‘This has been a very difficult decision to make’: Long-established Cork café announces closure

The long-established Crawford Gallery Café is to close its doors after more than three decades in business.

The decision to close the café, located on the ground floor of the Crawford Art Gallery on Emmett Place, was announced on social media on Wednesday.

“We will close the café this Saturday for two weeks summer holidays.

“Unfortunately and with great regret we will not be reopening.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make, and we would like to thank all of our valued customers and friends for your loyal support over the years,” the café operators said.

The café was first opened in 1986 by Myrtle Allen and her daughter, Fern. According to the cafe’s website, many Ballymaloe chefs and graduates of Ballymaloe Cookery School, including Rachel Allen, earned their stripes at the popular city spot. 

In the early days, food was prepared at Ballymaloe House and transported to the city each morning.

In a statement on the closure announcement, Norma Cuddihy, head of operations at the Crawford Art Gallery said - 

 “Under the backdrop of post Covid we appreciate that there continues to be significant challenges in the industry.

“While we are sorry to see the café close, we understand the decision to close was necessary”.