2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Eoin Shortiss)
A well-known Leeside businessman is bringing back Cork's traditional 'neighbour butchers' as he opens his new store on the Northside. The team at Tobin's Block held their grand opening at 8.30am today at the site of the old McCarthy's Meat Market shop in Gurranabraher, which closed back in December 2022.
Run by entrepreneur Colin Tobin, the store currently employs five staff - including two experienced butchers to give customers fresh cuts on-site - and also offers a range of frozen meats, prepared meals, fresh veg and groceries. It's only their first day of business, but store staff have been run off their feet all day long as Northsiders come out in droves to offer their best wishes and place early orders for Christmas. Owner Colin already runs a number of businesses in the area - including the Top of the Hill Bar and Restaurant and Stylez hair salon - and said he knows he can count on the Gurranabraher community to support local.
Read More: Cork food among the best in the world as two takeaway faves on Deliveroo's Top 100 list Read More: Exciting times as East Cork food truck owners expand with new Italian takeaway He said: "I wanted to employ a highly skilled, trained and experienced team to bring back the traditional butchers, where people can get fresh, clean cuts on site. The price of meats today has of course gone up, but I hope also to be able to look after people in terms of prices. "All my businesses are based in Gurranabraher.
I was born and raised here, and my goal is to give back to the community and be as good to them as they've been to me." You can check out a video tour of the new store above - but if can't make it there in-person today, don't worry. Tobin's Block family butchers is open from 8.
30am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am-3pm on Saturdays. The store is closed on Sundays.
The new opening is welcome news for Leesiders, bringing back the traditional 'neighbourhood butchers' that have slowly been disappearing across the county - in part due to the rising costs crisis. Cork city alone has lost a number of these stores in recent years, including O'Flynn's on Malboro St. and historic English Market traders Bresnan's Butchers back in 2022.
McCarthy's Meat Market also closed in Gurranabraher two years ago after almost a decade of serving families on the Northside. Owners Derek and Hilda said the decision was made 'with a heavy heart', but continue to operate out of their second store in Bishopstown..
