Our meal at the Town Clock

Posted Saturday, December 9, 2006

 E-mail this page    Printer-friendly page

Impressive

Situated in the main square of Moville town, you are immediately impressed by the Town Clock as soon as you walk in.

It is one of those restaurants with high ceilings with lots of wooden beams and little ornate old paintings.

It reminds me of those pubs in England that have been converted from the old-fashioned high street banks.

It gets a lot of trade from people coming down from Derry and from those coming across in the Foyle Ferry to Greencastle. It certainly is pretty busy during the summer.

Four of Us

It was slightly chilly when we went in. It was early though and the high ceilings probably make it hard to heat in December.

There were four of us. There was myself and my wife Kelly, and my son Robbie McLaughlin and his cousin Joshua Lafferty were with us.

We were given our menus by young Rachel Dougal with a bright and cheerful smile. It's always a good start to a night out when you get someone who seems to genuinely want to be helpful instead of one of those sullen, smileless faces that you sometimes get in some places.

She came up to take our orders at just about when we wanted our orders to be taken.

Starters

Myself and Josh had the Cream of Tomato soup to start with. My wife Kelly had the Goats' Cheese Salad.

My son Robbie wanted the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. I told him that he couldn't have them as it was too expensive for a starter. I think it was supposed to be for two but he couldn't talk anyone else into having them with him.

However, our waitress asked him if he wanted a half portion. I think that was a nice touch. It's good when restaurant staff are willing to go out of their way to help you.

So, he got a half portion. I have just noticed, though, from the bill that he was charged €6.95 for 3 cheese sticks which I presume is not the price for a half portion when the full portion costs €7.50.

My wife enjoyed her Goats' Cheese Salad except for the slivers of peanuts in it which she doesn't like.

I enjoyed my Cream of Tomato soup. It was pureed. Josh said it didn't taste like Tomato Soup.

Presumably he means it didn't taste like the stuff out of the cans. He enjoyed it despite that.

Everlasting Coke

We had the everlasting Coke to drink. The deal is that you pay for the first one and then get free refills. As three of us wanted it we got it in a jug.

My son Robbie and Josh were quite excited by this. "You mean the first one you have to pay for and the other ninety-nine are free?" asked Robbie.

"That's correct" I said to the impressed boys.

Main Course

I've found, in the past, that it takes a little longer than some of the other restaurants in the town for the main course to come out, so I usually have a starter to keep me occupied. However, it wasn't bad tonight.

Both Robbie and Josh had Chicken Nuggets and Chips.

Kelly had Monkfish. She said it was very good, emphasising the word 'very'. The fish was very good and the sauce was very good too she told me.

Impressing the Boys

I had the Sizzling Chicken Fajitas. I always like to get something that makes the kids sit up when they are there and their eyes opened when the hissing and spitting Fajitas were brought to the table.

Kids especially like food that makes a noise and are always impressed with those desserts which have sparklers and little coloured umbrellas in them - and that's why I always order them.

"Don't touch the metal plate. It's very hot", said Rachel, which only prompted Josh's hand to automatically shoot towards the plate to test this.

I've had the Fajitas a few times in the Town Clock and always enjoy them. They were as good as usual.

The service was very good from Rachel Dougal and also from Kathy McLaughlin.

Dessert

My wife and son got Banoffee Pie with strawberry ice cream to go. If I get a dessert there it is usually Banoffee Pie which is excellent but I felt a little full up (and light of pocket).

The bill came to €71.65 which is about £48 in sterling terms which isn't bad for a meal for four people.

Once I had paid the bill we went downstairs to wait for the Banoffee Pies. This prompted Kathy to go into the kitchen to hurry them up for us.

So, to sum up, the Town Clock has a good atmosphere, is pleasant to eat in, has friendly, helpful staff and has good well-cooked food.

Definitely worth trying.

See the Town Clock's menu here - Town Clock Menu