Hospitality operators eyeing up former Tung Sing premises after Swiss investor who bought it for c€1.8m puts it up for rent

The first and second floor levels are available to let for €45k pa and are ready-to-go for a restaurant operator

Former Tung Sing Chinese restaurant on St Patrick’s Street, Cork City. Picture: Larry Cummins

Hospitality operators are already eyeing up the former Tung Sing premises in Cork City, which has been put up for rent by its new Swiss owner, who bought it last month for more than €1.8m.

The landmark building at No 23 St Patrick’s Street is currently home to well-established anchor tenant H Samuel Jewellers on the ground floor, while the two upper floors have been vacant since the Tung Sing restaurant closed in January 2024.

It had operated as a family-run Chinese restaurant since the early 1960s.

The building was acquired in April by prolific Swiss investor Mischa Khakshouri, who has purchased multiple commercial premises in Cork City in recent years, including the Holland and Barrett property on main street and Carbery House on South Mall. The businessman — a director of Irish-registered company Swiss Property Management Ltd — is now offering the first and second floors of No 23 to let at an annual rent of €45,000 exclusive.

Accommodation extends to approximately 2,709 sq ft (251 sq m) across both levels and benefits from its own street-level entrance on St Patrick’s Street, separate from the ground floor tenant.

The first floor, measuring 1,310 sq ft, contains the main restaurant area, featuring a spacious dining room capable of seating around 80 guests, together with a fully fitted commercial kitchen.

Overhead, the 1,399 sq ft (130 sq m) second floor provides a comprehensive range of back-of-house facilities, including guest WC facilities, food preparation rooms, staff areas, and cold rooms — “everything required to support a busy restaurant operation without compromise”, said letting agents Philip Hosford of H Property, and Dennis Guerin of Frank V Murphy.

The former restaurant floor “offers an immediately functional setup for any incoming operator”, the agents added.

“The layout represents a genuinely ready-to-trade opportunity — a significant advantage for any operator seeking to open quickly on one of Ireland’s most prominent high streets,” Mr Hosford said.

The building is strategically located, close to the junction with Winthrop Street, with solid neighbouring occupiers such as Brown Thomas, Penneys, Urban Outfitters, and Dunnes Stores, generating strong footfall on the city’s primary retail and commercial thoroughfare.

View from the first floor restaurant

The main street has experienced a notable resurgence post-covid, with a wave of high-profile new arrivals — including Mango, Urban Outfitters, and Sea Salt — reflecting renewed confidence in Cork City centre.

Major redevelopment projects, including the expansion of Penneys and the planned regeneration of the former Debenhams site, are also seen as further signs of optimism in the city’s retail market.

No 23 is available to let at €45,000 per annum exclusive under a new long term lease.

DETAILS: Dennis Guerin E: [e-mail] T:087 25 61 903; Philip Hosford E: [e-mail] T: 086 24 88 789