New stall set to open in English Market

THE Cork Rooftop Farm is about to open a new stall in the English Market, taking over the large stall previously occupied by Tim O’Sullivan Meats.

Founder Brian McCarthy and his friend Thay Carlos started the urban farm business during lockdown, after temporarily closing family business Central Floral Supplies.

Together, the duo transformed a barren, grey, 6,800 sq ft roof in the heart of Cork city into a green, fertile farm.

Since starting the company three and a half years ago, they have opened market gardens in Laharn and Glenbrook and a store on Cornmarket St, as well as selling their produce at Coal Quay Farmers Market on Saturdays.

The next step is a stall in the English Market, and founder Brian McCarthy told The Echo that it has been in the planning stages for a while. He is aiming to have the stall open at the end of next week.

“We will have primarily our own vegetables as well as our microgreens and microgreens which we harvest to order, a zero waste whole food section with nuts, dried fruits, flour, herbs and spices, legumes, beans, as well as both indoor and outdoor plants,” he explained.

“The English Market is the epicentre of food culture and artisan producers,” he added.

“To be amongst them under that roof is an absolute privilege for us and were really excited and chuffed to be moving in there.”

Brian revealed he has big plans for the future of the business, and the next steps include a restaurant and opening the rooftop to the public to showcase food production and how it is done to more people.

They are hoping their stall in the English Market will help to spread the word about their mission. Brian explained: “There’s huge tourist footfall through the English Market — we’re hoping this will link them in to our rooftop farm. We want to show people that Cork is doing something progressive in urban agriculture, and what we can do even in a city centre setting. We’re showcasing the best of what we have available at the stall.”