Tea time: In the footsteps of the gentry

KILKENNY County Council is inviting local entrepreneurs to a tea party.
Refurbishment work at ‘Tea Houses’ on the bank of the River Nore is nearing completion and the council is seeking tenders from parties interested in operating a coffee/café type service from these historic buildings.
This is an opportunity to develop a possible thriving business in a beautiful location once used by the so-called gentry for afternoon tea .
Details of the tender will be available on E-Tenders from this Friday, February 18,.
The buildings are part of the Abbey Quarter site in the heart of Kilkenny City and there is lots of nearby parking.
They are located at the entrance to the comparatively new Riverside Garden and Skatepark amenity area.
The houses are also adjacent to the bus stop for the city bus service.
The houses are dated 19th Century when they were known as Pleasure Houses.
Thanks to funding from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the council is bringing them back into use, with modern services in heritage landmark buildings.
Tony Lauhoff, Senior Engineer, Kilkenny County Council, confirmed that work is progressing nicely and he is looking forward to seeing the tea house buildings get a new lease of life.