East Cork's award-winning Cush to relocate to site of popular Midleton restaurant 

The Michelin Guide-listed Cush was among 16 other spots in Great Britain and Ireland that won a Bib Gourmand in 2022. 

The new restaurant, which will be named Cush Midleton, will open on March 15 to coincide with St Patrick's weekend. 

Head chef Dan Guerin said it was a "fantastic opportunity to bring Cush to Midleton, where we can expand on our offering in a beautiful premises”. 

"We’ve been on an incredible journey with Cush for the last 5 years, with so many milestones, including receiving the esteemed Michelin Bib Gourmand and being recognised by industry peers on several occasions," he said. 

"But what’s always mattered most to us is delivering a top-quality dining experience to our loyal customers in East Cork and beyond," Mr Guerin added. 

The Ballycotton restaurant — Cush Ballycotton — will remain in the village as a guesthouse and bar.

Midleton has seen a number of restaurants shut in recent years in what has been a blow to the town. 

The Farmgate restaurant, which had been operating in Midleton for over 40 years, had to relocate following the devastation caused by Storm Babet in 2023. A month's worth of rain fell in Midleton in just 24 hours during the storm, and the Farmgate's owners said at the time the costs to restore the building were "far beyond our means."

Sage announced it was closing in June last year, with owners Kevin and Réidín Aherne saying: “We both feel the time is right for us to re-adjust in what's been a truly unforgettable period in our lives, one which we have loved sharing with everyone who has walked through our doors during the years.

"Sage will continue (albeit) in a new direction. Sage Products will be keeping us busy as we develop the Sage brand with new developments on the horizon," they said. 

Church Lane also closed last year, with the owners saying "rising running costs and the 13.5% Vat rate has made it very difficult for new and independent food businesses to thrive".