Cork restaurant to close this weekend

A POPULAR Cork restaurant has announced that it is to close its doors this weekend.

In an email to customers, the restaurant’s owners announced on Tuesday afternoon that, after 16 years, the restaurant is to close on Friday.

“We are emailing to inform you, with very mixed emotions, that our time in Sage Restaurant Midleton is coming to a close,” Kevin and Réidín Aherne said, describing as an “emotional rollercoaster” their decision to move on.

“We both feel the time is right for us to re adjust in what’s been a truly unforgettable period in our lives, one which we have loved sharing with everyone who has walked through our doors during the years.” 

Mr and Ms Aherne had been trading as Sage Restaurant in Midleton for the past 16 years, they said.

Expressing gratitude to their local community, friends, staff and family, the couple said they planned to change their business plans.

“Sage will continue (albeit) in a new direction. Sage Products will be keeping us busy as we develop the Sage brand with new developments on the horizon.” 

They announced that Friday, July 28, will be their last day operating as a restaurant, adding that anyone with existing vouchers should make a booking before that date.

They said that if owners of vouchers were unable to secure a reservation or to spend their vouchers, “we will be offering Sage products to substitute”.

They concluded by saying there would be a live music event on Friday at the restaurant, and no bookings would be required.

In September of last year, Mr Aherne questioned why the Government had decided not to extend the special VAT rate of 9%.

“There is no restaurant looking for a handout. A helping hand and a handout are two different things but it is particularly bad timing going into off-season and in general because costs of electricity are going to go up as well in the winter.

“We are going to see closures, and we are going to see job losses,” Mr Aherne said.

“It’s also important that when people think of restaurants, and of eating out and of hotels, it’s supposed to be a joyous occasion, and people should not feel as if they’re obligated to feel sorry for a restaurant because their prices have gone up or they’re being charged more in VAT.” 

Sage Restaurant was asked for comment.