Popular Irish chain seeking planning permission for Cork city cafe

A popular Irish cafe chain could be set to open an outlet in Cork City.

Sprout and Co Kitchen Ltd has applied for planning permission from Cork City Council for a development at the former Ulster Bank unit in nos 16/17, Winthrop St.

They are seeking permission for a change of use of the ground and first floors from financial services to cafe, along with new business signage, and any associated site development works.

This would be the first Cork and first outside-Leinster location for the health café, which has six locations in Dublin and one in Kildare and a menu offering wraps, salads, and a selection of meat and fish rice bowl dishes.

The idea for the business, which is run by brothers Jack and Theo Kirwin, was born in Cork, with their website explaining, “a freshly-picked, organic tomato at Ballymaloe Cookery School started Sprout.

“When Jack tasted its full-flavour punch, it sparked the idea for a locally-sourced, seasonal, healthy food business.”

A decision by the council is due on November 11.