Friday 1 March 2013
(Brunch) Hatch and Sons, 15 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2
A few weeks ago, I went for a nice long walk around Dublin and ended up in Stephen’s Green. It was freezing out and all of a sudden I realised that I had forgot to have breakfast (it rarely happens), it was close to lunch time and I was starving. Perfect time to try Hatch and Sons’ for some food.
This Irish kitchen has only been open for a few months and is easy to miss if you don’t know where it is. It’s located in the basement of the Little Museum of Dublin, on Stephen’s Green.
The place is surprisingly bright, despite being in the basement. There is a massive wooden island in the centre that serves as a display for their many homemade treats. The design of the place is simple; walls are painted in white and grey with a mix of wooden and zinc tables in the spacious main room.
I got there before the lunchtime rush and the place was nearly empty, I was offered a menu and explained the specials by a friendly woman straight away.
The concept of Hatch and Sons is to celebrate Irish ingredients. They do breakfasts all day from €3.50 for poached seasonal fruit served with granola and yogurt to €7.50 for their baked eggs, brown soda bread, bacon and sausage with roast tomato. Their mains include the classic Irish Beef and Guinness stew (€9.90) or fish cakes served with salad (€10.80). They also sell blaas (a soft white roll form Waterford) with different filling, prices range from €4.50 to €5.70. For healthy options they offer a choice of different salads and for fancier eaters they serve platter of Irish cheese, smoked fish or even mixed plates (€12-€15).
I was starving and didn’t have breakfast that day so I decided to go for the baked eggs with bacon,sausage and roast tomato that seem to be the star of their menu. The food was brought to me still sizzling in its pan on a wooden board. I must say I loved the way it was presented. The dish was lovely, substantial without being too fatty. The perfect winter warm up! My glass of water was filled by the staff each time I finished it. I didn’t have room for a dessert but they sell homemade cakes if you fancy.
The place started to fill up quickly and I’d say they’re becoming quite popular with people working in the area. My breakfast was only €7.50 which is good considering the location.
That day Mr. FFID was very jealous when I told him I had bacon and sausage without him, don’t worry, we’ll be back!
Hatch and Sons
I left the place thinking that next time I have visitors from overseas I’d bring them to Hatch and Sons for breakfast or lunch. It’s a good spot to have a break during sightseeing and to make people discover simple affordable Irish food.
The Little Museum of Dublin
15 St Stephens Green,
Dublin 2
T: 01 661 0075
www.hatchandsons.co/