REVIEW: Chequer Lane by Jamie Oliver

We've seen mixed reviews of the celebrity chef's latest venture since it opened last month - we popped along for a look and here's our verdict.

Why make a reservation? Chequer Lane is an ideal spot for graduation dinner or a family birthday, with classic crowd-pleaser dishes and interiors that'll look great on the gram - a bit like your Granny's living room, if your Granny's living room was given a modern, open-plan makeover by Dermot Bannon. Set the scene Located right in the middle of town with great pubs around for an after-dinner tipple (The Long Hall, Grogans, Hogans - the list goes on) with the aforementioned pleasing interiors, there's also plenty of space inside making it ideal if you have family members who take issue with being bundled in around a small table in a busy restaurant. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkdaNDHM-Hj/ The backstory The brainchild of Jamie Oliver and Irish restaurateur Gerry Fitzpatrick, Chequer Lane was created with a goal to 'celebrate the best of seasonal Irish produce through hearty, nostalgic dishes'. The food We recommend ordering The seafood platter is highly Instagrammable and definitely worth a go for shellfish lovers, and the scotch egg with black pudding from Jane Russell's Kildare farm was definitely a highlight. If you've got a sweet tooth, it's a difficult toss-up between the sticky toffee pudding and the hot chocolate (a gooey baked mousse with salted caramel ice cream) - if you're with a group, I'd order both and share. The drink There's a great wine selection with carefully selected tipples all perfect for pairing with the food, and carafes available if you don't fancy a full bottle. The cocktail menu does a great job at showcasing Irish whiskeys with 8 whiskey-based drinks on offer, but it could benefit from some gin and vodka-based options to balance things out - especially since there are plenty of great Irish gins and vodkas to go round too. https://www.instagram.com/p/CjsbzbbMN6g/ The service The staff are super friendly, attentive and well up for a natter about the food, wine pairings and life in general, and would definitely be gracious enough to laugh at your dad's jokes if you head there for a family occasion. For families We didn't see a kids menu and there isn't one available on the website so this could be worth enquiring about before booking in with little ones, but as we've said above Chequer Lane is ideal for visiting with adult family members. Accessibility There's an accessible bathroom on the ground floor and as the restaurant is so spacious, it'd be a good spot for wheelchair users. Eco effort The focus on Irish produce will definitely go a long way in reducing the aul carbon footprint. Anything else?

• Some dishes are a bit on the pricey side; at €23 the chicken kyiv could benefit from including a portion of mash or fries. We've seen the braised lettuce getting a bit of a rough time in some reviews and do agree that charred leaves could possibly be a bit more appetising.
• The menu could also do with a veggie option that isn't a salad - the salad was tasty and all, but if you're heading out for a special dinner as a vegetarian, a grain salad is a bit lunchtime-y. An aul plant-based pasta, risotto or veggie burger wouldn't go amiss.
• If you like your meat on the rare side of medium, you might want to specify this when ordering the mixed grill. It was a tiny bit well done for my personal liking, but an easy fix by just letting them know how you'd like it cooked.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck0XRgXs88f/ Where is it? On Exchequer Street in Dublin 2. How to keep up with them? Via their Instagram is probably best. Prices from? Main courses are between €17 and €80 (for a t-bone steak to be shared between two). READ NEXT: Chestnut Bazaar appeal to public to help keep the D8 food yard open