Silken Thomas

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#1 of 41 Restaurants in Kildare££ - £££, Irish, Bar, Vegetarian friendly

+353 45 522 232+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

9:00 - 19:30

Mon

9:00 - 20:30

Tue

9:00 - 20:30

Wed

9:00 - 20:30

Thu

9:00 - 20:30

Fri

9:00 - 20:30

Sat

9:00 - 20:30

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

976 reviews

#1 of 41 Restaurants in Kildare

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

£10.00 – £29.00

CUISINES

Irish, Bar, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

16 Market Square Kildare Town, Co Kildare, Kildare R51 HK54 Ireland

+353 45 522 232

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Is this restaurant good for bar scene?

Yes

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About

Silken Thomas is a family operated business, established for over 50 years. Focused on giving that warm Irish welcome, the Silken has a proven record in quality & service. Silken Thomas is centrally located in the heritage town of Kildare, beside Kildare Village, Silken Thomas has 40 ensuite Guest Bedrooms, our Restaurant serves food daily,( bookings advisable).From breakfast, lunch and Dinner, you will always find something to satisfy from our extensive menu selection. Squires traditional bar offers that unique Irish pub atmosphere, with live music and Sport. Silken Thomas provides all the services you would expect from a Quality assured pub, including ample free parking, wheelchair facilities, and a warm inviting welcome. Relax and enjoy your time in the Silken. In the heart of Kildare, use the Silken as your base to visit local attractions. These include, The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, The Kildare Village Outlet, Golf, Fishing and The Curragh racecourse.

PRICE RANGE

£10.00 – £29.00

CUISINES

Irish, Bar, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

976 reviews

Excellent

595

Very good

223

Average

Poor

Terrible

DebD22

Stamford5 contributions

A wonderul first Irish breakfast

Jan 2020 • none

About a week ago our family group of 8 just arrived at Dublin airport around 8am. We had a long 4 hour drive ahead of us to Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry where we were staying. Before our trip, when at the Irish Tourist Bureau in NYC finding out about places to see and go to during our stay, the Silken Thomas Restaurant was recommended as a good stopping off place for us not too far from Dublin Airport (about one hour), to get a good Irish breakfast. We were not disappointed. After a long plane ride and the stress experienced with now having to drive on the left, the Silken Thomas was a nice early stop on our journey for some good food and to get an initial taste of the wonderful Irish hospitality. It is nothing fancy or gourmet, but it satisfied what we were looking for and refreshed us to be able to continue on our long journey to Glenbeigh. Especially recommend their scones with clotted creme and fresh fruit compote. Their coffee and sausages are also particularly good!

Written 19 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CarolineK792

Good Morning Thank you for the lovely review, its always great to hear we are doing things right. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit to Ireland and you had the same great experiences in the rest of the country! Regards Caroline Kelly General Manager

Written 18 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

244Aidan244

Ealing28 contributions

As alway fantastic visit.

Feb 2020 • none

As alway fantastic visit. Room was spotless and seemed newly renovated with new carpets and new beds. One downfall was the beds and pillows were a little too hard for my liking but can not fault the hotel for that as we all have our preferences on hardness of the bed we sleep in. Next morning we had breakfast what was fantastic as always and we came back for lunch with family. I had the roast beef which was cooked perfectly. Only suggestion is that the portion size is a little big as I was served 3 slices of beef and could only finish 2 before I was full. It was the same for my family who had the roast beef. Overall the place is fantastic.

Written 12 February 2020

CarolineK792

Good Morning Thank you for the lovely review, it is always beneficial to get feedback on all aspects of the business. We hope you will come back and visit us again. Regards Caroline Kelly General Manager

Written 17 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Joeb22

98 contributions

COLD - 'Hot Joint Sandwich'

Oct 2020 • none

Stopped off for a bite to eat in the Silken Thomas in Kildare Town on 2 October. Met by a very polite front of house lady who showed my wife and I to our seat. Strict Covid regulations were very evident here with all staff members wearing visors and disinfecting tables as patrons left in preparation for other customers. I was also asked to fill in my name and contact telephone number in line with the regulations. Here, though, the staff fell down. They offered me one of their pens, which I declined to use and instead used my own. My wife ordered the roast beef dish, while I ordered the 'hot joint sandwich' and a cuppa tea. The wife was glowing in her praise for the beef, spuds and sauce, but thought the veg was “just alright”. My 'hot joint sandwich' was cold and in my opinion €9.95 a tad overpriced for just a bread and beef sandwich. Normally I would have expected chips or tacos to accompany the dish but not on this occasion. Overall the meal was enjoyable.

Written 6 October 2020

CarolineK792

Hi Joeb22, Thanks for your feedback. In this difficult time of Covid-19 we are delighted to hear our customers are feeling comfortable in the venue with our new safety proceedures. In regard to the pen, we do sanitise as we go, including our pens, but would welcome any customers to bring their own if it helps them feel more comfortable. Our 'hot joint sandwich' is a popular dish on our menu and I am disappointed to hear you didnt enjoy it. Our beef is locally sourced and every dish is made fresh. However I will discuss your feedback with the Head Chef and look for further improvments. Thanks again and we hope to see you soon! Regards, Management

Written 8 October 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alan

4 contributions

Worst meal by far that I have had in a very long time

Feb 2020 • none

Decided to treat my daughter and myself to a nice meal in Chapter 16 restaurant while on a day out to Kildare Village. Worst excuse for food I have encountered in quite a long time. Starters were just about ok but the main course was just terrible. My daughter had pasta which was bland and tasteless resulting in her eating less that a third of the serving. I had the battered fillet of fish however it was so tasteless that I only ate one of the three pieces of fish, had a few of the chips, which again were tasteless. None of the staff came back to ask if we were ok even though the dishes were left mostly uneaten. Even on paying the waitress did not ask if our meal was ok - had to ask her to inform the chef that the meal was inedible and the €23 per head for the two course option was a rip off. Proving the point that this is a poorly managed restaurant, the waitress did not even have the training to request that a manager speak to us. Avoid at all costs

Written 24 February 2020

CarolineK792

Hi Alan, thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant in the Silken Thomas. It is important that we receive feedback from our customers both good and bad to ensure our standards are always kept. Chapter 16 restaurant & Silken Thomas is a family run business and we pride ourselves in excellent customer service and good quality food, I am sorry you felt our customer service was not up to standard on this occasion and this will be addressed with retraining, I will also discuss the issues you have highlighted regarding your meals with our team of chefs, I have private messaged you, Thank You Caroline Kelly

Written 25 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nirokel

Kildare5 contributions

Awful

Oct 2020 • couples

This is a local restaurant which has been central to my local town for a long time, but recent dining experiences have led me to decide I will never dine there again. Despite courteous and polite staff, the standards of food served have plummeted to an all time low. Recent breakfast included white pudding that I remarked at the time tasted like dogfood, bland cheap sausages and chewy dry rashers, and to top it off a milk jug that had dried encrusted milk on the inside. That was sent back and got another jug with milk that I imagine was on the verge of going off. Approximately a month ago went with a few friends after booking a table. Clearly wanted couples/families front of house so along with other groups of lads at different tables were ushered to what was formerly Lils at around the back-despite having been a customer over 20 years that in itself left a bad taste. Sat for approx 15 mins at the table with no menu or offer of drinks and having to chase staff to get more throughout, and to top it off having a member of staff giving you the bill and lingering. When asked for a few minutes to settle the finer points of the bill staff member stated that the manager wanted to close up the till for the evening. A not so polite way of saying sling your hook. I will never go here again, despite giving numerous opportunities for previous bad experiences to be redeemed subsequently to no avail. No interest in good customer service or good food just in taking your money. There are other places within a minutes walk that are light years ahead

Written 7 October 2020

CarolineK792

Hi Nirokrl, Thanks for your feedback. We appreciate all reviews, good and bad, to help us improve our service and menu. Since the national Covid-19 closure we have been operating our entire venue as a Restaurant. We no longer are dividing the bar as such, and any bookings are spaced out throughout the entire space to ensure social distancing. In regards to your breakfast experience we apologise that you felt the standards were lower than previously, I can assure you that we source a great quality of produce from top suppliers and our team of Chefs pride themselves on this quality. I will however respond to this feedback with our Head Chef and as always, look to further improve. In this difficult time for the contry and in particular this industry, I hope you can understand the new and challenging issues that are present for our staff and management. At no time do we wish to rush guests out of our venue and I can only assume the governemt imposed time-limit forced the staff member to drop the bill in what you felt was an early fashion. We do hope you join us again as we would love the oppertunity to exhibit our staff's amazing customer service and delicious menu. Regards, Management

Written 8 October 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mary O

1 contribution

Worst meal I had in a long time

Feb 2020 • couples

Have often had a meal here, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. My meal tonight was definitely on the poor side. Ordered the 6 oz fillet steak to be cooked medium. When it arrived i remarked to my partner that it was the smallest 6 oz I’d ever seen. It is advertised on the menu as the most tender cut. It didn’t even look like a fillet and was sinuey and tough. Plate stone cold onions rings, half tomato, and one giant black mushroom cut in pieces all cold. Nobody asked if meal was ok. Paid and left.

Written 3 February 2020

Fiona44

Belfast102 contributions

Great food and a good choice for Vegan

Feb 2020 • none

We had a 2 course evening meal and breakfast which was very very good. Breakfast - Three of us had the all Irish fry - would recommend and one had porridge which was served with fresh fruit, yogurt and honey. Evening Meal - starters where plentyful and mains excellent. Service was prompt and staff friendly.

Written 24 February 2020

CarolineK792

Hello Fiona Thank you for your review. It is always great to hear we are getting it right. We hope to welcome you back to the Silken Thomas in the future. Regards Caroline Kelly General Manger

Written 25 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah Regan

5 contributions

Excellent from start to finish

Oct 2020 • friends

A fantastic evening from start to finish - outdoor seating area is lovely and warm with a great atmosphere , the food is as always so tasty and fresh and the service is what made the evening so enjoyable. You are really well looked after and taken care of. You also feel very safe and comfortable with excellent standards in regards to covid. Cannot recommend enough, highly enjoyable!

Written 17 October 2020

colm g

1 contribution

Silky smooth Valentines

Feb 2020 • couples

We are delighted that we opted for the accommodation + meals (evening meal + wine, full irish breakfast x 2). The room was very comfy, especially the mattress. The food in the restaurant was delicious(the buffalo wings were a delight tbh)and the house wine went down a treat. In the morning we availed of the full breakfast, which kept us going until we finished shopping in kildare village, which never disappoints. The staff at the bar and the restaurant, for both evening and breakfast meals, were polite, efficient and very welcoming. We'll be back again!

Written 18 February 2020

Cheese M

54 contributions

FABULOUS FOOD

Aug 2021 • family

We had an evening meal in the Silken Thomas restaurant and it was truly delicious. I had the Buttermilk Chicken burger with fries and extra vegetables (trying to balance the naughty and nice) The chicken burger was delicious as were the fries and the vegetables extra tasty. My husband had the Silken Chicken curry which he said was extremely tasty. The kids had Beer battered fillet of fresh fish (haddock) and chips and Chicken tagliatelle followed by Malteser cheesecake and Oero Sundae and wow, it was yummy! We paid around €75 plus drinks which I thought was great value as the food was excellent and it was a holiday treat. The restaurant wasn't busy although we did dine early at 5.30pm as we had been travelling since 3am and were a little frazzled. The restaurant was clean, the tables were well spaced (for those who are Covid anxious) and the staff were kind and friendly. The service was spot on, not too quick and not too slow. Breakfast was equally as delicious. I had porridge with berries (banana, blueberries, strawberries) and honey. The husband and the ankle biters all had a full Irish breakfast, two of everything plus all the toast you can eat with butter and jams, tea, coffee and juice for around €43. Absolutely yummy, not a complaint to be had and excellent value for money. Again, the staff were super and everything clean and Covid friendly. If you enjoy fabulous food, get to The Silken Thomas, treat yourselves and enjoy getting out and about again.

Written 14 August 2021

Deborahnicholl

County Kildare77 contributions

Absolute shocking treatment

Feb 2022 • friends

I booked s table for three on sat 26th Feb for the Chapter 16 Restaurant fir the 27th Feb at 7 30pm. Earlier that day a friend cancelled to I rang the Silken today ti inform them there would be two of us there instead if three. When we arrived we were not very well greeted by the Manager David And then were informed we eould be eating in the lounge area. I stated I had booked the Restaurant not the lounge area to be very abrubtly told its all the same by David. I stated to him that we should have been informed of this When I booked the table not When we arrived. When we sat down a very rude waiting staff came to our table and literally threw the cutlery and glasses on our table on front of us. I was so upset and embarrassed at the way we were treated I git up and told David I was not staying as it was extremely unfair the way we were treated. David shouted at me and my friend so I just said we were leaving but that I would contact the Sillken about the way were treated and about Davids attitude towards us. Of front of a fairy full lounge as we were leaving David persisted in shouting at us saying "about my attitude" to me and my friend. I have never been so embarressed and upset in an Restaurant as I was tonight. I thoroughly enjoy the food in the Silken but I can promise you I will never set foot in the Silken again and I will never recommend it to anyone. For a place that I loved so much to treat people like that is utterly unacceptable. I am so disappointed with our treatment.

Written 27 February 2022

Caroline K

Thanks for your review. We value all feedback as it helps us to grow and provide a better experience for our guests. We have addressed your experience on the night and thanks for taking our call, we were happy to talk through the situation look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 1 March 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

stan l

Abbeyleix6 contributions

Thoroughly perplexing

Jul 2020 • none

We went to Silken thomas last week for food. I ordered the roast beef, and a burger . I was looking forward to a roast beef dinner in a restaurant that specialises in meats. The portion was very small, I left almost half of the beef on my plate because it was full fat. Dreadful. I was so hungry leaving the restaurant that I seriously considered going somewhere else to eat. My wife remarked that on the previous day I had cleared my plate following a roast beef lunch in nearby restaurant, which I might add didn't cost what silken are charging. The standard of food is very high in kildare. I won't be putting up with this standard from someone who should know better. the wifes burger was so over cooked it looked like a stone !!!! really bad food .such a shsame when the Staff are friendly and really good and quick .

Written 26 July 2020

User828292821

1 contribution

Kildare’s kitchen nightmare

Sept 2021 • couples

Myself and my girlfriend had a very disappointing evening meal here. We were shown to our table quite quickly after arrival, menu’s were provided and our orders were taken within 10 minutes which was great. Our main courses arrived within 5 minutes but this was overshadowed by the fact my roast beef dinner was barely warm (let alone hot) and the portion size was tiny. I’m not someone that complains easily but this was ridiculous. When the drinks arrived, there was a mix-up with my girlfriend’s drink. We asked could this drink be taken back and replaced with what my girlfriend wanted. The waiter seemed helpful at first but after waiting over 25 minutes for the right drink to return, we ended up asking another waitress to get us the drink. This would be somewhat understandable if the staff were under pressure during a busy period in the restaurant but this was not the case. If it was any quieter, it would be empty. Our cocktails only needed to be ordered twice and we only waited 20 minutes so that was an improvement on 25. The only way is up I suppose.

Written 8 September 2021

Caroline K

Hi User828282821, Thank you for taking the time to review your experience here at Silken Thomas. We take all feedback, both bad and good on board as we continue to develop our Customer experience. You review certainly does not sound like it has lived up to our usual standards at all and I am disappointed to hear this. We would love an opportunity to rectify this and to invite you back as your experience fell below our usual standards that helped make us a popular destination in Kildare. Please contact us directly on info@silkenthomas.com or call 045 522232. We hope to hear from you soon. King Regards, Caroline Kelly, General Manager

Written 10 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marietmurphy

Newry81 contributions

Great play to stay

Sept 2019 • none

Stayed here with a friend.. we actually stayed in schoolhouse across the road which was really lovely. Breakfast served in restaurant which is part of pub... definitely recommend this place and ideal location as it is within walking distance of Kildare Village

Written 7 March 2020

Elaine P

1 contribution

Highly recommend Silken Thomas, Kildare

Aug 2021 • family

We had a family meal in the Silken Thomas, booked online, we were seated outdoors, the atmosphere was lovely, felt really comfortable considering the times we are in. The staff were really friendly and the food was fabulous, all 5 of us choosing different menu options, not a single complaint from anyone. Will definitely be booking in again soon.

Written 3 August 2021

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