Greenwich, the brand-new café in Cork City, on the corner of Caroline Street and Maylor Street, just behind Brown Thomas, is the new occupant taking over from Richard and Mairead Jacob after 21 years trading as Idaho café . Dermot O’Sullivan, owner and chef, wanted to turn his passion for food and great customer service into a business. Returning home to Cork, the idea for Greenwich was born.
Dermot says, “My background has always been in food when I studied Food Business in UCC then went on to work for food brands, but I always wanted to do my own thing. I took a year out about ten years ago and devoted the time to learn how to cook. I spent time working in kitchens where their produce came from the gardens and glasshouses which I found very exciting. I knew I wanted to produce food that showcased artisan producers. When COVID hit it really made me think it’s time to bring this to life post-covid and to make a living out of something I enjoy.”
“When I visited Cork during the summer and noticed all the outdoor seating on Caroline Street it was a real village feel and the new redevelopment of the street added to the character of the street. It is why I came up with the name Greenwich after Greenwich NYC.”
The beloved Greenwich Village area of Manhattan has been a hub of creativity, cabaret, comedy, music and modern LGBTQ movements since the ‘60s. Dermot wants to bring a similar inclusive, vibrant feeling to this area of Cork; an inner-city cosy nook where customers can be themselves and feast on the best locally sourced produce. And still, it feels like your friendly, local village spot for breakfast, lunch, and a coffee with friends. The perfect retreat for shoppers strolling across the way from Brown Thomas and Oliver Plunkett Street after a busy day of shopping and site-seeing.
That same historic and iconic energy can be found at Greenwich; the walls are adorned with the work of local artists and Dermot plans to bring live music to the café on a regular basis. The café’s alcohol license will be approved by the end of March, just in time for those long and beautiful summer evenings ahead.
Local is a big word at Greenwich. It is important to Dermot to support other local businesses and suppliers, bringing the best, seasonal produce to the Greenwich table.
Dermot says, “The vision for Greenwich has always been the same since the day I started cooking which is to cook homely, simple food with the freshest and best Irish ingredients. We showcase so many Irish producers on our menu from The Apple Farm in Tipperary, Durras Farmhouse cheese, Cashel Blue Cheese, Horizon Farm leaves, etc. The vision to provide a space that is inviting, warm and welcoming offering excellent customer service, great food.”
Greenwich: look no further for excellent customer service, fresh & wholesome food, charm & warmth, an independent owner run café and great supporter of local artists, musicians and more.
