The Lodge At Castle Leslie

There’s a good mix of things on the menu, and the service really stands out. The open areas feel relaxed, while the private rooms give you somewhere quieter for a more intimate occasion. A charming spot, and an easy recommendation if you’re nearby.

The dining area felt pretty cold, and most of us kept our coats on. The food was delicious, though, especially the seafood chowder. I'd recommend it.

The staff looked after our group of twelve really well and knew the menu and what we needed. We came for Sunday lunch, and the portions were generous, with everything tasting great. It may seem a little expensive to some, but I felt the quality and amount made it fair for the price.

The setting is gorgeous, which made the last couple of visits all the more disappointing. I've eaten here several times over the years when visiting Monaghan, but the service on our most recent Sunday visit was patchy, and nobody seemed very interested in looking after us. Our party of eight found the food poor and the portions small. The chips seemed reheated and were hard. Nobody in our group really enjoyed the meal, and no one checked whether everything was okay. We just picked at it and said nothing, which was silly given how expensive it is. The place felt lacklustre.