Avoca Handweavers is to open a new outlet in the former Foxhunter pub in Lucan, Dublin.
The Foxhunter is something of a landmark in the area, with a prominent location on the N4 - the main Dublin to Sligo road - beside one of the busiest petrol stations in the country. There has been a pub on this site since the 19th century. The premises was sold in 2007 for around €17 million but trade declined and it closed in December 2012. It has not been used since then.
The property was in receivership before Avoca bought it earlier this year and South Dublin County Council has now given Avoca permission to change the use of the premises. This Avoca outlet will mostly be devoted to a food market and a café and will also contain a small shop, according to Avoca managing director Simon Pratt. It will be similar to Avoca's Monkstown outlet, Salt@Avoca.
Avoca will begin internal work on the premises shortly, with a view to opening in March 2015. The Lucan branch will employ around 50 people and will be the 12th branch of the successful and popular Wicklow-based food and craft company.
The news has been welcomed by locals and community representatives from the Lucan area.
