Summer may well be over, and holidaymakers long departed,  but in the bustling market town of Clonakilty in West Cork, preparations are well underway for the festive season. Lights are being erected down the main street. Shop windows are being artfully decorated with fairly lights and all the works. It may be quieter in town than it would be during the height of season –  but business goes on as usual! Clonakilty has an evergrowing permanent population.  Bars and cafes provide a warmth and cosiness for residents and adventurous out of season travellers who enjoy the changing personality of West Cork in winter time. One such place is R Cafe on Wolfe Tone Street. Owner/Head Chef Richy has just launched is winter lunch menu. Local producers are scattered throughout like well considered seasonings! Prepare for Venison and Beef Pie, Slow Cooked Chicken Kebab, Wild Mushroom, Goats Cheese and Kale Tart and of course, this Mauritian/Londoner’s famous Mauritian Beef Curry, made to Richy’s mum’s special recipe. There’d be a riot if this was ever removed from the menu at R Cafe – its become quite the signature dish over the years!  Locals love it. And for those visitors who want to enjoy the tranquility of winter in West Cork, with bracing walks on empty beaches, nippy misty mornings, big seas and starry night skies, a visit to R Cafe is sure to warm the cockles!