I have the most incredible place to tell you about if you are looking for good food in Sligo town. Walker 1781 is under new management and it’s amazing!
Walker 1781 got in touch to invite me for dinner, and my son Jono came along with me. That was lovely, because on the odd occasion that I’m invited for a meal, it’s usually just me. I don’t mind my own company, but it is great to have someone to chat to and discuss the food with. The photo above is from Christmas by the way.
You are guaranteed to have a meal with a difference at Walker 1781. One of the new management team is Chef Kate O’Connor. Kate has a distinguished culinary journey that includes over five years at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, as well as experience at the highly acclaimed 1826 Adare in Limerick.
A lot of people wonder why it’s called Walker 1781. A man called John Walker signed the first lease to the building in 1781, and it was Walker’s pub, so the name is a tribute to John Walker. It’s amazing to think that the building is so old – if those walls could talk!
Walker 1781 is a gastro pub, but it’s so much more than that. Downstairs is a casual area with the bar, stone floors, a wood burning stove and a cosy vibe. Upstairs is the restaurant, I hadn’t been in this space since it was McGarrigle’s, and what a difference! I’ve put a photo of McGarrigle’s above, I took it in 2018 at the Cairde Arts Festival. It looks so different now, it’s bright and airy and very stylish.
The moment we stepped inside we were welcomed by friendly faces. We were shown to our table, and were looked after by Emmett, what a gentleman. He was friendly and helpful, and I enjoyed our chats. We had a seat beside the window, and it was lovely to look out on O’Connell Street, and watch the world go by.
There’s a great wine menu and a cocktail menu too. The cocktails are traditional but reimagined with a modern twist. I was driving so I didn’t drink, but they sound delicious.
The menu is lovely, I would like to see more vegetarian options, and I was chatting with Emmett about this, I know that a lot of my readers are vegetarian or vegan, and I know that a lot of people are coeliac or gluten intolerant. Emmett assures me that some of the dishes can be made gluten-free and that they can also do vegan/vegetarian dishes too. Hopefully when they settle in, there might be a dedicated menu.
Anyway, onto the food, and it’s making me hungry just thinking about it! Emmett gave us gorgeous homemade bread, there was brown soda bread and focaccia, and they were fresh from the oven. They were served with whipped butter and pesto.
Jono had the Sweet and Sticky Chicken Wings as a main course, he doesn’t eat onions, so we asked for it without the spring onion garnish, he also got chips with it. I pinched one of his chips to try the sauce from the wings, and it was delicious.
I almost ordered the Crispy Goats Cheese as a starter, but I didn’t want to make a pig of myself (for a change!), but I will get that again when I go back. It looks wonderful, I’ve posted a photo from Walker 1781 above.
I ordered Chicken Supreme, this was served on top of Potato Rosti and Creamed Cabbage, with Smoked Bacon Mousse, and Tarragon Jus. There was a choice of side dish with this main course, and I went for the creamed potato. It was all incredible, I didn’t think it was possible to dream about chicken skin, but I did! It was so well seasoned, and so crispy, and now I want it again!
We were tempted by the dessert menu, I was going to get the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is a firm favourite of mine, but it was sold out, so I went for the Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie, it was warm and covered with melted chocolate and served with vanilla ice cream. Just gorgeous!
Jono had the Irish Cheese Board; Cashel Blue, St. Tola Ash Goat’s Cheese, Ballylisk Triple Rose and
Hegarty’s Mature Cheddar, served with crackers and Walker Chutney. He loved it. It’s great to see a cheese board on a dessert menu, as not everyone is a fan of sweet things.
Thanks so much to Walker 1781 for such a wonderful evening, it felt like a birthday and holiday rolled into one. I waddled back to the car! If they had a bed there, I’d have curled up for a nap! Find out more about Walker 1781 on the website: https://www.walker1781.com/
Walker 1781 Opening Hours:
LUNCH
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm
DINNER
Thursday to Saturday
5pm to 8.45pm
Sunday 3pm to 7.45pm
STEAK NIGHT
Fridays 5pm to 8.45pm
DRINKS
Monday to Saturday from 12pm Sunday from 2pm
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