The Pantry, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny

"Today was my third visit to The Pantry, and by far the worst. My first visit a few weeks ago was below average…. French toast was burnt on one side…. But I thought I would give it another go. The second visit was just about average, but today was terrible. My three year old daughter wanted a plain burger and to substitute chips for plain pasta…. They suggested I can not substitute chips for a small portion of plain pasta, but that I would have To pay 8.99 extra the price they charge for kids pasta on the menu…. Which is a pasta in tomato and cheese sauce-not what I wanted! I only wanted a v small potion of plain pasta that surely would cost the same as a few chips! Absolutely absurd!! I later reported the issue to who I am assuming is a manager (assuming this as he was older and the only one wearing a shirt)—— he suggested I can substitute the chips for salad, but not plain pasta???? I don’t think that there is much price difference between a few chips, a small portion of plain pasta or salad??? So why not keep the customers happy…. I don’t know who is running that place but it feels Like Fawlty towers…. That’s not how to do business, get a good name or repeat customers! I actually wondered was I on a hidden camera show at one point given the absurdity of it all!! Worst of all was the food…. My daughters burger had a rib of hair embedded in, not just on the burger. My chicken tenders were v poor quality meat, but I will admit the flavours were nice on the coating and the sauce…. We abandoned ship once we found the hair having eaten about half of our Meals… I didn’t even bother complaining— would not go back and would not recommend! It’s a pity cause the menu looks lovely! And to be fair some of the waiters are v nice….."

"Very friendly and helpful staff. Visited for lunch, great selection of food, staff very accommodating to meet the needs of a individual requiring a modified diet. Nothing was too much to ask for. Lovely experience from start to finish. Food was lovely, and the milkshake went down a treat."

"We went here on Sunday for a bit of a treat. The man that served us at the till was so lovely and extremely helpful. We ordered a smoothie for my son and asked could it be made dairy free and there was no problem at all. Definitely will be back! The soup , pizza and also the burgers are amazing!"

"The Pantry was soo nice and reasonable too. It is self service but the food is amazing and fresh. We were both really impressed with our dishes. Finally a great eating spot at MacDonagh Junction! Can’t wait to go back."