Kate's Kitchen Sligo - an example of brilliant perseverance in adverse times

Kate’s Kitchen has been an integral part of Sligo Food Tours from the start with a Carrow coffee tasting in the premises on many occasions.

Kate’s Kitchen has been an integral part of Sligo Food Tours from the start with a Carrow coffee tasting in the premises on many occasions.

Kates’s Kitchen is an example of brilliant perseverance in adverse times

How quickly things can change, on 14th February last year Kate’s Kitchen featured on our Valentine’s Food Tour and a few weeks later the shop was closed due to the current pandemic. Not for long though as the sisters O’Hara Kate, Beth and Jane took on the challenge to navigate through probably the most difficult year of their business. With the development of their online shop, developing a click and collect system, doing home deliveries and open up a hatch at Castle street, they found an answer to every level of restrictions and the queues outside the shop are testament to the support they get from local customers. They did what they always do: Learn fast and provide a premium service to customers. Whether it’s local, Irish or international delicatessen, Kate’s Kitchen offers “The Best of Everything!”

…taking over Kate’s Kitchen

In 2008 the O’Hara sisters took over Kate’s Kitchen. This well- loved establishment in Sligo opened in 1982 by Kate Pettit and Frank Hopper was “a wonderful cornucopia of quality food much of it prepared at the premises” and well known for its extensive cheese counter, sausages and breads. They nurtured this little gem for many years and then moved it to its current location in Castle Street.

Kate O’Hara remembers: “Kate’s Kitchen was an established business and one that we would have been familiar with growing up. I always had a love for it and when Kate Pettit (previous owner) decided to retire that was when alarm bells went off and we thought we fancied a challenge.”

The three sisters are open now for 13 years and always had the support from the former owners. “We are really lucky in that Kate and Frank have always been here for us. You couldn't pay for that kind of advice. We must be doing something right though as they still shop with us every day.” says Kate.

They faced the challenge head on. “While Kate’s Kitchen was established, the O'Hara Sisters weren't. So we had to build relationships with everyone from our customers to our suppliers.  Every day in the early days we never knew how busy it was going to be, there was no consistency and that made things a little scary.”  explains Kate. But they found their feet quickly. “In the beginning there was the three of us and one other member and then as the business grew over the years so did our extended family!” They now have nineteen staff.

And the three sisters cook and bake all their food from scratch in a tiny kitchen place behind the shop.

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…going, going, going and hopefully back to full service soon!

When you’re in Sligo Town, don’t miss a visit to Kate’s Kitchen. Browse the grocery section, pre-order a homecooked meal, stock up your pantry and grab a takeaway coffee. And if you are lucky you might get a seat at the few tables to enjoy their food and a coffee inhouse. The cafe in the shop is always super busy, especially at lunch time

Kate’s Kitchen has been an integral part of Sligo Food Tours from the start with a Carrow coffee tasting in the premises on many occasions. The shop is a major institution on the Sligo food scene and a brilliant example of constant innovation, sourcing the best ingredients for their dishes, foods and the shop. Above all the staff provide a friendly and knowledgeable service.

What others say

“Kate’s Kitchen is a food lover’s dream with a delicious range of savoury and sweet treats, and a store cupboard section filled with artisan cheeses, cured meats, and fine wines.” (Discover Ireland)

“Only the best local foodstuffs are served at this welcoming, contemporary cafe-store. All the ingredients for a prime picnic are there along with prepared foods. The tiny cafe is a cheery spot for punchy coffee and homemade lunch.” Lonely Planet

“I ordered from the website for the first time yesterday and was shocked that the order arrived today! Unbelievable service, especially when COVID is taken into account. First time customer but will definitely be back. Now hope to visit in person too following easing of restrictions.”  Tripadvisor February 2021

“Kate, Beth and Jane’s magnificent emporium has all the classic artisan brands that your heart could desire.” Ireland the best, John and Sally McKenna

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Here is Kate O’Hara uncovered

  • What is your signature dish? Moroccan Spiced Meatballs in Flatbread with whipped Feta and Pomegranate Seeds

  • What is your favourite vegetable, meat, fish, ingredient? Garlic/Pork/Crab/Harissa

  • What is your favourite food? It changes a lot but right now its Delice de Bourgogne Cheese with quince paste and a glass of red wine

  • What is your favourite drink? So many but favourites, any Bordeaux wine or a sneaky Bacardi and Coke or currently we just received a batch of Jamu from Cork (a tumeric & honey  based health drink)

  • Are you trained/self-trained, what is your background? Self-trained

  • Who is your inspiration (not necessarily from the food world)? All women in business ….

  • What is your favourite music/song/film? Anything by Maggie Rogers

  • What is your most used gadget/equipment? Unfortunately the smartphone, great for everything on the go.

  • Do you read cookbooks, what is your favourite cookbook? Yes, all the time, but right now we are using a lot of Persiana by Sabrina Ghayour

  • Something people don’t know about you? Kate actually cannot cook !! SSSSHHHHHHHH

  •  What is your biggest challenge as a business? Keeping things vibrant and exciting for ourselves and our customers, its keeps everyone interested !



 

 

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