CELTIC RAY PUBLIC HOUSE – Restaurant

Downtown Punta Gorda's Irish pub since 1997, where orders are placed at the bar and the cook carries the plate to your table. Icelandic cod arrives lightly battered with chips. Cornish pasties, shepherd's pie under colcannon and Guinness stew capped with puff pastry anchor the kitchen, while lamb shank braises slowly in Newcastle ale gravy. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and leek-and-potato soup open the meal; housemade soda bread accompanies everything. Imported draught beers, ciders and a full bar keep the room going late, food served until closing. Regulars talk about the fish and chips, the Dublin tart, and the conversation.

Cuisine: Restaurant