Brought to you by The Old Bank House.

Something’s simmering at Kinsale’s Old Bank House.

While Ireland’s Gourmet Capital waits out the final weeks of Level 5 lockdown, the ever-inventive Blue Haven Collection is putting the finishing touches to a brand new concept… and lucky locals will be offered a sneak peek this weekend.

Once the restrictions are lifted, the group will open Tabasu @ Old Bank House, a new restaurant with a tantalising menu of Indian style tapas, unique cocktails, good wine, craft beers and whiskeys, all in the atmospheric surroundings of the handsome Georgian property.

While the rest of us will have to wait until a little later in the season, if you live within 5km of Kinsale, orders are now open for an exclusive Flavours of Southern India Pop-up at the Old Bank House this weekend.

From 4pm to 8pm on Friday, March 5th and Saturday, March 6th, Head Chef Meeran Gani Manzoor will be introducing foodies to the flavours of his home in Southern India with a takeaway menu of authentic Indian dishes cooked with local ingredients.

Chef Meeran is passionate about Irish produce and using traditional techniques to bring it to life.

The launch of Tabasu will enhance the Blue Haven Collection’s dazzling food offering even further, with the Pop-Up Indian menu joining some of the best takeaway seafood, burgers and pizzas anywhere in the country.

So what’s on the menu?

Starters include Onion & Spinach Bhaji with Mint Chutney and Masala Vada (crispy lentil patties) with sweet tamarind dip.

There are four mouthwatering main courses to choose from: 

• SPICED DHALL (LENTIL CURRY): Jeera rice, mango and onion pachadi with masala papad. Vegan version available (from €13.50).
• CHETTINAD CHICKEN KHORMA: Fragrant basmati rice, succulent chicken simmered in a rich coconut and almond cream sauce (from €15.95).
• MADRAS BEEF MASALA: Pilaf rice and pappadum, marinated Hertfordshire beef braised in a spiced tomato curry sauce (€16.95).
• KING PRAWN BIRYANI: Basmati rice in an aromatic gravy tossed with Atlantic king prawn, served with yoghurt raita and pickles (€17.95).

If you’re making an evening of it (and why wouldn’t you?) there are two special drinks on the pop-up menu too.

The Strawberry Daiquiri is a fresh and fruity twist on the classic white rum cocktail (an ideal choice to cool the palate after a spicy madras), while the Mango Lassi is a thick traditional non-alcoholic Indian smoothie prepared with fresh natural yoghurt and mango purée.

Orders are limited so reserve your meal here. Follow the Blue Haven Collection on Instagram @Bluehavenkinsale for updates on Tabasu in the coming weeks.