good-humoured fun!

Dingle Carnival Band providing the entertainment outside Grey's Lane Bistro — Dingle Carnival Band outside Grey’s Lane Bistro

If I had to choose one of my favourite things out of the two days, out of so many great magical moments, it would be when Hakan went on full hard rock mode while jamming with the Dingle Carnival Band outside the Bistro … priceless….!!

“The Road Not Travelled”

John Holstead’s magnificent sculpture, “The Road Not Travelled”, takes pride of place in the main dining area and is getting great reaction from our customers. Have you had a chance to admire it from different angles? Why not call in to the official launch at the Bistro this Thursday the 13^th at 7pm, all welcome!!

John’s work will remain within our walls until it leaves for a new home during Feile Na Beailtane 2017. There will be a sealed auction for the work ending on the 1st of May 2017. Bidding forms and envelopes can be obtained from the Bistro for a fee of €5 which will be donated to the charity Hope Guatemala.

Dingle Folk Festival 2016

Dingle Folk Fest 2016 Lineup Poster — Dingle Folk Fest 2016

Despite being a quiet month, October on the peninsula still has a lot to offer both locals and weekenders alike: the first edition of the “Dingle Folk Festival” takes place from the 14^th to the 16^th and we are really looking forward to enjoying both national and local talent in Dingle! The likes of Damien Dempsey, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Breaking Trad to mention but a few…..

Opening Times

As the tourist season slows down our opening times from now on will be 11am to 4pm daily, Sunday 11 to 5pm, for breakfast, lunch and coffee, and for early evening and evening meals on Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 9pm.

Ready for some Roast Butternut Squash with Cardamom & Rosemary Soup?

You can check our Facebook or Twitter for updates. Remember you can tag your photos #greyslanebistro on Instagram and we’d love to hear from you on Tripadvisor.

More October Festivals

The end of the month will see two more events. The Annascaul Walking Festival from Friday the 28th to Monday the 31st if you like hillwalking and want to explore some of the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. We are so spoilt for choice with so many beautiful walks right on our doorstep!

Walking South West off Conor Pass towards Dingle — Hillwalking near Conor Pass overlooking Dingle

The Dingle Maritime Weekend is also on that weekend on the 29th & 30th if you’re more of a sea lover… I’m sure the weather will oblige and provide the perfect backdrop….

Halloween

…and before we know it, the holidays will be here, Halloween celebrations and bonfires, plenty of pumpkins and autumnal colours, turf burning in the fire place: my favourite time of the year….. that is, after Christmas, of course!!

See you soon…

….but too early to talk about Christmas Parties, Santa, decorations….., isn’t it? We’ll talk about that next time…. Let’s enjoy October at the Bistro first… See you soon!