[Competition] Brookwood, Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2

In case you haven't noticed, there's a dining war ranging in town at the weekends. On one hand, we have the young guns with their brunch offerings and fancy cocktails that run all day. On the other hand, there is the traditional market offering the Sunday roast with all the trimmings. But what happens when you combine the most traditional meal of the week, with a new, sleek steakhouse?

Placesetting at Brookwood

Brookwood is newly opened on Lower Baggot Street, covering three floors in the site of a former Black Tie location. It's very masculine and sleek, with dark wood and leather banquettes, while a magnificent metal rhinocerous head maintains a watch over the kitchen proceedings. On the first floor, we have the bar with beautiful graduated overhead lighting, parquet flooring and a jewel-like display of decanters, crystal and soda siphons. A private dining area on the top floor completes the fit out. 

Stitch and Bear, along with the in-laws, were invited guests of Brookwood for their Sunday roast experience. Arriving reasonably early in service, we were seated upstairs in the first floor dining area. I found myself admiring the quality of everything, from the heavy crystal water glasses to the crisp white napkins and tan leather chairs with buckle details. However, even without food, the table felt cramped and it just didn't get any better as our food and fellow diners arrived to fill up the small space. 

Our Sunday roast arrived at the table in a series of deliveries. First was a warm skillet of roast parsnips, carrots and goose-fat potatoes. This was followed by a wooden platter with thick, juicy slices of fine beef and a scattering of Yorkshire puddings. Last to the table were jugs of gravy and horseradish, and a little pot of mashed potatoes. This carnivorous feast drew an admiring comment from our dining neighbour, but to be fair, he had a ringside view. 

Everything was excellent - juicy, flavoursome beef with a crunchy crust, rich meaty gravy and perfectly cooked vegetables. There was plenty to go around, without overdoing it. Personally, I loved the medium-rare finish, although it may not be to everyone's taste. Finally, we finished off with a creamy sweet banoffee pie and a mixed cheeseboard of Cashel Blue and Comté.

Roast beef  with Yorkshire Puddings and horseradish

Roast carrots, parsnips and goose fat potatoes

In addition to offering a fine Sunday roast, a regular lunch menu is available at weekends, along with live music and half-price cocktails on Sunday. The Sunday Roast offer runs from 1pm to 8pm, which will surely work for even the latest risers, while pitchers of margaritas or ruby red Bloody Marys will help revive and refresh.

Brookwood have kindly sponsored a lovely giveaway for the readers of Stitch & Bear. The lucky winner will enjoy a dinner for two, with a cocktail on arrival. To be in with a chance of winning this prize, answer the simple question below. You can enter by leaving a comment on this blog post, or by emailing stitchandbearblog@gmail.com. Please make sure to leave contact details, as anonymous comments can't win. 

Q: On which famous Dublin street is Brookwood located?

The competition will close at 8pm on Sunday, August 10th and the winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries. Good luck!

The competition is now closed. Congratulations to the lucky winner, Aiden Gallagher. Enjoy!

Brookwood, 141 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (0)1 661 9366

URL: www.brookwooddublin.com

Twitter: @BrookwoodDublin