A welcome addition to Dublin’s Harold’s Cross is the newly opened Southbank, an inviting café that’s also home to a tempting selection of artisan products, gifts and wine. Located at the South Canal Bridge, Southbank is open Wednesday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. The take-out menu offers a wide range of delicious and healthy food designed to be enjoyed at home or on the move.
Southbank is the second café from Dona Watchorne who opened Grove Road at Portbello Bridge in 2014. It quickly became a popular neighbourhood spot thanks to her hands-on approach and she saw in Southbank the potential for another great canal-facing café. ‘Southbank has been a real labour of love and has been in the making for more than two years’ says Dona.
The interior layout has been thoughtfully designed to create a community space, accessible to all, with a large sweeping counter, fabricated on site, forming the heart of the café. The industrial elements juxtapose with curves, marine tones and greenery, reflecting the surrounding nature. There is also a custom made terrazzo table as well as a very Instagrammable baby pink La Marzocco coffee machine.
The launch menu has been designed for ease of take out, with minimal wait time and convenient to eat on the go. Breakfast options include a ‘Greek Yoghurt, Cacao and Coconut Granola Pot with Rhubarb Compote’ (€6) and a ‘Vegan Oat Milk Porridge with Blood Orange’ (€6). Lunch options which include Chargrilled Chicken and Pulled Beef Brisket Sandwiches (from €8), freshly made each day and already a popular choice. There is also a Red Lentil Dahl Hot Pot (€7.50) and a Seasonal Salad with tender stem broccoli, cumin spiced cauliflower and beetroot dressed barley (€7.50).
All day brunch options offer fresh take on the classics, such as ‘North Wicklow Free-range Mixed-up Eggs with lime crème fraiche and asparagus on toast’ (€7.90), the hearty ‘Breakfast Sandwich with Hegarty’s melted cheddar on Firehouse Bakery sourdough’ (€8.50) and the ‘Portobello Mushrooms on toast with a harissa yoghurt dressing and pickled red onion’ (€8.50).
When it comes to treats you’ll be spoiled for choice – all cakes, pastries and sweet treats are made in house, apart from the delicious Salted Caramel Cruffins from Firehouse Bakery. The Espresso & Dulce de Leche Brownies and the Malteser Chocolate Biscuit Cake have already won a dedicated fanbase! Perfect with your favourite style of coffee by Contour Coffee, from Roasted Brown.
Once restrictions are lifted, Southbank can seat up to 70 people, at communal or single tables, as well as window seating with lovely views over the canal. It is the quintessential neighbourhood café, perfect for a lazy breakfast, indulgent brunch, light lunch, quick coffee stop or a relaxed catch up with friends. Southbank is dog friendly too, so all furry friends are very welcome.
Southbank, 79/80 Grove Road, Harold’s Cross Bridge, Dublin 6, D06 HP29
Insta: @southbankcafe
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
tel: 01 5581750
Southbank makes mostly everything on site and anything they don’t make, they try to source from people who are passionate about what they do.
Suppliers include:
Bread – Firehouse Bakery, Delgany
Meats – The Market Butchers, Rathcoole
Coffee – Roasted Brown, Delgany
Teas – Wall & Keogh, Portobello
Milk – The Village Dairy, Carlow
Eggs – North Wicklow Eggs
Cheese – Hegarty’s Cheese, Co Cork