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An Sibín
On summer days it is great to see Baltimore village thronged with visitors, enjoying the view of the islands, having a pint or two outside Bushe’s Bar together with some fresh mussels and chips from La Jolie Brise. However, there is a place on the way into Baltimore that is treasured by the locals and visited by those travellers who have done their research. An Sibín in Rath, is bloody great. I was going to say: “It’s a secret gem” or “a hidden away delight” but they both sound too clichéd and quaint. An Sibín is far too real to be either of those things. You’ll see the turn off to it on the left as you drive towards Baltimore, and after a wander up a bit of a backroad you get to this pink and green painted pub with barrels of flowers overflowing outside. It’s owned by Alan and Linda Holmes, and it’s Linda who produces most of the fabulous homebaked treats that you can buy from the wee shelves in the corner of the bar. There are mamalades, cakes, the best porter cake I’ve ever had, and even a bag of spuds. Behind the bar you’ll often find Linda herself or Greta, serving decently priced pints with a friendliness and efficiency that many other more touristy bars could learn from. And then there’s the food…..for An Sibín is also a kitchen. I say a kitchen because the seating area is not formal, but rather relaxed and it feels as if you are lucky enough to be visiting your favourite aunt…an aunt that just happens to cook brilliantly.
Many locals go there for birthdays, anniversaries, the trotting races, and just for dinner. The seafood is fresh off the boats, the steak just right, the plates of veg enormous. And you haven’t even got to the dessert menu, written on an enormous blackboard that is brought to your table by the ever-smiling staff. Anywhere that serves homemade rice pudding is heaven to me. When you eventually leave you will do so with a stagger to your legs not from beer but from the size of your happy belly.
mmm I feel the need for a nibble.
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