Leixlip House Hotel, The Bradaun Restaurant - Leixlip

Built by a British army captain in 1722, this Georgian residence overlooking the village was home to a succession of military figures before being cleverly resurrected as a charming hotel. The house is full of period features and it exudes a real sense of stylish refinement.

The high-ceilinged Bradaun restaurant provides an elegant backdrop for a succession of elaborately fashioned modern dishes founded on Irish ingredients. A tian of Clonakilty black pudding and caramelised apple with shallot mash competes with smoked Connemara lamb with a baby terrine of winter vegetables, while mains could span everything from darne of Atlantic salmon and seared scallops with red pepper escabèche to slow-roast confit of pork with swede purée, apple and fig chutney.

To conclude, the kitchen might offer warm pecan and maple tart or chocolate truffle gâteau with sweet basil sauce and raspberry pannacotta ice cream. The carte is supplemented by an aptly named 'value menu' that is offered most evenings during the week.