We’re already almost halfway through 2021.

And now that we’re finally free to dream up plans for some adventures again, our thoughts are turning to real restaurant experiences, the kind that can only be created and savoured indoors where the wind isn’t threatening to whip your napkin off into the trees.

With any luck (cross your fingers) we’ll be free to enjoy the best of life’s pleasures (eating out inside) by late summer.

Looking ahead with optimism, Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming have announced that they plan to reopen their Michelin-starred Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob in July, once the Governments confirm a date.

After a tough year that saw them make the decision not to open for the Christmas season after the last lockdown, the duo tweeted that they are “very much looking forward to starting afresh” and to reopening for their fourth dinner season.

Here’s the deal; tables of two and four will be available and specific times are allocated to each table, allowing ample time to savour the 2.5-hour tasting menu.

Reservations for July and August will open on June 1st at 10am online through the Restaurant Chestnut website.

If you’re hoping to book a table in September or October, booking opens on August 1st, while November and December reservations will be taken from October 1st.

In the meantime, Restaurant Chestnut is continuing to serve its tasty Sticks & Twigs take-out menu (from €72 for a fine meal for two) and a €42 Crann Picnic Box stuffed with cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread and other homemade goodies – ideal if you’re decamping to an Airbnb in the area anytime soon.