Island café is set for expansion
LISMORE Café will be expanding its menu after a successful start to the year – thanks to the community.
However, the café, which uses as much locally-grown produce as possible, will keep costs at a reasonable price.
Katy Crossan, who works there, said: ‘We try to have everything reasonably priced and have things sourced locally. Everything is made either on the premises or made locally.
‘We’re not London. We’re not going to charge £ 8 for a roll. We want people to be stuffed without their purse being empty.
‘We want people to think, “I was on Lismore and it was good” – not leave with empty pockets. We want our customers to come back.’
The café is part of the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre, which has a grass roof and geothermal heat- ing, an exhibition area, a library, an archive room, a gift shop and public toilets.
Katie continued: ‘ We are one big family here. That’s what a true community is. You might not like your neighbour but you would never see them stuck.
‘The café provides employment for the island. The kids now have a secure job.
‘It’s great to have local knowledge; they are not just waiters or waitresses – they are serving the community. Our local young people are carrying the heritage on.
‘I say this a lot: the word ceilidh is Gaelic for together and that is what this is: we are all a community and we’re a hugely talented one.
‘It’s a great experience and it’s an exciting time to be running a café.’
The café holds themed nights for holidays such as Halloween and events such as film club.