A stone's throw from the Spanish Arch, nestled within the concrete monolith of Pálás cinema (or the Palace, depending ) is Merrow restaurant. Named so after opening to distinguish that the restaurant could be visited without a cinema ticket, which perhaps caused some confusion at the start. Merrow restaurant and the building itself have won many awards since opening in February of last year. The building is an immersive and engaging experience, which the culinary offering embodies and the welcoming, friendly and helpful staff at Merrow always ensure you are made to feel at home.
What makes Merrow different is its location, on the ground floor of a cinema, but the menu and reflects this uniqueness and embraces it, while also creating a wide choices. From mixed chaucertie and sharing plates to aubergine stew or their glorious beef burger, the menu in Merrow has something to appeal to everyone, whether or not you are going to the cinema or if you know what celeriac is. The beef burger is priced at €14 and most dishes on the evening menu are reasonably priced too.
When coming for brunch at the weekend, you can sit in the restaurant or the bar, both of which have a very different vibe, with a changing menu that you will not get anywhere else in Galway. The brunch dish that everyone is talking about is the Kelly’s black pudding scotch egg or another favourite being the vegan french toast with tomato and herb homemade focaccia. Of course, if the vegan road is not for you, there is always the option to add in an egg and chorizo.
The monthly supper club that has been running throughout the year links all elements of the building with an exclusive themed dining experience that hosts a menu curated by chefs Liga and Bronagh around the theme of the chosen film. In September saw a Wild Atlantic Way theme with The Guard and The Quiet Man and this month on November 28 is Hanksgiving supper club teamed with the Tom Hanks movie Big. There are always quirky events around cinema releases and the food offerings such as afternoon tea for Downton Abbey or cocktails themed around cinema releases like the Old Fashioned Irishman.
With Christmas just around the corner, Merrow launch their winter menu next week with a range of finger food options, festive set lunch and dinner choices. Ranging from roast pheasant to baked brie and mulled wine brownies.
At the heart of the ethos for the cuisine is a focus on local suppliers and local food, supporting Galway’s thriving food cultural scene and endeavouring that all produce is as sustainable as possible - the cow down the road is the one on your plate and the micro herbs on your dessert are from up a Connemara hill.
For more information drop into the Merrow at Pálás cinema, 15 Lower Merchants Road, Galway city or call 091 394076.
