Proposals brewing in Cork for new Fitzgerald’s Park coffee shop

The Natural Bakery, which had occupied the popular spot since 2015, recently vacated the high-profile unit, which adjoins Cork Public Museum and overlooks the River Lee

Calling all baristas, Fitzgerald's Park is looking for a new café operator following the departure of the Natural Foods Bakery Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Enquiries are pouring in from potential coffee-shop operators keen on taking over the lease at the former Natural Foods Bakery premises in Cork City’s Fitzgerald’s Park.

The agent handling the lease, Cearbhall Behan of Behan, Irwin & Gosling, said more than 30 enquiries had filtered through since the lease was advertised, on behalf of Cork City Council, earlier this week. No rent has been set, but the guide is expected to be €15,000-€20,000pa.

The Natural Foods Bakery, which had occupied the popular spot since 2015, recently vacated the high-profile unit, which adjoins Cork Public Museum and overlooks the River Lee.

The unit consists of a ground- floor café that extends to 800sq ft, set out as an open-plan seating area, with serving area, kitchen, ladies and gents restrooms, and staff WC/WHB.

It has a sizeable outdoor seating area.

Mr Behan said they were fielding interest “from Cork and beyond” from parties interested in opening a café.

“It’s an exceptional opportunity to acquire a modern café in a high-profile unit,” the agent said.

The premises is in the northern section of 10-acre Fitzgerald’s Park, near the sky garden.

The park is used to host regular public events. Its museum is currently undergoing significant external refurbishment in preparation for its 80th birthday celebrations. It opened in 1945 and has amassed 60,000 objects in the interim.

The closure of The Natural Foods Bakery has left a coffee vacuum for visitors to the park and Mr Behan is inviting proposals from new potential operators.

Proposals must be submitted by 3pm on May 1.

The Natural Foods Bakery previously had three outlets in the city, but the owners sold its Paul St premises in 2020 to focus more on their commercial bakery in Marina Park.

It still has an outlet at the Pier Head in Blackrock, which opened in 2006 and continues to be busy.

Details: Cearbhall Behan T: 0214270007 E: [e-mail]

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