People are queuing up for Keith Kelleher’s ridiculously good banana breads
This is not your nan’s banana bread
Oh no.
Keith Kelleher’s new venture, Bangin’ Out, only debuted at Cork’s Marina Market earlier this month, but it’s already proving to be one of the market’s sweetest success stories. His thick, indulgent banana bread flew off the shelves, with two days’ worth of stock selling out before the end of the very first afternoon.
Now the baker from The Glen has another reason to celebrate.
From today, Tuesday, June 30th, Keith’s signature banana bread will be available at one of Cork’s best-loved coffee spots, Three Fools Coffee (Grand Parade, Douglas Court and Carrigline), marking a major milestone for the young business.
Bangin’ Out has quickly built a loyal following thanks to Keith’s inventive take on the humble banana bread. Rather than sticking to the classic recipe, he’s been experimenting with bold flavour combinations that feel more dessert than tea loaf. The first two flavours landing in Three Fools are Chocolate Chip and Biscoff – and we’d struggle to pick a favourite.
“I’ve always loved creating,” Keith told Yay Cork.
“I made some friends a Biscoff banana bread one night, and I remember taking a bite and thinking, ‘Yuuum, I would buy this.’ Then I asked myself, if I’d buy it, why wouldn’t I bang it out… hence the name.”
Keith decided to take a chance by booking a stall at Marina Market, unsure of what to expect.
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“I wanted to challenge myself by booking the Marina Market to give it my best shot, not really knowing what would come of it… only for it to exceed all expectations so far on this journey.”
He credits Cork people with helping the business get off the ground.
“People in Cork are amazing for backing one another when trying something new.”
But Bangin’ Out is about more than banana bread. Keith says the name is a play on words inspired by where he grew up.
“Being from The Glen, and it being such a disadvantaged area in Cork, I went with the name Bangin’ Out to show that there are opportunities out there for people who grow up in these places.”
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He’s also keen to speak openly about his experience of living with undiagnosed ADHD, something he says shaped much of his early life.
“I grew up with ADHD and wasn’t diagnosed and treated until I was 27. It has helped me tremendously in how I interact with the world, and I want to be very open about the struggles people with ADHD face every day when they’re undiagnosed.”
Looking ahead, Keith has no plans to stop at two flavours.
“I feel my banana bread is different because I’m open to experimenting with all different combinations and flavours, and it’s only the beginning.”
“Three Fools has always been one of my favourite cafés, so I’m grateful to get this opportunity. My vision behind Bangin’ Out was to supply cafés and businesses around Cork, and I’m enjoying the process of bringing this vision to life.”
If you fancy seeing what all the hype is about, you can also catch Bangin’ Out at the Marina Market this weekend, July 4th and 5th, from 8am to 3pm.
