Dragon Inn in Roscrea

Comedy of errors, to be honest! I dont know what the issues were on the night, but it looked to us that there was insufficient staff in both the restaurant and the kitchen. The takeaway was super, super busy .... and it seemed to be getting the priority over the restaurant.We had a table booked for 7.30pm. Only 2 empty tables in the restaurant when we arrived and both had all the dirty dishes from previous occupants on them. My OCD to clear tables went into overdrive !!!! There was a large family group in middle of restaurant who ordered ahead of us and they had their food coming in drips and drabs, so much so that when the last poor chap , who was surviving on chips, finally got his main course, the table cheered. It took 10 mins and asking before we got our menus and a further 15 mins to get our order taken. A table of 4 young adults came in sat down, and after some time and when noone engaged with them, they got up and left. The two young waitresses were so friendly and so apologetic, and we felt sorry for them, and as we were not in any hurry, enjoying a post xmas chat and laughing, we just sat back. However, in a town with a serious shortage of dining out restaurants, this Chinese is making a fatal mistake. Either do restaurant service well or just do take away. Something is out of sync here. Our starters came in drips and drabs too. They were all tasty, satay chicken, spring rolls, and soups, but 2 had finished their starters before the others had received theirs. Rice arrived minus any mains. One main.... duck came naked, on a cold plate and was completely cold before the plum sauce ( which had to be asked for) arrived. Thai curry was enjoyed, but the sizzling chicken was disappointing. Dessert was banana fritter and was hot and very tasty. No fancy coffees .....only instant as machine broke. You can BYO wine, which is a plus. I'm disappointed that this restaurant has gone downhill. Small touches like your reserved table being ready, heated trays to keep the dishes hot and sufficient staff to manage it when it's busy are badly needed to be put in place here!! Please 🙏

update from last year.... i buy the spice bag from here.. very tasty and good value. doesn't disappoint... sometimes have to pop food in microwave to get it very hot.