The Pins Gastro Bar in Bearna

25/05/2025: We had been in the West restaurant 7 years ago and that food experience left us very good memories. We have recently been in the revamped Blackthorn restaurant to celebrate a birthday and we were a bit deceived from the mains menu. Decor is great and staff is kind and welcoming. Fergal did take care of our 6 years old son taking his food order quickly and serving him first. Me and my husband had good starters. I did had tuna fish and It was really good. I had ordered a specific fish dish, which apparently was not available, I was informed so just few minutes before the starter was arriving. I had the chance to order another main, and as I preferred to continue with fish, I looked at the resting 3 fish mains options, they weren't what I was expecting in such a restaurant. I did in the end choose the fish and chips thinking it would be a gourmet version of the traditional dish. But it wasn't something special, I could eat same dish in the downstairs gastropub. There was just an odd addition of battered an deep fried sausages. My husband went for a kebab/brisket plate, he did find brisket really dry. Both dishes were served on hipster fast-food trays. On the rest of the menu there were quite popular options like cheeseburgers. And in fact at the close-by tables there was a group of American tourists, most of which ordered burgers. Although the quality of produce was good, I did find the menu of mains a bit too close to pub food, which is something I wouldn't expect from such a restaurant. It looks like the menu has been adapted to the American tourists' taste. That's a pity because I don't think I would go there a second time. Next time I will just go to the ground-floor gastropub. I guess this restaurant would be a good option for those that looks for a more privacy and a brighter environment then the pub. But if you've been to the West then I wouldn't recommend to go to Blackthorn.

06/05/2025: We had a truly lovely meal here at the weekend. The prime rib steak was honestly one of the best things I’ve tasted in quite a long time. Menu looks expensive but the sharing plates can easily feed three. Highly recommended and would love to see it succeed.