Sage Restaurant in Midleton to close after 16 years in business

In an email to customers, the restaurant’s owners said the news brought “mixed emotions” after years of service.

Owners Kevin and Réidín Aherne described their decision to move on as an “emotional rollercoaster”.

Since launching Sage, which is listed in the Michelin Guide, in 2008, the Ahernes have become a favourite for diners all over the city and county. 

When the covid pandemic struck, the Ahernes pivoted into take-home food, opening a deli shop and then branching into retail with a new range of Sage2Go ready meals that are now available in retail supermarkets such as Dunnes Stores and SuperValu.

In a statement on its website, the Ahernes said: “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.

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.”

Existing vouchers will be honoured before the closing date.

Chef Kevin Aherne’s Sage Restaurant became synonymous with innovation, including the 12-Mile Menu of superb local produce entirely from within a 12-mile radius, while he and Réidín were heavily involved with the Midleton Food Festival, which became fEast in 2017.

Sage opened as casual dining before transitioning to ultra fine dining and the addition of the Greenroom café in 2012.

Kevin and Réidín, who have two children, said they wanted Sage “to be a space for everyone to enjoy”. 

Sage have been contacted for comment.