Waterside haunt Locks is a Portobello neighbourhood favourite – its inventive Irish cuisine and laid-back interiors are a hit with locals and critics alike. The worthy recipient of Ireland’s 2018 Best Private Dining & Club Restaurant has two deluxe rooms to choose from for special occasions.
Locks’ standout space is The Bewick Room upstairs, a large area bathed in natural light with stunning views over the Grand Canal. Plush purple and yellow-green chairs can be arranged around two large wooden tables or several smaller ones. Diners can decorate the tables if they so wish and can also bring their own music.
The unmistakable Gold Room is a far more lavish version of a family living room – the traditional fireplace gives the room a warm and cosy feel amid sumptuous furnishings. Hidden away from the main dining room, the grand space suits more intimate private dinners.
Locks is prepared to offer tailor-made menus and wine pairings for groups of eight to 70 though its group menus are enticing enough. Start with smoked beef tartare, Jerusalem artichoke and cured egg before enjoying salt marsh duck with pumpkin, blood pudding and kale. Puddings are particularly comforting – indulge in a blackberry and apple fool or a peanut butter tart with banana milk ice cream.