Bree Allen, loving buzz of Grainstore's tasty menu of events
Bree Allen with Aoibheann Allen and Chloe Taberman, who manage events, celebrations, festivals, weddings, yoga retreats and pop-up dinners in the Grainstore, Ballymaloe.
When 20-year-old Bree Allen travelled from her home in Australia and arrived at Ballymaloe for a three-month stopover, she became part of the magical fabric of the beautiful surroundings nestled in the stunning countryside of east Cork.
“I arrived on a sunny day in May,” says Bree.
“The wisteria was out all along the avenue leading to the Ballymaloe House. I thought it was so beautiful.”
When she married Cullen Allen, Bree became part and parcel of the welcoming hospitality vibe, and the bonhomie always associated with Ballymaloe House.
“Built in the 1400s, I thought the house was so beautiful,” says Bree.
Like all the Allens, Bree is a good cook, but her forte lies in organising events, celebrations, festivals, weddings, yoga retreats and pop-up dinners in the Grainstore, a building that pays homage to its original roots as the farm’s actual grainstore.
“I’ve been managing the Grainstore, owned by my father-in-law, Rory Allen, for over 10 years now,” says Bree who has three children.
“Over the years I worked in front-of-house at Ballymaloe, in the bar, and in reception there.”
How did her role of operations/events manager of the Grainstore evolve?
“I ended up running events because I had very strong opinions about how I thought the space should be run,” says Bree.
“So, I thought if I’m going to have strong opinions, I should just do it! It started as a favour to my father-in-law, but now it’s all encompassing.”
The Grainstore is a multi-purpose event venue for live performances, art exhibitions, weddings, yoga retreats, mother & toddler groups, pilates, karate classes, and of course the annual Ballymaloe Festival of Food and Ballymaloe Craft Fair.
"Managing the Grainstore is my full-time job,” says Bree. “I enjoy organising events for people’s enjoyment. I love being creative and coming up with new ideas.”
There are perks too. It keeps the mortgage paid!”
That’s important.
“The really important part is keeping the doors open here and busy,” says Bree.
“Hosting events out in the countryside can be a challenge.”
The Grainstore is firmly on the East Cork map.
“We are only 25 minutes from Cork city,” says Bree. “And when people are attracted to live acts, or to an art exhibition by a local artist, or to a yoga retreat with Dearbhla Glynn, they are willing to travel down the road and further afield.”
Bree likes her job.
“Creating a special experience and a memorable one for people gives me great job satisfaction.”
Bree is delighted that the Grainstore is a huge success. “It is a huge success and it’s my baby!” says Bree.
She gets a lot of help from her friends.
“There are so many moving parts attached to this job, it is amazing,” says Bree. “My manager at the Grainstore, Marlene, is wonderful. Ivana and Victoria are invaluable when it comes to organising the logistics of the popular annual food and craft fair festivals we host.”
Logistics are a big part of organising such events.
“At the Ballymaloe Festival of Food, and at the Craft Fair, there is a massive amount of food producers, food trucks and stall holders to manage and cater for,” says Bree.
Nothing is left to chance.
“We feed people too! The logistics of parking, having the flowers looking lovely, having the floors hovered, all these jobs are managed very well in what is a huge area,” says Bree. “Attention to detail is hugely important.”
Bree is a whizz when it comes to spread sheets. “I am really into spread sheets that help me keep track of everything and everyone,” says Bree.
Bree is a natural.
“When it comes to event management I had no training,” says Bree, who ran a shop back in Australia, specialising in restoration of hardware and lighting. She sought out the unique and unusual. “I do everything on instinct,” she says.
Her instinct serves her well.
“That instinct is based on love of curating and seeking out the unique and unusual where a craftsperson’s skill is evident,” says Bree.
“Showcasing Irish artists and upcoming Irish talent is fantastic. There are so many small Irish gems that deserve the opportunity to showcase their wares.” There are other perks to the job.
“My daughter, Aoibheann, 20, is currently in Australia,” says Bree. “Tasmin is 17 and Theo is in TY. They are all great to step in and lend a hand when needed. Everything here is familiar to them. We live next door so there is no commuting involved!”
How does Bree source popular acts to perform at the Grainstore that boasts magnificent acoustics?
“If I see someone on TV that appeals to me, I’ll get on to their PR and book them,” says Bree.
I’ve been at the Grainstore to see Phil Coulter, Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, the Nualas, and the créme de la créme, Gay Byrne and his wife, Kathleen, who played the harp and recited poetry on that memorable summer's night.
“Seeing Gay live must have been a fabulous experience,” says Bree.
It was, to be sure. So was the Dog’s Day Out at Ballymaloe.
Bree laughs.
“That is always great fun!” Bree loves the buzz of the festivals. “At the Festival of Food and at the Craft Fair everyone has a good time. Locals and tourists alike mingle together and chat, share food or share a drink together. It’s lovely to see.”
What is the secret of hosting and catering for so many people?
“To me, it’s like hosting a dinner party,” says Bree.
But there is always an element of surprise for the guests.
“There is!” says Bree.
“I make sure when the guests walk in, everything they see has an Irish connection-made or designed in Ireland by an Irish owned company.”
Bree is in good company.
“I love shopping!” says Bree.
“If I go to a Craft Fair anywhere in Ireland and see something I like, I will get in touch with the maker. I spend a lot of time looking for different things and looking for new talent getting a feel for different products. I love jewellery and pottery. And I love food!”
She’s in the right place. She always was.
“Cully and I got married in the Grainstore,” says Bree. “We have lots of weddings here.” How does Bree get on with the boss?
“Rory and I have a very good working relationship,” says Bree. “We work very well together.”
Families that eat together stay together.
“The staff lunch is a daily event,” says Bree.
It is a welcome event.
“We grab it when we can!” Bree is well nourished in the place she loves so well.
“I believe in nourishing every aspect of people’s lives.”
- The Grainstore Ballymaloe Shanagarry P25 FH67; See: thegrainstore@ballymaloe.com; Call: 021-465 2531
