It's been my life, says Jill Cox, owner of an establishment which will celebrate its 50th birthday next year. This extraordinary longevity owes a great deal to facilities which must be the envy of any competitor who sets foot in the place. It is located in what used to be an early 19th century coach-house and stables belonging to the Beaufield estate. Many original artefacts can be seen in the premises and around the estate. Original paintings by Irish artists hang on the walls. Guests can stroll in the gardens which at the moment (and at this particular moment the sun is shining) are in their summer glory.

And if they are in an acquisitive mood, they can pop upstairs to the antique shop. Apart from selling antiques, Jill Cox is also a passionate collector of antiques and many of her prized possessions can be seen on the premises.

Indeed, the business started with an antique shop which opened only at night and served tea, home-made biscuits and scones, made by the young Jill to earn pocket money. In 1950, it became a restaurant: dinner, she recalls, cost seven shillings and sixpence. It attracted such celebrities as the actor Barry Fitzgerald, and has been going strong ever since.

Manager Sinead Power attributes its success to the unique facilities, the consistent quality of good, home-cooked food - a mixture of traditional and modern - friendly staff (some have been there for 20 to 30 years) and a very unrushed, informal atmosphere.

The clientele ranges all the way from business people to families marking every milestone from the cradle to the grave. A significant proportion of customers are regulars.

The upstairs restaurant seats 130 people, and the downstairs, 60. Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights with a good "early bird" business during the week.

Beaufield Mews Restaurant and Gardens, Woodlands Avenue, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, tel 01-2880375