The birthplace of Irish hospitality is undoubtedly east Cork thanks to Myrtle Allen and her Ballymaloe House and the market town of Midleton, long time host of one of the country’s original farmer’s markets, is the very natural HQ for the upcoming fEAST food festival (September 1-8) although events span the region.

Over the decades, at home and abroad, The Menu has always attempted to support refill shops, where the consumer brings along their own containers thus negating the need to wastefully dispose of excess packaging.

The Ballymaloe House ‘sweet trolley’ is legendary indeed. For over 50 years it has been wheeled around the dining rooms at Ballymaloe House piled high with tempting desserts to tantalise guests at the end of their meal.