What’s on offer?
The Counter Deli is split in two – a gourmet deli and a cafe. Up front, a hand-painted, tongue‑in‑cheek chalkboard sets the tone. Sheridan’s cheeses and charcuterie sit in a chilled glass counter, with big slabs of cheese, whole salamis and cured meats ready to slice to order – not just pre‑packed plastic. Shelves are stocked with carefully chosen pantry goods: fresh artisanal bread, pasta, sauces, preserves, oils, tins of fish, Irish staples, plus a few speciality imports and wine. It’s very much that wine‑bar‑grocer vibe.
On the other side, the cafe has a white‑tiled counter turning out toasties, sandwiches, sausage rolls and coffee for eat‑in or takeaway. A glass display shows off fifteens, rocky road, malt squares, cookies and cake slices, with shelves of house coffee and a few extras. The coffee machine hums behind the counter, someone always pulling shots or packing orders – busiest at lunchtime with local workers.
Seating is a simple mix of wooden tables, benches and stools for quick bites, with a few spots outside if the weather behaves.
It is a relaxed place – you can get your sandwich to go, or impulse-buy fancy pasta and a jar of artisanal relish while you wait. It’s the sort of place that’s there for a good ham and cheese toastie at lunch – but also cheese and wine to take home for later.
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What did we order?
Sausage roll, ham and cheese sandwich, goat’s cheese sandwich, and lemon cake slice.
How was the service?
Very pleasant. You order at the counter and will be called when your food is ready.
Was the food nice?
The sausage roll was good: golden, flaky pastry with loosely packed butcher’s sausage meat. The pastry had a crisp bite, not greasy; the filling tasted like real meat – not breadcrumbs and salt. Looked home-made in the best way – rustic, uneven edges, fresh.
The ham and cheese sandwich was a safe choice – Sheridan’s cheddar, sliced ham, and good crisp sourdough toasted just right. I opted not to have the chilli jam, which kept it savoury but maybe a bit flat.
The goat’s cheese sandwich was the better pick – the same crisp sourdough but with more going on: creamy tangy cheese, beetroot, and fresh leaves for bite.
The lemon cake was a let-down – dry, edging on stale, barely lemony, with a hard glaze on top. I didn’t finish it.
What about the packaging?
All packaging is fully compostable.
What did it cost?
€26.25 for lunch for three people: sausage roll, €4.85; ham and cheese sandwich, €8.95; goat’s cheese sandwich, €8.95; and lemon cake slice, €3.50.
Where does it deliver?
Eat-in or takeaway only. Open Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm, and Sat, 9.30am-5pm.
Would I order it again?
Perhaps, it’s handy for a quick bite and the prices are reasonable.
