Carlow’s vibrant food scene takes centre stage this autumn as celebrity chef Rachel Allen joins some of the county’s top chefs for a live cookery demonstration. The event takes place at the Seven Oaks Hotel on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 8 p.m., marking the official launch of Carlow Restaurant Week, running from Saturday, October 25th – Sunday, November 2nd.
Guests will enjoy a live three-course cookery demonstration, accompanied by freshly baked breads and local cheeses, with every dish inspired by Carlow’s culinary traditions and crafted by chefs passionate about local ingredients. This interactive evening is more than a cookery demonstration—it’s a celebration of Carlow food, offering guests practical tips and creative ideas and is a rare opportunity to see one of Ireland’s most beloved culinary figures share the stage with Carlow’s own food heroes.
A fully equipped display kitchen, supported by professional IT, ensures every guest can see the action, while Rachel Allen shares her expertise and valuable tips while the chefs are demonstrating their individual courses. All funds raised go to the Carlow Lions Club Christmas Food Appeal in association with Carlow St Vincent de Paul.
The evening begins with Onion Bahjii, prepared by Jamiul Alam, owner and chef at the New Moon Indian Restaurant in Tullow and Bronze Medal winner at Blas na hÉireann 2024. His vibrant vegetarian dish using produce from Carlow Farmers Market combines traditional flavours, offering a delicious and aromatic start to the evening.
Next up is a hearty Savoury Beef and Carlow Ale Pie served with Rooster Potatoes and Vegetables, presented by John Carey, charismatic chef at the Seven Oaks Hotel. Known for his entertaining style in the kitchen, John brings both personality and precision to his cooking on the night. His dish celebrates the very best of Carlow produce – tender Wagyu beef from Coppenagh House Farm near Tullow where cattle are reared with care, ensuring exceptional quality and flavour. The beef is slow-cooked with local Carlow ale from Carlow Brewing Company and topped with a golden, buttery pastry, while the county’s famous Rooster potatoes are served on the side.
The evening concludes on a refreshing note with Sour Apple Pannacotta, Honey and Whiskey Caramel and Dehydrated Apple created by Caolán Prendergast, Head Chef at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. Caolán is recognised as one of Carlow’s most talented young chefs, with a gift for balancing flavour and texture. His elegant dessert captures the crisp flavours of the season, with ingredients all locally based - honey from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel’s own bee hive, whiskey from Walsh Whiskey, milk and cream from the Village Dairy and apples from local orchards.
To accompany the three courses, Cian Waters, co-owner of Waterlilies, will prepare a range of sourdough breads, carefully paired with a selection of local cheeses from Carlow Farmhouse Cheese, ensuring a food experience that showcases the very best of Carlow’s vibrant food scene.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said:
“Carlow County Council is delighted to partner with Carlow Tourism on this event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, learn more about the great local food producers and chefs that work within Carlow’s food sector. Events like these highlight the value of our food sector to the county and I would encourage everyone to attend and experience what promises to be a memorable night.”
Michael Walsh, Chairman of Carlow Tourism, added:
“The Carlow Food Network, supported by Carlow County Council, plays a vital role in supporting its thirteen members while also championing our local producers. Restaurant Week provides an important platform for chefs, restaurants and food businesses to showcase their commitment to local while also delivering on sustainability and climate action while also giving locals and visitors a chance to experience dishes that are both seasonal and rooted in Carlow’s rich food heritage.”
Carlow Cooks with Rachel Allen marks the official start of Carlow Restaurant Week 2025, a nine-day celebration of the county’s vibrant food culture. Running from Saturday, October 25th – Sunday November 2nd, the programme features an exciting mix of events from the fourteen members of the Carlow Food Network which range from pumpkin carving workshops to themed afternoon teas, gourmet food experiences, and “meet the maker” showcases. Alongside the many events during the week, each premises has placed a special Carlow dish on their menu, showing the diversity of flavours across the county. These include The Rooster Booster Soup at Goodly Barrow Café, Eggs Con Tomate at Waterlilies, and three creations from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel — the Clonmore Beef Burger, Sour Apple Pannacotta and Pumpkin Pie dessert. For further information go to https://carlowtourism.com/carlow-food-network/