Popular Laois pub to become 'gastropub' restaurant as new proprietors share plans

Turley's Bar in Mountmellick is entering a new chapter as it prepares to become The Old Canal Gastro Pub.

A brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen is currently under construction and new proprietors, Joanne Deegan and award-winning chef Barry Liscombe, are leading the transformation.

The new venture aims to create a welcoming gastro pub experience that celebrates Mountmellick's heritage while bringing high-quality food, hospitality, and community spirit to the town.

The proprietors are bringing their passion, experience and a shared vision to the transformation.

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Joanne, a proud Mountmellick native, is delighted to be back in her hometown.

“I am focused on creating a welcoming space that locals can truly call their own, somewhere that blends the warmth of a traditional pub with the quality and atmosphere of a modern gastro venue,” she said.

The business move will also bring much needed jobs to Mountmellick.

“In addition to the current staff members already working in the pub, all of whom are from the local area which is fantastic, we have been recruiting,” Joanne confirmed to Laois Live / The Leinster Express.

“Our starting team has already been recruited, with additional jobs created for floor staff, the kitchen team, and a Bar Manager to name a few. As the business grows we will recruit additional team members later to meet demand,” she said.

She also confirmed their target opening date.

“Once the kitchen construction is complete, we are hopeful to be serving the public during the second or third week in July,” she said.

Joanne has a passion for hospitality and is bringing her strong background in sales, marketing and hospitality management back to her home town.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, to bring a new energy to a place that means so much to the town. We want The Old Canal to feel familiar and welcoming, but with something really special on the plate,” Joanne said.

Meanwhile award-winning Chef Barry Liscombe is best known locally for his time as Executive Head Chef with Hartes of Kildare, so is bringing plenty of experience to the couple’s exciting Mountmellick project.

Barry has built a reputation for transforming local pubs into industry leading gastropubs.

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He champions local produce, with a passion for Irish food heritage. Barry has earned multiple industry awards throughout his career, including Inclusion in The top 100 restaurants in Ireland, for seven years in a row and a recommendation in the Michelin Guide.

He prides himself on an approach that is simple, based on great ingredients, cooked with care, and served in a relaxed, friendly setting.

“We are creating food that people will be excited to come back for. Good, honest cooking with a few surprises along the way, is all about giving Mountmellick a dining experience to be proud of,” he said.

Together they are planning a “premium gastro pub menu featuring modern Irish dishes alongside elevated pub favourites with comfort and quality at the forefront”.

The new name is a nod to the Grand Canal that once ran as far as Mountmellick, ending right next door. Turley’s pub already had a ‘Canal End’ on the east side of the pub.