SOLAS – New chef and Ireland’s largest mural

9th June 2022

While the sun may be reluctant to shine this summer, SOLAS continues to radiate success with an ever-improving offering.

The 2 big developments this week are:

1 – New Chef

It was very much a case of ‘love at first taste’ when the Food team at SOLAS first approached Allan Hendry (Originally from Scotland but now firmly a resident of these parts) to join our team.

Allan is a young but very experienced chef and has built a great reputation for the quality of his food over the last number of years working here in Co. Laois.

The dynamic duo of chef Allan and Food Manger Caoilfhionn are key to turning SOLAS into an oasis of good food that SOLAS is destined to become.

2 – Ireland’s Largest Mural

After months of planning and discussion, the team at SOLAS have finalised plans for a 440 sq. m mural covering the entire main container wall and light tower façade.

David Maher co-owner of SOLAS explains: “We had wanted to paint the container wall at SOLAS since we opened but we just needed to really come up with a design which encompassed our ethos – beautiful plants, great food, markets, the environment and community.

“We worked through multiple designs and are really proud of what come up with.”

Street Artist Adam Warren and his team will start on the project next week. It is hoped that the project will be completed well in advance of the French Festival celebrations at SOLAS on the 16-17 July.

The art piece will encompass 10 * 40ft containers making the mural will the largest of its kind ever painted in Ireland.

Weekly Farmers’ Market

This Saturday 18 June will have a strong focus on food from:

‘Gingers BBQ’: slow cooked top of the range BBQ chicken and Beef
‘Fun Foods’: offer a wonderful range of freshly made waffles and crepes
‘Pure Food’: Amazing range of Thai spring rolls and Dumplings
‘The Hungry Hungarian’: The very best of ethnic food from Budapest
Also look out for fresh flower bouquets from ‘The Blooms’, Value and quality meats from Feighery’s butchers, organic Meat, Fresh local vegetables, Bread, cakes, candles, Jewellery and a range of ‘Taste of Laois’ Products.

SOLAS – Food

Our featured drink this week is our New iced coffee range for the summer!

SOLAS – Plants

Our featured plant of the week is ‘Callistemon’ more commonly known as ‘Bottlebrush’ and it comes in a 3L Pot. This half hardy evergreen shrub will grow to approx. 1m and has aromatic, long & slender lance shaped leaves.

As ever our team of horticulturists Veronica, Anna and Damon are on hand 7 days a week for advice and planting tips.

SOLAS – Events

SOLAS has teamed up with ‘The Rediscovery Centre’ to run this FREE ‘Circular Economy Academy’ event on the Thursday 30 June at 11am provides business support services including advice for start-up, circular business planning, development, funding, diversification and training.

The Academy also supports organisations to replicate the Rediscovery Centre’s successful paint, furniture, fashion and bicycle reuse initiatives.