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Fork In The Road, Waterford (2026)

14/07/2026

Fork and Wheel

A recent trip to Cork left us looking for somewhere to stop for breakfast on the way. There are plenty of excellent options between Waterford and Cork, along the Cork Road through Kilmacthomas, Dungarvan and beyond, but this time we decided it was time to try somewhere new.

For the past few months, we'd noticed a pub just outside Midleton that had stood empty for several years before reopening as The Fork & Wheel following an extensive renovation. A quick look online confirmed they served breakfast, so the decision was made—we'd give it a try.

Located just off (and clearly visible from) the main road, there's plenty of parking available, including an EV charging point. The outside is spotless, well maintained and tastefully presented. The restaurant is situated towards the rear of the building (I assume the front remains the bar), while there's also a separate café area. At first glance it appeared to be for teas, coffees and light bites, although as we were leaving we noticed breakfasts being served there too, so it seems you can enjoy breakfast in either setting.

Walking into the restaurant was a genuine surprise. To be honest, it felt more like entering the dining room of a four or five-star hotel than a pub. The décor is beautifully done, everything feels high quality, and the room is bright, airy and absolutely immaculate. We were warmly greeted by a pleasant member of staff, shown to our table and handed a menu featuring some excellent breakfast choices, including a Baked Shakshuka that certainly caught our attention.

When ordering, we asked if we could have an extra portion of toast. Our server explained that the sourdough came as two generous slices and suggested we wait until our breakfast arrived before deciding. She added that she'd happily make more fresh toast if we wanted it afterwards, as she didn't want it sitting there getting cold.

That small gesture really stood out. It showed genuine attention to detail and pride in what they were serving. As it happened, she was absolutely right—the extra toast wasn't needed—so full marks for excellent customer service. Better still, the sourdough itself was toasted perfectly. Too often sourdough is served so hard you nearly need a hammer to eat it, but this was just right.

Then the breakfast arrived...

Wow.

It looked spectacular, and thankfully it tasted every bit as good as it looked. Every ingredient was clearly high quality and cooked perfectly. Even the black pudding—which I'm usually not a fan of—was delicious. Another nice touch was the option of having your eggs fried, poached or scrambled with the Full Irish, something you don't always see.

I genuinely tried to find something to criticise, but I honestly couldn't. The food, the service, the décor, the atmosphere—everything was first class. The quality crockery and cutlery, the teapot that actually poured without dripping everywhere, the fresh flowers on every table... every little detail had been thought about.

The artwork throughout the restaurant contains plenty of references to farming, suggesting there's a strong agricultural connection behind the business. It certainly adds to the character of the place.

Even the coffee received a very enthusiastic thumbs-up from our resident coffee connoisseur. Afterwards, I discovered that the coffee served is from 5 Mile Coffee, who haven't simply supplied the coffee but have partnered with The Fork & Wheel to create their first dedicated 5 Mile Coffee Café. The coffee is roasted on-site, and bags are available for customers to take home. We weren't aware of that during our visit, or we'd almost certainly have bought a bag. Perhaps it's promoted more within the café than the restaurant itself.

Final Thoughts

If you haven't guessed already, The Fork & Wheel didn't just impress us—it exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked through the door until the moment we left, absolutely everything was of the highest standard.

The food was exceptional, the service was warm and attentive without ever being overbearing, and the surroundings were simply beautiful. Without question, this ranks among the finest breakfasts I've had anywhere.

We don't normally score the places we visit, but perhaps it's time to introduce something a little different...

The Fork & Wheel becomes the very first official recipient of our "Fork in the Road – Gold Badge Club" award.

If that's not a recommendation, I don't know what is.

10/07/2026

Having previously visited The Granville and written a less-than-glowing review of the experience, we finally got around to returning – this time to sample the breakfast served in the bar rather than the restaurant.
The Thomas Francis Meagher Bar is a wonderfully relaxed and comfortable space, where you immediately feel encouraged to settle in and enjoy an unhurried visit. Beautifully maintained in keeping with its period style, the bar successfully blends traditional charm with modern touches, with screens throughout displaying the various food offerings available.
As with our previous visit, the hotel was absolutely spotless. Despite making a conscious effort to look, I could not find a single thing out of place. From the beautifully polished brass fittings to the immaculate floors and gleaming cutlery, every detail reflected a very high standard of housekeeping. Top marks for cleanliness.
We were immediately welcomed by a pleasant member of staff who invited us to sit wherever we liked while she retrieved the menus. On our way to the table, we bumped into an acquaintance and stopped for a brief chat. Rather than standing awkwardly behind us with the menus, she discreetly stepped away and returned once we had settled, which was a thoughtful and professional touch. After a short while, she came back to take our order.
The teas and coffees arrived promptly, and the coffee in particular was exceptional. A little research later revealed that they serve Waterford’s own Coffee House Lane 1690 blend, which certainly explains its quality. Like a well-oiled machine, the toast followed shortly afterwards, with the breakfasts arriving soon after that.
Everything was delivered by brisk, efficient and friendly staff who, alongside serving customers, continually kept an eye on the room – clearing tables, tidying chairs and ensuring everything remained neat and organised throughout.
The food itself was excellent: top-quality ingredients, cooked to perfection and served on heated plates to ensure it remained piping hot while being enjoyed.
There was a very good selection on the menu. The Full Irish breakfast includes two sausages, two rashers, black and white pudding, tomato and eggs (either scrambled or two fried eggs), all served with tea or coffee, toast and fresh orange juice. At €14.95, it represents fantastic value for money.
The breakfast menu also includes American-style pancakes and the ever-popular Waterford staple, Flahavan’s porridge. I do feel there is an opportunity to expand the healthier options slightly beyond porridge alone, perhaps by introducing choices such as acai bowls, granola or fresh fruit combinations.
I also noticed an offer for tea or coffee with a scone or pastry for €6. While this wasn't included on the printed menu, it was advertised on the digital screens throughout the bar. This is an excellent idea, as customers enjoying breakfast may well be tempted to return later to sample the lunch menu.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable morning, with excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere and outstanding value for money. Our initial visit did not leave us with the best lasting impression, but based on this experience – in terms of service, food quality, value and atmosphere – we will certainly be returning.

06/07/2026

Having enjoyed abreakfast at Queen Bee’s Café in Clonmel previously, we finally made it back, and it turned out to be a very pleasant way to start the day.
Situated in the heart of Irishtown, Queen Bee’s has a bright, welcoming feel from the moment you walk in. It’s a busy little café, but it still manages to keep a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you don’t feel rushed. There’s a steady flow of locals coming and going, which is always a good sign, and it has that comfortable “regular stop” feel that many town-centre cafés aim for but don’t always achieve.
The café itself is clean, simple and well presented, with a modern but unpretentious layout. Tables are neatly set, and despite how busy it can get, everything feels well kept and organised. Staff were immediately welcoming on arrival and happy to seat us without any fuss.
Service throughout was efficient and personable. Orders were taken promptly, and there was a genuine friendliness from the staff that added to the overall experience. Even during busier moments, there was a calm professionalism about the place, with everything moving along at a steady, well-managed pace.
The breakfast arrived without delay and was served hot and fresh. Everything on the plate was clearly cooked to order, and the ingredients felt good quality. The Full Irish in particular stood out as a proper, traditional breakfast done well — nothing overcomplicated, just well-prepared, satisfying food that does exactly what you want it to do. Portions were generous without being excessive, and it was all accompanied by good tea and toast.
One of the things that stands out about Queen Bee’s is that classic café-style breakfast menu done right. There’s a solid selection of traditional options, alongside lighter choices like omelettes and other breakfast dishes, making it suitable for most tastes. It’s the kind of place where you can just as easily stop in for a quick coffee and bite as you can sit down for a full breakfast.
The coffee itself was strong and enjoyable, and everything arrived quickly, which is always appreciated, especially in a busy town-centre café setting.
If there is any small observation, it would simply be that the space can feel a little tight when it’s at peak times, but that’s often the trade-off for a popular, central café that clearly has a strong local following.
Overall, Queen Bee’s delivers exactly what you want from a town breakfast spot — good, honest food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s easy to see why it has built up a loyal customer base in Clonmel.
A solid, dependable breakfast experience, and one we would happily return to.

30/06/2026

Having visited The Haven Hotel in Dunmore East previously, we recently decided to call in once again for breakfast, and, once again, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable way to start the day.
Perched overlooking the harbour and Hook Peninsula, The Haven undoubtedly has one of the finest breakfast settings in County Waterford. Before you even sit down, the stunning views immediately set a relaxed tone for the morning, and it's easy to understand why both locals and visitors regularly make the trip. The Haven has been family-owned and operated for almost 60 years, and that sense of warmth and hospitality is evident throughout.
The dining room itself strikes a lovely balance between elegance and comfort. Large windows flood the room with natural light, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery while enjoying your meal. There is a calm atmosphere about the place, where nobody appears to be rushing you along, encouraging you to sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
As always, cleanliness was immediately noticeable. The tables, floors and dining areas were immaculate, while the cutlery, crockery and presentation throughout reflected a high standard of care and attention to detail. It's often the little things that stand out, and The Haven certainly doesn't overlook them.
We were warmly greeted upon arrival by a friendly and efficent lady who has worked here for a long time, but the name escapes me (A foreign lady with fair hair and glasses if she’s reading this!) and shown to our table by friendly members of staff who were attentive without ever being intrusive. Service throughout was efficient, professional and relaxed, creating an atmosphere where you immediately feel comfortable.
The teas and coffees arrived promptly, allowing us a few moments to soak in the surroundings before the food itself appeared.
The breakfast itself was excellent. Everything was cooked perfectly and served piping hot, with good quality ingredients evident throughout. Portions were generous without being excessive, and presentation was simple, appealing and unpretentious.
The menu offers something for everyone, from a traditional Full Irish breakfast to lighter alternatives, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options also available. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant each morning, making it accessible to both residents and visitors alike.
Overall, it was a wonderfully relaxing morning. Great food, efficient and friendly service, immaculate surroundings and arguably one of the best breakfast views in the county all combined to create a memorable visit.
Sometimes a breakfast venue is simply somewhere to eat before starting your day. The Haven manages to make it feel like part of the day itself.
A firm favourite of ours, we will certainly be returning.

24/06/2026

Tony's Take Away Tramore

Located on Main Street in Tramore, Tony's has become something of an institution over the years and has built a loyal following thanks to its consistently good food, generous portions and friendly service. Having been serving customers for many years, it's easy to see why it has remained so popular.
From the moment you walk through the door, there is a welcoming atmosphere. Despite being a busy takeaway, it manages to retain a family-run feel, with staff who are pleasant, efficient and clearly know many of their customers. There is a real sense of familiarity about the place that instantly puts you at ease.
The premises itself was spotless and extremely well maintained. Counters, floors and seating areas were all impeccably clean, and there was a noticeable sense of pride in how the establishment is presented. It's often the little details that stand out, and Tony's certainly doesn't overlook them. Customer reviews regularly praise both the cleanliness and professionalism of the operation, and our experience certainly reflected that.
Our order was taken promptly, and despite a steady flow of customers coming and going, as well as delivery orders being prepped and sent out, everything moved along efficiently without ever feeling rushed or chaotic. It was evident that the staff work together like a well-oiled machine, ensuring orders are prepared quickly while still maintaining a friendly and approachable manner.
I have visited a few times and sampled many of their offerings, however, this particular visit I opted for my guilty pleasure, which is not going to win any awards in the healthy eating stakes, but it’s a firm favourite of mine, and that is the Tasty Chip. in essence, Bacon Cheese and Garlic chip in a tray, some might refer to it as a heart attack in a tray, or Cholestrol incoming, but I do not care. As the name suggests….. They are tasty.. I refuse to look any further than that when indulging myself!
Beyond the Tasty Chip, the menu itself is extensive, offering everything from traditional chipper favourites to pizzas, burgers, kebabs and family meal options, giving something for everyone regardless of taste.
Tony's certainly rates among the go-to choices for a good chipper in Tramore,
Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable visit. Good food, friendly staff, excellent cleanliness and speedy service, all combined to create a very positive experience. In a town blessed with plenty of takeaway options, Tony's continues to justify its reputation.
If you haven't tried the Tasty Chip yet, it's certainly worth putting on your list.

15/01/2026

Ruby Lounge + kitchen & Monaco Tom's Bar
The Ruby Lounge & Monaco Tom’s Bar is located at the Ardkeen Roundabout on the Dunmore Road in Waterford. Recently under new ownership, it has moved on from its former life as the Uluru, with Waterford’s old Ruby Lounge now reborn in a fresh location. There’s free parking outside, which is always a welcome start.

Inside, the décor is warm and cosy, with comfortable seating throughout. A lot of the tables are high-top style with stools, though there are a few standard-height tables available. Lighting is on the dim side, but not dark or gloomy — overall it creates a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.

On arrival, we were immediately greeted by a very friendly member of staff who asked if we were having breakfast, waited while we chose where to sit, and then brought menus while offering tea or coffee. Shortly after, another server came to take our order, again in a prompt and friendly manner. A caddy containing cutlery and condiments was then placed on the table.

Now, this did briefly raise my suspicions. Anyone who’s ever looked into the bottom of one of these caddies knows they can sometimes harbour a frightening amount of hidden grime, and the idea of cutlery living in there can be unsettling. That said, I didn’t actually check this one, so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming it was spotless. Past pub-related trauma involving a straw and a bar-top caddy still haunts me, but that’s a story for another day.

Tea, coffee and breakfast arrived promptly and were all very good — well cooked and good quality. The tea and coffee came with Biscoff-style biscuits, which is a small but thoughtful touch. It would be very easy to leave these out to save a few cent, as nobody is really missing a biscuit when they’re about to eat breakfast anyway, so fair play for keeping it.

The menu offers a decent range, although I did notice that the menu we were given had fewer items than the one shown on their website. Acai bowls, pancakes, French toast, smashed avocado and similar dishes didn’t feature. We didn’t ask about this, but it’s a pity — a friend who had been here previously said his wife loved their acai bowl. Prices on the in-house menu were also slightly higher than those online, which is understandable given rising costs, but it would be worth keeping the website and socials up to date. Most people check online before visiting these days, and mismatches can lead to disappointment.

At €15 for a full breakfast, it’s definitely at the upper end of the scale, but it was generous and good quality.

Overall, good food, friendly service, and a nice atmosphere, though slightly on the pricey side. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit, but having been once, I’d happily return if I was in the area. It’s good to see a pub under new ownership doing things properly.

04/01/2026

J&J cafe restaurant

While in Waterford City, we decided to stop off somewhere for breakfast. After a couple of false starts — thanks to festive opening hours being a little unpredictable — we found ourselves passing the Hypercentre and decided to give J&J’s Café Restaurant, located upstairs, a try.

There’s plenty of parking available on site, and the café is easily accessed via the main SuperValu entrance, sitting at the top of the stairs or escalator. As far as I’m aware, there is lift access too, although this is reached via the Sports Direct entrance around the corner, where both the entrance and café are on the same level.

The café itself is bright and airy, and having previously visited their sister café, Moon in Kilmeaden, which we found very pleasant, we were expecting something similar here — and in many ways, that expectation was met.

On arrival, orders are placed at a deli-style counter. This setup won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does have the advantage of allowing you to pick exactly what you want on your plate. Before we ordered, a very pleasant staff member asked if we were having breakfast, and once confirmed, asked whether we’d prefer white or brown toast before plating up the items we chose. Service was friendly, efficient, and moved along at a good pace.

I didn’t spot any fried eggs or rashers at the counter, though it was edging towards midday and the start of lunch service, so that may explain it. To be fair, there were three sausages available, I claimed two, and almost instantly a fourth appeared so my companion could also have two — so perhaps I should have asked about the eggs and rashers as well. Still, I was only looking for a small breakfast and was perfectly happy with what I got.

Most of the tables around the edge of the café were occupied, and like many people, I’m not overly fond of sitting in the middle of a room if I can avoid it. We opted instead for a raised section just past the till. The table had clearly been cleared but not wiped down, with a few crumbs and liquid marks still present — nothing excessive, but noticeable nonetheless.

The seating itself was a bit of a mixed bag. The chairs in the centre of the café looked practical and comfortable enough, although more in keeping with what you’d expect in an Asian restaurant — an interesting contrast given both cafés are owned and run by an Asian family. However, where we were seated, the chairs were more of a hotel carver-style, and the upholstery had definitely seen better days. They also sat far too low in relation to the table, which ended up being chest height once seated. Scatter cushions had been added to compensate, though they didn’t really solve the issue. While we were there, two other tables sat down, realised the same problem, and promptly borrowed cushions from nearby chairs to boost themselves up a bit.

As for the food, it was good quality and well cooked. The baked beans were a little on the cold side, but aside from that, I couldn’t fault it. And perhaps it was just the day that was in it, but the tea went down perfectly too. Price-wise, it was fair value for money, with the plate pictured coming in at €10.50.

Overall, J&J’s does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s perfectly adequate, good value, and ideal for a casual drop-in breakfast or lunch. Speedy service, friendly staff, and decent food are all positives in my book. If you’re in this part of town and looking for a good-value feed, it certainly fits the bill.

29/12/2025

Had a really enjoyable breakfast at the The Holy Cross Bar & Restaurant in Butlerstown, a visit made even more meaningful following the announcement of the pub’s sale to local businessman Garreth McCarthy. There was a great atmosphere in the place, with a real sense of appreciation and nostalgia among customers. The breakfast itself was excellent — beautifully cooked, fresh, and full of flavour, showing the care and consistency the Holy Cross has always been known for.

It felt like a fitting and heartfelt farewell to the Bohill family, who have run the pub with dedication, warmth, and pride for the past 30 years. Their hospitality has clearly left a lasting mark on the community, and this visit was a lovely way to say thank you for decades of hard work. Great food, and a genuine sense of local history — wishing the Bohill family all the very best, and every success to Garreth McCarthy as he begins this next chapter.

26/11/2025

The Square Grill
Dungarvan is absolutely spoiled for places to eat, but this time around we were on the hunt for somewhere new for breakfast. A quick online search later and we landed on the Square Grill on the Square — the name doesn’t lie, it’s exactly where you’ll find it.
It’s a small, cosy, café-style spot with solid, comfortable tables and chairs. As soon as we stepped inside, one of the servers was right there with a warm welcome and a smile. No fuss, no fluster — just directed us to a table with menus in hand. A short while later, another staff member arrived to take our order, just as cheerful and relaxed.
Teas and coffees landed quickly (and the cups were preheated — the simple joys!), and the full Irish even came with a glass of orange juice. I did find the juice a bit on the weak side, but plenty of places don’t include it at all, so it still felt like a nice touch.
Throughout the visit, we asked for a few bits — another coffee, a teapot top-up, a little extra butter — and everything was sorted straight away, always with a smile. There’s a genuinely friendly vibe in the Square Grill; the staff seem to really enjoy what they do, and it shows.
Food-wise, service was fast but not suspiciously fast — maybe ten minutes from ordering to plates arriving. In that time, we’d already been given our drinks and toast, so it all flowed nicely. The breakfast itself was well cooked and good quality. If I’m nit-picking, the baked beans seemed a little dry / lacking in sauce, but they still tasted grand.
All in all, choosing the Square Grill turned out to be a great call. It’s a warm, welcoming café right in the heart of Dungarvan, with lovely staff, good food, and fair prices. It doesn’t pretend to be anything fancy — it’s a family restaurant/café, and it leans into that in the best possible way. Honest, friendly, and exactly what it promises to be.
Hope it never changes. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

Fork In The Road

14/07/2026

10/07/2026

06/07/2026

30/06/2026

24/06/2026

15/01/2026

04/01/2026

29/12/2025

26/11/2025

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