The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge in Ballingarry, Co Limerick is the recipient of the “Front of House Team of the Year - Ireland” 2018 Yes Chef Ireland Award.
Proprietor John Edward Joyce was present at the glittering awards’ ceremony in the Limerick Strand Hotel on Tuesday 24 October to receive the accolade.
John Edward took up the reins as the new owner of West Limerick’s top country house hotel last year. No stranger to the business, the Connemara native came to work for original owner, Dan Mullane, 25 years ago when the Mustard Seed was in its original location in Adare.
“A cousin living in Adare told me about the job and I came to work the autumn season with no plans to return after Christmas,” John Edward explained. “However, I enjoyed the experience so much and living in the area, I couldn’t wait to return the following spring and have had no inclination to leave since!”
In 1995 the Mustard Seed relocated to a 19th century convent on 10 acres in Ballingarry and the Victorian building was converted into a comfortable country house that now boasts 16 luxurious en suite rooms as well as the fine dining restaurant which is open to non residents. Head chef Angel Pirev excels in the kitchen creating mouth watering seasonal dishes incorporating ingredients grown in the gardens on the grounds.
“Dan always described himself as the ‘caretaker’,” says John Edward. “It is a role that I am proud and privileged to take on and the team and I strive to consistently provide the excellent hospitality and high standard of service that is synonymous with the Mustard Seed. The Yes Chef award is the result of hard work and dedication not only front of house, but from the wonderful team behind the scenes.”
