Irish Pub Coming to Laconia

Bear Islander · 05-24-2015, 07:11 PM

We ate at the Holy Grail last night. The church setting was wonderful, even my 16 year old son was impressed. I had the Boiled Dinner, very good and large portions.

Service was a little slow but it was Saturday night in a restaurant that opened a few days ago.

AltonGuy · 05-27-2015, 03:18 PM

My wife and I ate at the new Holy Grail this past Monday evening. We had been eagerly anticipating a new restaurant in the area, as evidenced by my inquiries on the opening within this very forum string.

We had eaten at the original location in Epping and had enjoyed the atmosphere and novelty of eating within a restored Church. To be honest we were not blown away by the food on that visit which would have been about a year ago now, but we figured we caught it on a bad night. Plus, we had read and heard that many have had good experiences, so we were willing to give the new location a try.

The building has been nicely restored and obviously builds on the restored church angle. However, our visit did not get off to a great start when our hostess appeared upset by our request for a booth seat versus a high top. Once seated, our waitress was pleasant and the service was slow. They obviously are still working out the kinks so this was OK with us. However, we were again not blown away by the food once delivered. We had the Irish Nacho Appetizer, and for dinner we had a Caprese Sandwich and a Four Cheese Penne entree. The appetizer was just OK and seemed a little sparse in its flavor and presentment. The same could be said for the other items mentioned. We noted hard and uncooked green beans and the need for salt for flavoring. I had an English Ale that was fresh and good. The beer list was pretty impressive for its variety. Prices were a little on the high side though. Perhaps suitable for the area, but it seemed a bit concerning considering we did not fully enjoy our meal.

In all, with the many great eating establishments we have in the area - Fratellos, Patricks, T-Bones, CJ’s just to name a few, we doubt we will give this place another try. Further, we wonder about the long term success of this restaurant given its location. It’s not easily navigated and a bit off the path given attractions and other Restaurants in the area. We wish them luck, and hope it revitalizes the downtown, but we feel they may have to up their game to stay competitive with the other offerings.

Bumble2249 · 05-27-2015, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltonGuy

My wife and I ate at the new Holy Grail this past Monday evening. We had been eagerly anticipating a new restaurant in the area, as evidenced by my inquiries on the opening within this very forum string.

We had eaten at the original location in Epping and had enjoyed the atmosphere and novelty of eating within a restored Church. To be honest we were not blown away by the food on that visit which would have been about a year ago now, but we figured we caught it on a bad night. Plus, we had read and heard that many have had good experiences, so we were willing to give the new location a try.

The building has been nicely restored and obviously builds on the restored church angle. However, our visit did not get off to a great start when our hostess appeared upset by our request for a booth seat versus a high top. Once seated, our waitress was pleasant and the service was slow. They obviously are still working out the kinks so this was OK with us. However, we were again not blown away by the food once delivered. We had the Irish Nacho Appetizer, and for dinner we had a Caprese Sandwich and a Four Cheese Penne entree. The appetizer was just OK and seemed a little sparse in its flavor and presentment. The same could be said for the other items mentioned. We noted hard and uncooked green beans and the need for salt for flavoring. I had an English Ale that was fresh and good. The beer list was pretty impressive for its variety. Prices were a little on the high side though. Perhaps suitable for the area, but it seemed a bit concerning considering we did not fully enjoy our meal.

In all, with the many great eating establishments we have in the area - Fratellos, Patricks, T-Bones, CJ’s just to name a few, we doubt we will give this place another try. Further, we wonder about the long term success of this restaurant given its location. It’s not easily navigated and a bit off the path given attractions and other Restaurants in the area. We wish them luck, and hope it revitalizes the downtown, but we feel they may have to up their game to stay competitive with the other offerings.

A bit off the "path"???? Lol! It's in downtown Laconia.

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AltonGuy · 05-28-2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

A bit off the "path"???? Lol! It's in downtown Laconia.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ordinarily, occupying a downtown area would not be considered “a bit off the path”, but we are talking downtown “Laconia” here. Given its current condition and lack of occupancy by retailers in recent years, it is hardly a place that is well visited. This is what I am referring to. Many of the other restaurants noted are closer to the attractions that still have visitation.

As stated previously, I hope the Holy Grail is able to boost visitation to “downtown”. The area sure has potential.

Barbara · 05-29-2015, 10:55 AM

Had dinner there last night, Thursday, with four friends. Place was packed when we arrived at 6:45. We had about a 20 minute wait Nd were then seated in the choir loft. Ambience as described by others is great, though very noisy. Entertainment began about 8PM, a singer with guitar, very good but volume much too loud.

Hostess and server were friendly and efficient, but entrees took quite long to arrive. Four of the five of us loved their entrees: shepherd's pie, seafood trio and coulade steak. My baked haddock was dry and flavorless. I would never order it again.

All in all it was a fun place and I would go again, especially after a movie in Gilford. I wouldn't travel all the way over there from Wolfeboro just to eat there. Right across the street from it in the railroad station building is one of my favorite Lakes Region restaurants, Local Eatery. Excellent restaurant in every way, food, service and friendliness. Worth the trip.

AC2717 · 06-01-2015, 08:02 AM

Went Saturday evening around 5:30-6, hostess, atmosphere food was great
service not so much, slow and orders were a little mismatched, But wasn't enough to deter from going again. Everyone got a great meal
the Boiled dinner, Lamb Shepard's Pie, steak tips, and burger. Kids had the hotdogs.
Service does need to improve though

Greene's Basin Girl · 05-27-2015, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltonGuy

My wife and I ate at the new Holy Grail this past Monday evening. We had been eagerly anticipating a new restaurant in the area, as evidenced by my inquiries on the opening within this very forum string.

We had eaten at the original location in Epping and had enjoyed the atmosphere and novelty of eating within a restored Church. To be honest we were not blown away by the food on that visit which would have been about a year ago now, but we figured we caught it on a bad night. Plus, we had read and heard that many have had good experiences, so we were willing to give the new location a try.

The building has been nicely restored and obviously builds on the restored church angle. However, our visit did not get off to a great start when our hostess appeared upset by our request for a booth seat versus a high top. Once seated, our waitress was pleasant and the service was slow. They obviously are still working out the kinks so this was OK with us. However, we were again not blown away by the food once delivered. We had the Irish Nacho Appetizer, and for dinner we had a Caprese Sandwich and a Four Cheese Penne entree. The appetizer was just OK and seemed a little sparse in its flavor and presentment. The same could be said for the other items mentioned. We noted hard and uncooked green beans and the need for salt for flavoring. I had an English Ale that was fresh and good. The beer list was pretty impressive for its variety. Prices were a little on the high side though. Perhaps suitable for the area, but it seemed a bit concerning considering we did not fully enjoy our meal.

In all, with the many great eating establishments we have in the area - Fratellos, Patricks, T-Bones, CJ’s just to name a few, we doubt we will give this place another try. Further, we wonder about the long term success of this restaurant given its location. It’s not easily navigated and a bit off the path given attractions and other Restaurants in the area. We wish them luck, and hope it revitalizes the downtown, but we feel they may have to up their game to stay competitive with the other offerings.

I dined at the Holy Grail this evening. We thought the food was just Ok.I found it quite salty. The sever was very nice ,but the food was slow in coming out. The highlight for me was the sangria. It was fabulous!!

06-01-2015, 08:02 AM	#6
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,575 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	Went Saturday evening around 5:30-6, hostess, atmosphere food was great service not so much, slow and orders were a little mismatched, But wasn't enough to deter from going again. Everyone got a great meal the Boiled dinner, Lamb Shepard's Pie, steak tips, and burger. Kids had the hotdogs. Service does need to improve though __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

05-24-2015, 07:11 PM	#1
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	We ate at the Holy Grail last night. The church setting was wonderful, even my 16 year old son was impressed. I had the Boiled Dinner, very good and large portions. Service was a little slow but it was Saturday night in a restaurant that opened a few days ago.

05-27-2015, 03:18 PM	#2
AltonGuy Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 54 Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	My wife and I ate at the new Holy Grail this past Monday evening. We had been eagerly anticipating a new restaurant in the area, as evidenced by my inquiries on the opening within this very forum string. We had eaten at the original location in Epping and had enjoyed the atmosphere and novelty of eating within a restored Church. To be honest we were not blown away by the food on that visit which would have been about a year ago now, but we figured we caught it on a bad night. Plus, we had read and heard that many have had good experiences, so we were willing to give the new location a try. The building has been nicely restored and obviously builds on the restored church angle. However, our visit did not get off to a great start when our hostess appeared upset by our request for a booth seat versus a high top. Once seated, our waitress was pleasant and the service was slow. They obviously are still working out the kinks so this was OK with us. However, we were again not blown away by the food once delivered. We had the Irish Nacho Appetizer, and for dinner we had a Caprese Sandwich and a Four Cheese Penne entree. The appetizer was just OK and seemed a little sparse in its flavor and presentment. The same could be said for the other items mentioned. We noted hard and uncooked green beans and the need for salt for flavoring. I had an English Ale that was fresh and good. The beer list was pretty impressive for its variety. Prices were a little on the high side though. Perhaps suitable for the area, but it seemed a bit concerning considering we did not fully enjoy our meal. In all, with the many great eating establishments we have in the area - Fratellos, Patricks, T-Bones, CJ’s just to name a few, we doubt we will give this place another try. Further, we wonder about the long term success of this restaurant given its location. It’s not easily navigated and a bit off the path given attractions and other Restaurants in the area. We wish them luck, and hope it revitalizes the downtown, but we feel they may have to up their game to stay competitive with the other offerings.

05-29-2015, 10:55 AM	#5
Barbara Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 251 Thanks: 48 Thanked 113 Times in 64 Posts	Had dinner there last night, Thursday, with four friends. Place was packed when we arrived at 6:45. We had about a 20 minute wait Nd were then seated in the choir loft. Ambience as described by others is great, though very noisy. Entertainment began about 8PM, a singer with guitar, very good but volume much too loud. Hostess and server were friendly and efficient, but entrees took quite long to arrive. Four of the five of us loved their entrees: shepherd's pie, seafood trio and coulade steak. My baked haddock was dry and flavorless. I would never order it again. All in all it was a fun place and I would go again, especially after a movie in Gilford. I wouldn't travel all the way over there from Wolfeboro just to eat there. Right across the street from it in the railroad station building is one of my favorite Lakes Region restaurants, Local Eatery. Excellent restaurant in every way, food, service and friendliness. Worth the trip.