Some of the best alternative nights out in Cork for Valentine’s

I SUPPOSE I should publicly identify as one of Bridget Jones’s “smug marrieds”. Steamrolling towards middle age, the hubby and I have spent half our lives together.

The mutual love is deep, but at this stage, we are long past staring lovingly into each other’s eyes over a three-hour dinner in a place awash with other tables for two.

Each to their own, of course, and there are plenty of couples still in that first flush phase of their relationship, but what about everyone else? The long-timers like us, those not in a relationship, groups of gals or guys that don’t want the pressure of romantic expectations to cloud a good night out.

Well, happily in Cork, we have copped on and instead of an evening of non-stop tables for two, there’s an appetite for the simple pleasures of good times, good food, great wine, and excellent company.

Here are some of the best alternative nights out in Cork for Valentine’s week.

The Village Deli, Kerry Pike

For: Funky Tapas, Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17

Bryan Phelan is the head chef of this popular neighbourhood deli attached to Ravenscourt Garden Center, but the offering is far from pedestrian.

Typically a daytime café, Bryan has been gearing up to begin hosting some pop-up evening events where he can show off a little more of the skills honed in high profile restaurants and from his own culinary adventures.

Kicking off the first of these night-time openings will be Valentine’s week, on Friday and Saturday. 

The vibe is a classic signature of Bryan’s favourite kind of things to eat - street food, funky tapas, small plates, local produce, organic wines, music, and a cosy fire to enjoy it all besides.

The experience is super-casual, perfect for groups of couples or friends. No tasting menus or fancy place settings, just funky food and good wine!

Online booking will soon open (check links on their Instagram) but expect places to fill up fast. This will be the first of many more relaxed evening services running right through spring and summer.

Instagram @villagedeli_ltd

Ballyvolane House,

For: The Alternative St Valentine’s Bash, Saturday, February 17, 7pm

Swap the table for two for a long-table feast with live entertainment, cocktails and great food in the gorgeous surrounds of Ballyvolane House.

Billed as the antithesis of the traditional Valentine’s night out, the evening will begin with a French 75 cocktail shaken with Bertha’s Revenge Gin, made at the on site distillery. Then move to a flamboyant long-table dining experience at the grand environs of the dining room for a special four-course dinner prepared by House Chef Chris Jeffrey. Ronnie Costley will perform during and after dinner with some rat-pack era favourite songs.

It’s the perfect mix of laid-back luxury that’s ideal for couples, groups of friends, and anyone else looking to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day slightly differently this year.

Tickets are €95 per person, with the option to add an overnight stay in one of the beautifully appointed rooms. Book via info@ballyvolanehouse.ie or phone 025 36349.

L’Atitude 51, Union Quay

For: Cinecafé – Some Like It Hot, Wednesday, February 14, 7pm

The concept of CineCafé is movies you see and taste: watch a classic movie, enjoy tastes inspired by the movie, and sip wines from L’Atitude 51’s incredible selection of natural and organic wines.

The next event is taking place on Valentine’s Night with a showing of the Marilyn Monroe romantic comedy, Some Like It Hot.

“It’s considered to be one of the greatest films of all time,” says L’Atitude 51 proprietor Beverly Matthews. “Light-hearted, fun and the perfect way to spend a few hours.

So, whether you’re a couple not particularly hung up on the romance thing, a group of friends looking to hang out, or a lone cinemagoer, this special Valentine’s Day CineCafé is for you!

Places for CineCafe are €50 per person for the movie screening, movie-inspired bites and drinks.

Book your spot by emailing info@latitude51.ie.

Cork Opera House For: Dinner and a Show, La Tragédie De Carmen, Wednesday, February 14 February, 8pm

Opera is having a bit of a moment in Ireland at the moment. Thanks to the growing popularity of festivals like the Wexford Opera Festival, this traditional musical art form is accessing a new generation of devotees for its passionate portrayal of love, life and death.

On Valentine’s Night, Cork Opera House will be presenting a semi-staged production of George Bizet’s beloved opera, Carmen – or La Tragédie de Carmen, to give its full name – by a cast of 15 players.

Beforehand, indulge in a little pre-theatre lunch at Half Moon Place in the foyer of the Opera House or enjoy a buzzy sup at the newly refurbished bar. Tickets from €28 + booking fee. Book at www.corkoperahouse.ie

WineShed, Timoleague

For: Good Wines, Good Times, Saturday, February 17

Probably one of the best nights out you’ll ever have inside a literal shed is at the WineShed just outside the cute West Cork Village of Timoleague.

Wine expert Fionnuala Harkin guides a small group of people through some novel, interesting and downright delicious wines, imparting knowledge, generous pours and great craic along the way.

Sustenance is by way of an incredible cheese and charcuterie board, with home-made fluffy focaccia, seed crackers, dips, fruits, and nuts. 

Expect bubbles, reds, wines, pinks, oranges from a carefully selected variety of small, family-owned vineyards producing exceptional quality wines. Always a great night out! Book a spot with Fionnuala via her @wineshedwestcork Instagram page.

The Yellow Submarine,

various locations

For: Truly Banging Burgers

If there was one event where I’d leave my other half behind for a solo date, it’d be to The Yellow Submarine food truck.

Smash burgers and buttermilk fried chicken wedged between two halves of a sweet, fluffy brioche with all the toppings (the mac and cheese has me drooling), and fries on the side is my idea of heaven.

Brothers Michael and John Mount pop up in towns around North and East Cork, revealing where they will be via their Instagram page. So, whether’s it’s a solo date, a gang of pals, or with another half who is into really great burgers as you are, this is the place to head to in Valentine’s week. Wrap up and come peckish!

Locations for Valentine’s Week (check Instagram for details @yellowsubmarinesupperclub):

• Tuesday, February 13, 4-9pm, Carrigaline
• Wednesday, February 14, 4-9pm, Blarney
• Thursday. February 15, 4-9pm, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
• Friday, February 16, 12-9pm, Fermoy
• Saturday, February 17, 4-9pm, Mitchelstown
• Sunday, February 18, 4-9pm, Midleton

Sage, Midleton

For: Relaxed, Funky & Friendly Vibes

Don’t expect to find a staid set menu option here for Valentine’s! Sage is keeping things upbeat and super-casual as it reopens with new menus pairing full on flavour with fun and affordability.

The restaurant, open Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 9pm, serves a generous menu of bites from sharing platters to bowls to grilled flatbreads, mains and burnished meaty things from the grill. The tastiest kind of pick and mix perfect for sharing with a sweetheart or friends – or both!

The Café, open 8am to 4pm, serves lighter bites with sweet and savoury breakfast options, as well as the kind of lunchtime fare that’s easy on the pocket but sassy enough to leave your taste buds wanting more!

Jam Jar Cocktails and Bottomless Brunch options are also up on the menu, as is a hearty Sunday Roast.

See www.sagerestaurant.ie