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Farmgate

This unique shop and restaurant has been drawing people to Midleton in growing numbers since 1985 and it’s a great credit to sisters Maróg O’Brien and Kay Harte. Kay now runs the younger version at the English Market in Cork (see entry), while Maróg looks after Midleton.

The shop at the front is full of wonderful local produce - organic fruit and vegetables, cheeses, honey - and their own super home baking, while the evocatively decorated, comfortable restaurant at the back, with its old pine furniture and modern sculpture, is regularly transformed from bustling daytime café to sophisticated evening restaurant (on Friday and Saturday) complete with string quartet.

A tempting display of fresh home bakes is the first thing to catch your eye on entering and, as would be expected from the fresh produce on sale in the shop, wholesome vegetables and salads are always irresistible too.

Maróg O’Brien is a founder and stall holder of the hugely successful Midleton Farmers’ Market, which is held on Saturday mornings.

*Farmgate was the winner of our Natural Food Award in 2007.

Seats 70 (outdoors, 30; private room, 30); children welcome. Open Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, L 12-3.30, D Thu-Sat, 6.30 - 9.30pm. Closed Sun, Bank Hols, 24 Dec-3 Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Town centre.