Third Generation Family Stall Expands
K O’Connell’s, a cherished family-run stall at the heart of Cork’s English Market for over 60 years, is expanding under the guidance of its third generation of traders. Emma O’Connell, granddaughter of the stall’s founder, Kathleen “Kay” O’Connell, has proudly opened Kay’s Kitchen, a new takeaway fish café located directly across from the original family stall in the market. This exciting addition brings fresh life to the longstanding family business with a modern twist.
Kay’s Kitchen offers a diverse menu of light bites, takeaways, and ready-made lunches priced from €5-€10. The new spot showcases a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including chowders, sandwiches, and a unique take on fish and chips, all sourced from K O’Connell’s trusted local suppliers. Customers can also enjoy a special service where they can request to have their fresh fish prepared on the spot.
Kay’s Kitchen is led by chefs Martina Cronin and Darren Connolly, both bringing extensive experience to this new venture. Martina was the owner of The Square Table in Blarney while Darren served as head chef at Arthur Mayne’s and owned Café Vega in Cobh. Together, they’ve crafted a diverse menu for this new café in the English Market.
This expansion from a simple fold-down table to a thriving multi-stall business underscores the O’Connell family’s dedication to serving Cork with top-quality seafood. Kay’s Kitchen continues the legacy, offering Cork residents and visitors a delicious, convenient way to experience the best of the English Market.
Emma O’Connell, third generation of the O’Connell stall said “K O’Connell’s is in my blood, and I’m incredibly proud to carry on my family’s legacy. Being part of such a beloved establishment is an honour, and I’m deeply thankful for the support we have received over the years.
Times are changing, which inspired me to open Kay’s Kitchen, making it easier for people to enjoy fresh, quality food even on busy days. Now, we can prepare and cook anything our customers need, and it’s all thanks to the dedication and talent of our amazing chefs.”
Brendan Walsh, Property Manager at the English Market added “I’m thrilled to welcome Kay’s Kitchen to the English Market. It’s inspiring to see a third-generation trader like Emma expand her family’s legacy with such passion and creativity. Kay’s Kitchen brings a fresh, modern dining experience while staying true to the rich heritage of the market. We’re excited for our customers to experience this new offering, which showcases the very best in local, freshly prepared food.”
The English Market is open 8am-6pm, Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays). For more information and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit The English Market social media pages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
