My Dad and I were going on a movie date in the Pavilion to see the new Brad Pitt film, Allied (don’t go to see it, it’s like watching paint dry). Any who, we wanted to grab a bite to eat pre-movie so we agreed on Empire Bar in Swords village (5 min walk from shopping centre). The multi award-winning dining destination/watering hole, serves up tasty pub grub, distinctive cocktails and great entertainment in the heart of Swords Co. Dublin.
I love Empire for my girlie nights out, the cocktails are delish, the music on both floors is great and I always bump into so many people who I know. I would definitely go as far as to call it my favourite local. However, I usually overlook it as a spot for a foodie date…but that all changed the other week.
I was aware of Empire’s new lunch menu and I wanted to check out what gluten-free options they had. The dedicated lunch menu is served from 12pm-4pm featuring soups, sandwiches, light bites and more, there’s something to suit everyone – even coeliacs. As I usually do, I got things started with a cocktail from their impressive, “two for ten” cocktail menu. I’m really loving gin based drinks at the moment, so I opted for a Tom Collins, dad being the macho man that he is, got a pint or beer. Here’s a sample of their current Lunch menu…
Tom Collins
Beefeater Gin, gomme syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice and topped with soda.
Ask for one Empire’s cocktail twists, the elderflower or the cucumber twist.
Empire Signature Chicken Wings GF €8.50
Served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks
Empire’s Catch of The Day €14.95
Beer batter fish, hand cut chips, crushed peas and mint puree, tartar sauce and chargrilled lemon
Slow Roasted Pork Belly GF €14.95
With red cabbage, pork jus and tangy apple chutney
Hand Made Profiteroles €5.95
Tower of profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce and cream
