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British YouTuber Just Deano, known for his global food and travel videos, was surprised to find Dublin’s historic Brazen Head pub packed just 16 minutes after opening on a recent Wednesday. The pub, located on Usher’s Quay, claims to be Ireland’s oldest, with roots dating back to 1198.
Deano, speaking to his 30,100 followers, commented on the bustling atmosphere, noting the limited seating available upon his arrival. His mission: to sample a pint of Guinness and a traditional Irish stew, comparing the experience to a previous meal at Kelly’s Cellars in Belfast. He immediately noticed the higher prices at the Brazen Head, describing the menu as a “proper pub restaurant menu.”
His Irish stew, featuring prime Irish beef and root vegetables in a rich mushroom and thyme broth, topped with herb mashed potatoes, came with a €21.90 price tag. Deano raved about the tender beef and flavorful sauce, declaring it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Adding a Guinness to his meal, he acknowledged the total cost of over €30, but compared it favorably to a €20.40 Subway sandwich from the previous day.
Ultimately, Deano deemed the meal “absolutely fantastic,” praising the beef as the star of the dish. He enjoyed a second Guinness before summarizing his experience.
The final bill: €38.30, including two pints at €8.20 each. He noted the higher price compared to a nearby establishment but emphasized the pub’s historical significance and the absence of a service charge.
He left a €5 tip, commending the “fantastic” staff.
While acknowledging the quality of the stew, Deano gave the Brazen Head a 9.5 out of 10, citing the higher price compared to Kelly’s Cellars in Belfast, which he recalled rating a 10/10. Although he enjoyed the Brazen Head’s meal immensely, he admitted the lower cost of Kelly’s Cellars influenced his final rating. He declared the Brazen Head stew the best he’d had in Dublin.