Much-loved East Cork diner with scenic views over Ballycotton Bay to close
Skinny's Diner in Ballycotton
A much-loved traditional seaside diner, famous for its fresh fish and ocean views, has announced its closure.
The team behind Skinny’s Diner in Ballycotton, Co Cork, confirmed that they have decided to call it at day after nine years working the fryers and grills in the little diner famous for its terrace garden which overlooks scenic Ballycotton Bay.
The diner, which is also famous for its deep-fried Mars Bars, closed for the winter season last October, and will not be reopening for this season.
Several new food trucks and restaurants have opened in the area in recent years.
While people have expressed sadness and disappointment, there are hopes that the diner on the town’s main street could be taken over by new operators but nothing has been confirmed yet.
The Skinny’s team posted the closure notice on Facebook and thanked all their customers for the support over the last nine years, especially during the pandemic.
“To all our lovely customers and anyone who supported Skinny's Diner over the last nine years, a heartfelt thank you,” they said.
“From our first days in Spring 2014, through balmy and rainy summers alike, and even a pandemic, it has always been our pleasure to serve you all.
“We have decided it is time to hang up the silver tongs and call it a day.
“We won't be opening for the 2023 season. We'll miss our customers, the making of the weirdly popular deep-fried Mars bar, Oreo bar and Creme Eggs, and the hum of activity of Ballycotton on a fine summer day.
“So for one last time, so long and thanks for eating all the fish. It has been a pleasure and a privilege.”
John McEnally, who took over the running of Skinny’s nine years ago, said the time had come for him to pack it in.
“During Covid, I had to get another job to pay the bills and I was more or less running Skinny’s part-time since," he said. "And with increased costs, the time just came where I had to make a decision.
“I had many good years there. I'd done the best with it that I could, I think I brought it up a level, and I figure it’s over to someone else now. I liked working there. There was nothing like a good busy Sunday to get the heart going, and I’ll miss that but between my family and the new job, it’s time to take a breather.
“I couldn’t do any more with it. It’s time now for someone with fresh eyes to take it on.”
Skinny's is owned by a family with strong links to Ballycotton and it is understood that there is a waiting list of potential operators for the venue.
Mr McEnally says he has no doubt that it will reopen under new operators, possibly before the summer, but maybe in a new guise.
