FEATURES Bali's Original Irish Pub
Gracie Kelly's
For decades, Irish pubs – short for public houses, have been a social and community hub for the people of Ireland. The atmosphere and charm of a traditional Irish pub remains popular today, so much so that they have been replicated all over the world, even right here in Bali.
Gracie Kelly’s opened in 2002 and this award winning restaurant and bar is the first and only Irish bar on the island. The Bali Dynasty Resort’s GM Robert Kelsall, an English lad behind Kelly’s success and an avid fan of Irish pubs, gladly explains the concept of Kelly’s. In many rural Irish towns (until the arrival of supermarkets in the 1960’s). Irish pubs usually combined the running of a pub with a grocery, hardwarestore, bakery, and sometimes even a funeral business. People stopping by for one service would pull up a stool and get sidetracked by conversation and a pint of Guinness. Gracie Kelly’s took this style as concept, the center of the room is set aside as the main bar with round wooden stools in front of a long simple table. There are ceiling-to-floor wooden shelves cluttered with a medley of knick knacks. There are wooden pool tables and even a dart board hanging on the wall nearby. There are also “snugs’, small areas with an intimate setting to sit back and enjoy with small tables, sofas and cabinets displaying country wares. The fancy juke box is filled with rock n roll oldies from the like of Ritchie Valens and Johnny Cash. And there is a karaoke room!
“Do you know we have a cat too?” Robert asks with enthusiasm. “In rural Irish town cats are common to ward off demons.” I’d say this mascot cat is lucky to live in such happy place.
In true Irish style we get started with a few beers. Local Guinness pints dominate the bar; originally brewed in Dublin, this famous dark Irish stout is a favorite of many worldwide. Our next round includes an Illusion. “On St. Patrick’s Day in March we paint everything green here, so an Illusion is perfect to serve,” he says of our very green drink made with melon liquor, Midori, Malibu, Blue Curacao, fresh pineapple and lemon juice. Another to try was the Fireball shooter, which combines Tia Maria, Sambucca, white rum and Tabasco lit on fire through a glass pipe and served to drink in a shot glass with a straw; what a sweet kick.
Robert reminds us about the food as well. “We don’t have snacks, only wholesome food cooked in an Irish manner. We’re talking about pies, stews, bangers and mash, and hot stones like lamb chops.”
He recommends we try Kelly’s famous Beef and Guinness Pie, which brings together two of Ireland's most famous products, in a hearty pie. Tender pieces of imported beef and garden vegetables stewed in Guinness beer topped with flaky puff pastry baked golden brown and served with thick cut fries. Tasty and indeed wholesome!
We finish with the really sweet Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding served with vanilla ice cream, and an Irish Coffee using the original Jameson whiskey.
Apart from the drinks and menu, it must be the ‘craic’, or the merry fun-filled atmosphere of Gracie Kelly’s that brings people back time and time again. After all, the Irish pub has always been a warm, welcoming place where people socialise, sing, relax, tell stories, and exchange gossip. Also check out ‘Rais’ Paddies, a local band showcasing Celtic songs every night from 8 –10pm, and charity quiz nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8pm. \MK
Gracie Kelly’s at The Bali Dynasty Resort Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kuta, Bali 80361
Ph +62 361 752 403, Open11am – 11pm Seat 120, Kuta Map A - 4
