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  • Some good news: A much-loved West Cork shop has been rescued from closure
Business, Food

Some good news: A much-loved West Cork shop has been rescued from closure

By Maria Wilson January 26, 2024January 26, 2024

You love to see it.

Ballinspittle’s apothecary-style refill shop is to re-open next month under new management and a new name.

The go-to haven for sustainability and all things good, Leafling Mercantile had announced it was closing its doors in November unless a new owner could be found to take it over.

Enter local chef and sustainability advocate, Steph Ayres, who is now taking over the reins. She will, in the coming months, transition the store over to a new name ­— Gather.

Steph, whose passion for good food, produce and sustainability has been honed through years of culinary expertise at the likes of OHK, The Black Pig, and My Goodness, promises to infuse Gather with substance and style.

“Building upon our current relationships with producers,  I’d like to highlight all the great efforts people are making within the community, to provide great produce with low environmental impact,” she told Yay Cork.

The store, which will open six days a week, will continue to champion local, high-quality food and produce, and keep its zero-waste ethos. There are plans for an online shop, along with talks and workshops, focusing on useful skills and food education.

Steph is also planning on implementing a Cook’s Club — a produce box filled with the ingredients to make a recipe — and there will be services offered such as knife sharpening.

“One of the main things that I want to get across about the store is that it is a good food store — not a health food shop. Good for you,  good for the environment,  but most importantly it’s got to be delicious,” she said.

Steph added her thanks to Shannen Keane, the owner of Diva Boutique Bakery and formerly of Leafing Mercantile, for “creating such a wonderful shop in the first place”.

Tags: Ballinspittle, Gather @ Leafling Mercantile, Leafling Mercantile, refill, Steph Ayres, sustainability
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