The famous chef’s picks included a little Cork pub
14:42, 15 Apr 2026Updated 12:36, 16 Apr 2026
Darina chatted to well-known content creator Cassie Stokes. (Image: TikTok – Cassie Stokes)
One of Cork’s most famous foodies, Darina Allen, has named her current favourite hotspots around Cork – and one is a little country pub that does pop-up street food events.
The Ballymaloe Cookery School founder chatted to well-known content creator Cassie Stokes and didn’t hold back when asked for her recommendations for a bite to eat in the Rebel County.
She picked the classy fish ‘n’ chip spot Goldies on Oliver Plunkett Street as her fave. It’s a multi-award-winning seafood, cocktails, and chips restaurant with special deals, including a kids-eat-free evening. And there was another well-known pick in Kinsale. However, her third was a little country crossroads pub, close to her home in East Cork.
Darina said: “Certainly Goldies is the best restaurant in Cork. And also out in Kinsale, St Francis Provisions is delicious.”
However, Darina told Cassie her favourite pub in Cork is Poc ar Buile in Ballinrostig. She said: “It is a real proper pub. On the first Monday of every month, people come and sing or recite poetry, and it is great. Living in East Cork, I would say the best pubs here are McGraths and the Blackbird.
“Two different tribes go to the pubs but they are both amazing,” she added. The Blackbird in Ballycotton is well known as one of the best pub grub spots in Cork – but Poc ar Buile (their Insta is here) would not be so well known and will be thrilled to get the shout-out from such a prominent chef.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Darina Allen is one of the most influential figures in Irish food culture, and her work is deeply rooted in Cork. She has championed local, seasonal ingredients and traditional Irish cooking long before it became globally fashionable.
Touching on the upcoming Ballymaloe Food Festival, which is happening this summer, Darina said: “Guest chefs come and cook Sunday lunches and dinners and all the rest, you just have to come.”
The Ballymaloe Festival of Food is a lively three-day celebration held each May in County Cork at the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School. It brings together chefs, farmers, and food lovers for a mix of cooking demonstrations, tastings, workshops, and pop-up dining, all centred on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the festival combines education with entertainment, making it a standout event that showcases Cork’s reputation as Ireland’s food capital.
The event takes place on May 15th – May 17th and tickets are available HERE and start at €35.