The Purty Kitchen in Dun Laoghaire has reopened under new ownership by hospitality veterans Mark Heather and James Burgess.
A vibrant restaurant, bar and live event space housed in Dun Laoghaire’s oldest surviving premises, The Purty Kitchen offers restaurant quality food and drinks in the comfort and conviviality of a pub steeped in 300 years of history.
The Purty Kitchen, first established in 1728, began life as a thatched roof makeshift edifice constructed of clay, straw and wood, and housed coach travellers overnight providing food, warmth and potent ales and wines. There was a large livery yard to the rear where horses were fed, rested and exchanged. Common to other coaching inns, the innkeepers would have kept many farm animals: pigs, hens, ducks, geese and cattle, which were then slaughtered for consumption at the inn.
For the first 40 years of its existence, this house was known at different times as the Old Dunleary Inn and The Mariner’s Inn.
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| James Burgess and Mark Heather, The Purty Kitchen |
Reopened by Mark and James on 1st September 2021, the premises has undergone a full refurbishment. Mark Heather had overseen the renovation of the interior of the property in February 2020 on a consultancy basis, only for it to close due to Covid 3 weeks after it opened.
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| The Purty Kitchen has undergone a full refurbishment |
In summer 2021, under management contract with their company Hospitality Projects Ireland, Mark and James put plans in place to relaunch The Purty Kitchen as a destination venue that bridges the gap between the Gastro Pub and the Bib Gourmand Restaurant experience. Their vision is to provide excellent food, drink and service but with a warmth and conviviality that can only be achieved in an Irish pub.
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| Graham Higgins, Head Chef at The Purty Kitchen |
Since the 1st of September when Mark and James took over the premises under a long lease, they have been hands-on in realising their vision. With Head Chef Graham Higgins (formerly of Rock Lobster and Ouzo’s in Dublin) in the kitchen, The Purty Kitchen offers restaurant quality food with a focus on high quality ingredients from local suppliers. Food that is comforting, homely and delicious with great service to match.
The venue is also becoming well-known for its cocktails, serving house specialities like the Guinness & Raspberry Flip made with Irish whiskey, Guinness, white chocolate and raspberry, along with classics like an Espresso Martini or an Old Fashioned.
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| Kilmore Quay Seafood Chowder, The Purty Kitchen |
While business has been steady since re-opening, the duo has a number of plans in progress, including a weatherproof outdoor dining space with a louvred roof structure and heating that will accommodate 50 people which will open later this year.
The Purty Loft will also reopen as a multifaceted event space catering for private functions, live music events, experiential events including food, wine and whiskey tastings and more. James and Mark share one ultimate aim: For The Purty Kitchen to strive towards being one of only a handful of pubs to obtain and retain a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.
The Purty Kitchen, 4 Old Dunleary Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Opening Hours:
Food Served: Wednesday to Friday, 5pm–9:30pm; Saturday, 12pm–9:30pm; Sunday, 12pm–8pm.
Bar open: Wednesday to Friday, 5pm–11:30pm; Saturday, 12pm–11:30pm; Sunday, 12pm–11pm.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following The Purty Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram at @thepurtykitchen and on their website at www.purtykitchen.com
