It’s a tricky kind of season at the moment, when it comes to food. At first glance, the sun may be shining and it seems like spring is in the air – time to dig into the salads and lighter dishes. But then (as it did last weekend) a flurry of snow falls, and suddenly we’re back craving hearty, warming comfort food.

The new menu at The Sideline Bar in The Croke Park has all the answers, whatever the weather is doing. As well as the classic dishes that are favourites among regular visitors, there are a few new options on the menu too. Here are the best options that will suit all moods… 

When the sun is shining…

Enjoy a Middle Eastern theme with grilled flatbread (€9), which comes with hummus, falafel, olives and grilled vegetables. If you’re feeling really virtuous, try the classic superfood salad (€12) with quinoa, mixed vegetables, hummus and hazelnuts – you can top it with Cajun spiced chicken (€4) or grilled tiger prawns (€6), too. And summery eating isn’t all about salads – the turkey burger (€16) comes with guacamole, paprika sweet potato wedges, salsa and healthy coleslaw.

When there’s a chill in the air…

Does anything beat shepherd’s pie when you need a plate of comfort food? The one at The Sideline Bar is fantastic (€13), perfectly seasoned lamb topped with creamy mashed potato. If you want an all-out treat, the Sideline Hereford burger (€18) is the one to go for, stuffed with smoked cheddar, crispy bacon and mushroom and served with chunky chips. If you want something a little smaller, then a bowl of creamy seafood chowder (€9) will always go down a treat.

Don’t forget about the daily specials on offer – available each day for just €12.50 (or €15 to include a side of soup) the dishes change every day… 

Monday

Quinoa crusted salmon with walnut & green bean salad

Tuesday

Stir-fried chicken with rice noodles, chilli & coriander

Wednesday

Roast stuffed pork loin with honey roast vegetables

Thursday

Beef & Guinness stew with creamy mash

Friday

Golden crumbed prawns with chunky chips

Saturday & Sunday

1⁄2 Thyme roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables

You can see more, including full menus, on the website.