It’s a long way from Northern Ireland, but Dawn and Victor Macfarlane are making Raglan their home and workplace.
Exchanging lough life for surf and sand, the couple from Killinchy, a small village nestled on the Stranford Lough – a lake where portions of the Game of Thrones was filmed – have bought the former Raglan Social Club.
Now named The Pantry, Dawn says changes are afoot but they are eager to find out the locals’ favourites and introduce a slice of Ireland into the menu.
“We’ll not break what’s not broken,” she says.
The vegan salads lovingly crafted by Ang Sowerby are a given and the couple say Ang is keen to develop the salad bar with more flavoursome and healthy vegan fare.
Dawn has had many years in the hospitality industry and Victor was in catering equipment repair and the couple says they are excited about operating a food business in Raglan.
“We came to Raglan to visit our son four years ago and fell in love with the place,” Victor says.
Over the next few months, the couple will introduce some specials to test the waters and are looking forward to sharing their favourite Irish bread recipes.
“We want people to come in and say hello,” Dawn says.
“You’ll get a nice friendly welcome.”
Janine Jackson
