Opening up in the Covid-19 era
AS Sligo gets back to business many will have noticed that some city centre establishments are no longer with us such as the Four Lanterns on John Street, PhotoFast on O’Connell Street and Alfie’s on Thomas Street.
But just as some close others are opening and over the coming weeks new names will be appearing on our main streets and shopping centres as the city and indeed, the country emerges from a period of uncertainty never before seen in our lifetime.
Many scetors have been hit hard and one of those has been the tourism and hospitality sector.
Sligo had been so well in this sector up to this year with many positive initiatives aimed at bringing tourists here to sample our rich heritage and of course our fine dining.
One of Sligo’s newest bar and restaurant premises was just about ready for opening last March, when the Covid-19 crisis struck with a vengeance and ensuing restrictions meant all plans had to be put on hold.
However, as the country gradually re-opens, Walker 1781 on O’Connell Street in the heart of Sligo, opened its doors to the public yesterday.
Over the past few weeks Walker 1781 started doing takeaways but now it is ready to open seven days a week in full compliance with Covid-19 guidelines.
This new venture with a proud past will offer a contemporary twist on traditional, local produce curated by well-known Sligo restaurateurs Joe Grogan and Grainne Sheridan.The culinary pair have run a number of the best restaurants and award-winning kitchens across the North West over the past two decades.
They first met 20 years ago at the Waterfront Restaurant in Rosses Point owned by Joe and when Grainne was on her first work placement there.
At Walker 1781, Joe and Grainne have blended the best of their experience to create a unique venue with a menu to suit all tastes.
Joe Grogan says: “We are delighted to be opening our doors to the public after what has been a very difficult few months for everyone. We look forward to welcoming everyone and to showing off the new look we have given this historic building.”
Grainne Sheridan says: “We are excited to share our latest venture with the eating and drinking public after what has been a rocky few months. Thanks to our takeaway service, we have been able to keep our feet on the ground and now Walker 1781 is ready to serve traditional food with a contemporary twist in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Walker 1781 takes its name from John Walker who signed the first lease on the premises in 1781. The building was later owned by a Mrs Dunne who gifted it to her niece, Mary Palmer, when she passed away in 1939.
The building has been in the Palmer family ever since. Indeed, Mary Palmer is the great grandmother of Ross Palmer, who — along with Joe Grogan and Grainne Sheridan — is behind the redevelopment of Walker 1781.
Most recently the building was home to the popular McGarrigles, but it won’t be recognisable after the months of renovations to create Walker 1781. The restaurant is well set up with plenty of space to adhere to the Covid-19 restrictions.