Today I wandered.... Into an Antique Aladdin's Cave
Well hello there everyone!
Shel here writing the blog post since I wandered as a lone little Baker this weekend.
So my favourite kind of weekend is the weekend after payday, wohoo! It was one of those lovely chill days where I didn't really have anything pressing to do, a hair and nail appointment were the only things on the agenda (tough life I know) so after a nice little lie on and a freshly re-charged bank account I was ready to go and set off on a mini adventure :)
Now I didn't set off with the intention of finding a blog post, but as I was heading home from Portlaoise, I spotted a little sign in the corner of my eye for The Store Yard, Architectural Salvage and Antiques. So I took what was probably an illegal U-turn on 2 wheels I found myself in an industrial estate on a mission to track this place down.
Ooooohhh there it is, you literally cannot miss it... and it looks right up my street! Anyone that knows me knows I love antique shops, car boot sales, home wares and all things retro and quirky.
Now the scene has been set, I am even more intrigued, but I still didn't know what I was actually in for...
**Set your senses to STUN**
As I walked in the door I felt like I was transported into another world - I was drawn into the melody of 1920's flapper style music floating through the air, and I was only at the entrance
I walked around in a constant state of gasping at each and every turn :o
I swear if anyone was walking close by, they probably would have thought there was something wrong with me :)
It was a complete sensory overload, there was just so much stuff, you could look around a room 3 times, and each time find something new you missed first time.
To be honest I wasn't looking at price tags and I forgot to even think about buying anything, I felt like I was walking through a museum rather than a shop!
I continued, then... wait, what, clothes??
Yep, clothes, racks of Vintage clothes, handbags, furs, shoes, hats, scarves, I could have spent hours having a look through those rails alone
I took a couple of pics of some of my favourites...
Such pretty, much wow!!
There was a beautiful glam lady trying on dresses and fascinators to wear to the Galway races, I told her she looked absolutely fabulous as I strolled by!! How amazing to be wearing a full head to toe authentic vintage outfit, while feeling like your actually in the 20's.
Is anyone in the market for a vintage wedding dress?? Yes because when I say this place has everything, it actually has everything :) Maybe I should have looked for a Groom ha :)
I kept going, further and further into the Aladdins cave, am I getting lost? How big is this place? Have I passed this part already? How long have I been in here? What year is it lol
Around each corner presents different paths, 3 different ways to go - each little nook and cranny hiding hidden gems, each area has a kind of theme, I don't want to miss a thing.
Another few of my favourite little pieces, just LOOK at that pug lamp!! AND its part of a matching pair
There is a beautiful outdoor area, I didn't get a proper chance to look around outside as it was just about to rain.
Finally think I managed fill my eyeballs with as much of this store as humanly possible, I almost pulled a muscle in my neck walking around.
Time to go find the restaurant - Phew I made it with about 15 minutes to spare to the cafe before closing time. SQUEEEEE LOOK AT THOSE TEACUPS!!!
Just in time to try this coffee I was very much looking forward to, since I had spent so much time browsing most of their amazing cakes had already been snapped up by the other lucky Customers!
What was left looked mouth watering, I mean just look at the size of that brownie... drool... Why isn't Rachel here to try it!!!! :(
I tried their coffee and it was most definitely the best cup of coffee I had all day and as usual I had had a LOT of coffee :)
Their full menu looks amazing and I CANNOT WAIT to come back and test it out - for the blog of course, I'll stuff my face, for the good of the blog, AND I'll do a full update
And an even bigger added bonus, on their website it says that their food is cooked on site and sourced locally where possible that is so important to me, I love home made, freshly cooked food, no processed food here!
Caught taking pictures of the menu :) but the prices are perfectly reasonable
I'm obviously not the only person who thinks this place is fab, its scattered with awards everywhere!
So that was a very picture heavy post, sorry for anyone on mobile :)
But this isn't even half of the pictures I took - I actually took 97 pictures to be exact :) :) :)
So the verdict? I wouldn't say stop in if you are passing, I am telling you to get in your car and come to Portlaoise just to stop by here!
It actually feels like being transported into another era, the store is absolutely huge, there are so many floors and different levels and you could actually spend hours having a look around, its inspiring and fascinating at the same time.
I cannot wait to go back with a good few hours to spare and actually have a proper look around and as you may have guessed, I am super excited to have a bite to eat in the restaurant.
So obligatory info. I checked before I left and its opening hours are:
- The Store Yard opens Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30.
- Tynan's Restaurant Tuesday - Saturday 9.30-5.00
Directions from Google maps: Google Map Location
Store: http://thestoreyard.ie/
Restaurant: http://www.tynans.ie/
Also to note - my post is not in any way sponsored or an advertisement - it is simply a blog about interesting places I stumble upon I think you may enjoy :)
If you do pop down, let me know what you think?
Disclaimer: If you buy the Pug lamps before I get the chance, we will be having serious words lol *joking* kind of :)
Don't forget to click subscribe :)
Comments
Post a Comment