Wheels
Well-Known Member
BOWES LOUNGE 31, Fleet St, D2 Hidden away from the...
BOWES LOUNGE
31, Fleet St, D2
Hidden away from the masses Bowes is a little gem of a spot, a quiet oasis in amongst the sway of the city centre. A regular haunt for newspaper makers and readers alike, it also hosts some fine trad sessions and is beloved by anyone who has discovered it’s simple charms.
This bar also keeps another tradition alive, and it’s something that divides hungry patrons opinion across the city. Yes folks, it’s an old school cellophane bag Toastie. Whilst I can’t be sure of when I had my first Toastie back in school/college days I’m quite certain that it was produced in this manner. The barman offers me just the ham and cheese staple and I sit back and watch as the red elements of the grill nuke the plastic parcel.
It arrives on my table with it’s transparent sheath intact, the heavily toasted white pan revealing some charred edges. Some people will argue that this is the ONLY way to get a Toastie. I’m not so sure but anyway, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. A cursory glance at the contents as I lather some of the Colonel’s mustard reveals the bare basics - one piece of ham and a singular square of cheddar. It’s always disappointing to see that you’ve not been given enough cheese to meet the edges of the bread, which is browned so much that the first sip of Guinness is required straight away. The ham is fine but again, I would have hoped for a second slice to bulk up the eating experience. I’m done and still peckish enough to order a second,but as the charred crusts leave a bad taste in the mouth I decide I’ve had enough. Although you could argue that this is pretty close to the idea of a ‘classic’ pub toastie, the reality isn’t quite a vintage experience. Overall, too burnt/dry and not enough of anything in it. At least you can say it was good value for money.
I give the Bowes toastie a middle of the road
5/10
Pint and toastie cost €8.40 (toastie €3.50)
BOWES LOUNGE
31, Fleet St, D2
Hidden away from the masses Bowes is a little gem of a spot, a quiet oasis in amongst the sway of the city centre. A regular haunt for newspaper makers and readers alike, it also hosts some fine trad sessions and is beloved by anyone who has discovered it’s simple charms.
This bar also keeps another tradition alive, and it’s something that divides hungry patrons opinion across the city. Yes folks, it’s an old school cellophane bag Toastie. Whilst I can’t be sure of when I had my first Toastie back in school/college days I’m quite certain that it was produced in this manner. The barman offers me just the ham and cheese staple and I sit back and watch as the red elements of the grill nuke the plastic parcel.
It arrives on my table with it’s transparent sheath intact, the heavily toasted white pan revealing some charred edges. Some people will argue that this is the ONLY way to get a Toastie. I’m not so sure but anyway, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. A cursory glance at the contents as I lather some of the Colonel’s mustard reveals the bare basics - one piece of ham and a singular square of cheddar. It’s always disappointing to see that you’ve not been given enough cheese to meet the edges of the bread, which is browned so much that the first sip of Guinness is required straight away. The ham is fine but again, I would have hoped for a second slice to bulk up the eating experience. I’m done and still peckish enough to order a second,but as the charred crusts leave a bad taste in the mouth I decide I’ve had enough. Although you could argue that this is pretty close to the idea of a ‘classic’ pub toastie, the reality isn’t quite a vintage experience. Overall, too burnt/dry and not enough of anything in it. At least you can say it was good value for money.
I give the Bowes toastie a middle of the road
5/10
Pint and toastie cost €8.40 (toastie €3.50)
