Magees Bistro

We ventured out into Carlingford town on a Saturday night in deepest darkest January. We had not made a reservation, it was off season after all.
Magees had been our restaurant of choice, but when we entered, it was very apparent that off season it was not — ooops. That said the hostess informed us that we were in luck and that they had one table left — hurrah! Lesson of the day — always book a table.
Service started off really well, with drinks and food orders taken really promptly. The starters came out and no sooner had the starter plates had been cleared, our mains had arrived. Wow, prompt indeed.
I ordered the crispy skinned salmon, which was quite tasty. All mains came with a portion of potato gratin, however the portion size of the potato gratin that came with my salmon was very small. Two inches squared I reckon and this is not an exaggeration. When my main arrived I immediately asked for a portion of bread. I hope this would have indicated to them that the portion size of my main course was not up to scratch, not for 18.50 EUR anyway. The bread was slightly stale soda bread, just meh but it filled a gap.
As I said at the beginning, the service started off really well? However after the mains were done it became non-​existent. We peered hopefully at all staff on the floor but couldn’t make eye contact with any of them. The server who had cleared the table after our mains even asked if we wanted to see the dessert menus, which we said yes to. But he must have forgotten about us as he continued to deliver more food to other tables.
Finally noticed, we got the dessert menus with apologies and I ordered the White Chocolate Surprise cocktail for 8.50 EUR, it was ok for the price I guess. But I wouldn’t order again.
They have something good here Magees, but it just lacks something in execution. They want to charge 18.50 EUR for a small main course, they need to up their game in terms of quality and service.

This wonderful bar and restaurant has a lovely feel. Very romantic and the décor was done wonderfully. It was a bit pricey for a meal for two and the place was practically empty. So we had a pint and moved on. Great first impression of Carlingford.