The family-run award winning restaurant and countryside venue announces takeover of the city’s Petronella Restaurant
Ballyhale’s family-run Mountain View is delighted to announce its expansion into Kilkenny city through their takeover of Petronella restaurant. The relaunch of Petronella is a welcome addition to the O’Neill family’s continuing success within the Kilkenny and Irish restaurant and hospitality scenes. Petronella is the first sister restaurant of the family’s multiple award winning foodie destination venue Mountain View, which is located on 120 acres of Kilkenny countryside and is home to The Greenhouse Restaurant, a renowned wedding and private events venue, luxurious glamping village and is the setting of the South East’s largest weekly farmer’s market.
Commenting on the growth of their third generation family-run business, Mountain View co-owner and co-founder Bee O’Grady says “An opportunity to enter the restaurant scene in Kilkenny city doesn’t come around very often, particularly in a historic venue and well established restaurant such as Petronella. When we met the previous owners of Petronella, we connected with them straight away; our values of business, the vibrant restaurant scene and welcoming service we both pride ourselves in were truly aligned from the beginning of this journey.”
Speaking about their vision for Petronella, O’Grady comments “We wanted to bring our celebrated Mountain View style of experience, food, and service to the local dining scene in the city, while honouring Kilkenny’s heritage. Our team’s goal is to become a cherished part of the city’s restaurant scene, offering not just exceptional food but also a genuine, warm, and welcoming atmosphere.”
The exciting news of Mountain View’s expansion is coupled with the announcement of a new accomplished culinary lead at the Ballyhale estate. Kilkenny native Gerard Dunne holds the position of group executive chef at Mountain View, overseeing the culinary teams, the estate’s kitchen garden, and is head chef on all weddings and private events. Dunne joins the O’Neill family business from his most recent position as executive chef at the popular Kilkenny city restaurant Rive Gauche, and launches the new seasonal menu at Mountain View’s The Greenhouse Restaurant which focuses on sourcing and showcasing the best ingredients including local, natural and seasonal produce within a 60km radius where possible.
Gerard Dunne has curated the reinvented food offering at Petronella, with an emphasis on blending traditional Irish charm with modern European cuisine. His concept revolves around celebrating Ireland’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating global influences. Petronella is open from Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and opens Sunday for lunch service only.
Dating back to 1602, Petronella is rich in history. Located in one of the city’s oldest buildings on the bustling Butterslip Lane at the mediaeval heart of Kilkenny city, the origins of restaurant’s name is also steeped in the 700 year old remarkable story of Petronella De Meath, a name and story synonymous with Kilkenny’s tales and trails of witchcraft and heresy.
www.mountainview.ie – www.petronella.ie
