Restaurant: Teach uí Bhriain

We actually thought of going to Flanagan's in Killaloe yesterday - my mother likes it, and it did turn out a lovely evening for the drive. We took the scenic route, down by the lake - gorgeous. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones with the same idea, and parking near the restaurant - which is by the water - was impossible. So we shortly decided to head back up the road to Teach uí Bhriain. (Actually, I prefer the food there anyway.)

Parking wasn't a problem - they have plenty of space round the back. We immediately noticed something different though.. an extension has been in progress for some time, and now they seem to have roofed it, and put some tables and chairs in there. Interesting! There was more to come - turns out they've been visited by the team from At Your Service, a tv programme where the Brennan brothers, who run the 5-star Park Hotel Kenmare, travel around the country to give advice to people running smaller hospitality businesses.

We chatted to one of the management, who explained that renovations are still in progress - but the change is already easy to see. We passed through the restaurant, where they've opened the space by removing all the booths. That section can also now cater for larger groups, with bench seating running along the wall. Anyway, we decided to head for our regular seat in a corner of the bar, where the change is equally dramatic; new, brighter upholstery and a new shade of pale yellow on the walls, with a white ceiling, effectively brighten up what was a very dark corner. Gone is the dark wood, and much of the memorabilia that cluttered the walls. They've only really done it over the last month, and many of the customers were remarking on the difference.

Thankfully, the food is as good as ever, and with hearty portions, we were well fed. I was glad to have a curry - they don't do it for the seated service in Quin, and I don't have it so often. We worked our way through a whole bottle of wine, given that they don't do small bottles here any more, and the full bottle is better value. Well, the dinner soaked it up.

Back to London tonight. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a play called The Gathered Leaves, in the Park theatre, starring Jane Asher. No official tickets left, but plenty of sites have tickets for the upper level, at £26 for a face value of £20. On Wednesday, I'm back at the Globe for The Heresy of Love, and on a special Time Out offer too! (since expired, sorry). And on Thursday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! again, at the intriguingly titled Bears in Space, at the Soho Theatre..