There’s more change in West Cork’s food scene as one of the best-loved bakeries and cafes in Bantry is calling it a day after one last busy summer season.
Just last week, we reported on how Bantry is about to get a new bakery, the second outlet for the very popular Wildflour of Innishannon, a business that started out of the back of a car with bread deliveries.
But as one door opens, another closes with the multi-award-winning bakery, coffee and treats cafe The Stuffed Olive now due to close at the end of the summer season. Over 13 years in the same location in the harbour town, The Suffed Olive has been the go-to spot for locals and visitors looking for consistent quality and great service.
Run by Trish Messom and her daughters, Sarah and Grace, The Stuffed Olive was famous for its brown soda bread, savory pies and their much-loved Malteser cheese cake. Now Trish is set to take a well-earned break from decades of early morning starts. The Stuffed Olive has featured in many guides, including the McKenna Guides, and has won multiple awards for their baked goods.
Increadibly good fig-rolls – baked at The Stuffed Olive
Taking to social media, her daughters said it was a difficult decision, to close their doors in September, but it felt like the right time for a new chapter to begin. They are now expected a very busy summer as regulars and visitors flock to get their last fix of their famous treats.
“For the past 13 years on Bridge Street, our bakery and deli has been a huge part of our lives. What began as a business became so much more – a place filled with early mornings, familiar faces, friendships, laughter, and countless cups of coffee,” they said in a message to customers.
“This September will also mark the end of an incredible chapter for our mum, Trish, who after 55 years in hospitality has decided it’s finally time to hang up her apron strings and enjoy a well-earned retirement.”
Trish is hanging up her apron at The Stuffed Olive(Image: FB)
We couldn’t let this moment pass without acknowledging the incredible team, past and present, who helped make this place what it is. Their hard work, dedication, kindness and friendship have been at the heart of everything we’ve done, and we are so grateful for every one of them.
We also want to thank our loyal customers, suppliers, friends and the wider community who have supported us over the years.
Whether you called in every day or only occasionally, you became part of the story of this place, and for that we will always be thankful.
While we’re sad to be saying goodbye, we’re choosing to celebrate the memories, friendships and moments we’ve shared over the years.
We’ll be here throughout September and would love to see as many familiar faces as possible before we close on the 26th September. And because we couldn’t leave without one final treat, we’ll be baking our famous MINCE PIES throughout September – a small way to celebrate all the years we’ve shared together.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey.
With love and gratitude – Trish, Sarah, Grace & all the team”
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