Bhagya Barrett is the co-founder and marketing director of Rebel City Distillery, Cork’s first new distillery in almost 50 years.
Originally from Kerala in South India, she moved to Ireland in 2013 to complete an MBA and built a successful career in IT programme management before co-founding the distillery with her husband Robert Barrett. Bhagya’s Indian heritage inspired the award-winning Maharani Gin, which combines Irish distilling traditions with spices sourced from a women’s cooperative in Kerala, celebrating cultural diversity, craftsmanship, and female empowerment.
Here, Bhagya shares her favourite spots to eat around Cork and why some of the best meals can be found in the most unexpected places.
What are your top 3 favourite restaurants in Ireland?
My top three would have to be:
- The Glass Curtain
- Jacques
- Elbow Lane
Each offers something completely different, but they consistently deliver exceptional food and a memorable dining experience.
Favourite pubs/bars in Ireland?
For cocktails, Paladar is hard to beat.
For craft beer, Abbot’s Ale House and Bierhaus has a fantastic selection.
For atmosphere and community, The Friary stands out for its quirky vibes and welcoming feel. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in on your own and leave having made a few new friends.
What county in Ireland do you feel does food the best?
For me, it’s County Cork.
The food scene is incredibly diverse. You have the famous English Market for outstanding local produce, the Marina Market for an amazing variety of street-food-style options, Goldie for exceptional seafood, Market Lane for its famous bacon collar, Mantra Indian Restaurant for excellent Indian cuisine, and Good Day Deli for one of the best brunches in the country. Their Turkish eggs are absolutely superb.
Cork really has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual bites, international flavours or fantastic local produce.
What’s your favourite meal?
I have a big love for scallops. One of my favourites is scallops, and Jacques in Cork city does a fantastic version that I always enjoy.
I also have to mention beat steak from Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse it’s absolutely to die for. Properly cooked, full of flavour, and one of those dishes that stays with you long after the meal.
If you’re in a time pinch at home and need to rustle up a quick dinner, what is your go-to recipe?
My go-to quick meal is usually a comforting dal served with aubergine poriyal. It’s simple, nutritious, packed with flavour, and comes together without too much fuss after a busy day.
What advice do you have for aspiring foodies in Ireland?
Get out and explore beyond the obvious recommendations. Visit local markets, chat to producers, try independent restaurants, and be adventurous with what you order. Ireland has an incredible food culture that goes far beyond the big cities. Some of the best meals you’ll ever have can be found in small family-run cafés, local pubs and neighbourhood restaurants.
Stay curious, support local businesses, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover just how special Ireland’s food scene really is.
Bhagya is hosting numerous events during the upcoming Cork on a Fork Festival (12-16 August) including a Rebel City Distillery Spirit School on how to Craft Custom Gin, a Spice Route Supper Club dinner in the distillery with the Spice Genie, tours, cocktail masterclasses, and an absinthe experience.
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