NO LONGER IN BUSINESS
The Kernal Bar and Kitchen, located within the Kilkenny Inn Hotel, opened its doors in March 2017 and unfortunately has since ceased trading. The restaurant's name drew inspiration from the historic hill at St. Canice's Cathedral, often considered the heart of Kilkenny City's origins.
Initially, the unusual spelling of "Kernal" might have puzzled some, but it was a clever play on the word "kernel," symbolising the central point from which the city grew. This creative wordplay effectively connected the establishment to Kilkenny's rich history and prime location.
The Rise of "Bar and Kitchen"
The closure of The Kernal Bar and Kitchen is regrettable, especially since it represented an emerging trend in the Irish pub scene: rebranding as "Bar and Kitchen." While the exact moment this trend began is unclear, it likely gained traction in the mid-2010s, reflecting a shift towards a more modern, food-focused pub experience.
Several factors contributed to this shift:
Evolving Food Scene: Irish pubs have moved beyond basic bar snacks, embracing more sophisticated cuisine. "Bar and Kitchen" emphasises this culinary focus.
Modernisation: Renovations have created contemporary spaces, attracting a broader clientele. The term "Bar and Kitchen" aligns with this modern aesthetic.
Gastropub Influence: The rise of gastropubs, prioritising high-quality food, has impacted traditional pub terminology.
Kilkenny Inn Hotel Sale
In January 2022, the Kilkenny Inn Hotel was put on the market for €4.8 million. The property included the hotel's 30 refurbished guest rooms, the two-story Kernel Bar & Restaurant, a separate breakfast room, a meeting space, and 25 car parking spaces.
Planning permission had been granted in 2021 for a substantial expansion, including 66 additional bedrooms and a ground-floor cafe. However, it's unclear if these plans were implemented by the new owner following the sale.
While details of the sale remain private, the hotel's unique features and potential for growth likely attracted significant interest.
Initially, the unusual spelling of "Kernal" might have puzzled some, but it was a clever play on the word "kernel," symbolising the central point from which the city grew. This creative wordplay effectively connected the establishment to Kilkenny's rich history and prime location.
The Rise of "Bar and Kitchen"
The closure of The Kernal Bar and Kitchen is regrettable, especially since it represented an emerging trend in the Irish pub scene: rebranding as "Bar and Kitchen." While the exact moment this trend began is unclear, it likely gained traction in the mid-2010s, reflecting a shift towards a more modern, food-focused pub experience.
Several factors contributed to this shift:
Evolving Food Scene: Irish pubs have moved beyond basic bar snacks, embracing more sophisticated cuisine. "Bar and Kitchen" emphasises this culinary focus.
Modernisation: Renovations have created contemporary spaces, attracting a broader clientele. The term "Bar and Kitchen" aligns with this modern aesthetic.
Gastropub Influence: The rise of gastropubs, prioritising high-quality food, has impacted traditional pub terminology.
Kilkenny Inn Hotel Sale
In January 2022, the Kilkenny Inn Hotel was put on the market for €4.8 million. The property included the hotel's 30 refurbished guest rooms, the two-story Kernel Bar & Restaurant, a separate breakfast room, a meeting space, and 25 car parking spaces.
Planning permission had been granted in 2021 for a substantial expansion, including 66 additional bedrooms and a ground-floor cafe. However, it's unclear if these plans were implemented by the new owner following the sale.
While details of the sale remain private, the hotel's unique features and potential for growth likely attracted significant interest.
NO LONGER IN BUSINESS