Review
Social sharing plates in a stylishly converted hay loft in Dawson Street. Asador at Lennan’s Yard is a special space in the heart of the city.
Asador at Lennan’s Yard in Dawson Street is upstairs in the old hay loft of this multi faceted space set in one of the last original mews and former coach houses in the city. It has been transformed into a Gastro bar, courtyard bar, restaurants and whiskey and cocktail bars. It’s a not so hidden gem creating an original and special environment to enjoy in the centre of town.
I’m sitting on the hay hatch, or at least I would have been 100 years ago. Now I am on solid ground, or more precisely, solid wood flooring in this stylish dining room on the first floor overlooking the courtyard in Lennan’s Yard. Facing me is a modern mural covering the wall that reveals itself as a lobster. It’s a rather large clue to the fine collection of modern Irish art decorating this rescued space. Across the table Catherine is choosing a glass of bubbles to start, and picks a Spanish Chardonnay to follow…
When this project started the old mews had been abandoned, and an ambitious restoration battled Covid, conservation concerns, delays and the trials and tribulations of any large scale and sympathetic restoration. The result is a triumph of vision and the delivery of this unique social space.
Asador has been one of Dublins best and most consistent restaurants since opening on Haddington Road almost 15 years ago. This sister restaurant is serving a varied selection of well chosen little plates across land, cured/raw, seafood and garden. You can also choose from mains, but I love this Mediterranean way of eating and sharing.
Restaurant manager Drazen is on hand with some tips - four small plates should do the two of us - but we add some pan con tomate. We start with two seafood dishes, the lobster risotto and the raw tuna. The tuna is beautifully presented with avocado swirls and citrus dressing, while ramira pepper adds a piquant touch. Impossibly fresh and tender, it’s a triumph of simplicity. The lobster and asparagus risotto is fabulous, the lobster meat is sweet, generous and perfectly cooked, while the risotto is rich and creamy, just as it should be.
Our land choices follow, and a steak tartare is accompanied by some herb flatbread and is soon demolished, while braised lamb is served with hummus, mint and pomegranate. On this lovely summers day, this is perfect food.
We manage to find some room in the dessert tummy for two chocolate confections; a perfectly cooked, almost crisp outside, gooey and flowing inside dark chocolate fondant which is perfect, while a white chocolate mousse is topped with black cherry and served with a tangy ice cream.
As we finish a long lunch with coffees the room is still buzzing with the lunch crowd, while outside below the courtyard is full of people enjoying the afternoon sun.
Lennan’s Yard isn’t just about the food - though that is excellent - but this laid back space has a spot of everyone, and it’s cool and different and very easy to while away some quality time with friends or just alone, with sun, or shade and a cold drink.
