"We've been working 14-hour days to get this up and running," says Yvonne Fallon of the stylish new 60-seater branch of Queen of Tarts just opened in Dublin's Temple Bar, "and I feel like I've given birth," quips her sister and co-owner Regina, writes Marie-Claire Digby
The sisters, originally from Athlone, both trained as pastry chefs and worked in New York before returning to Ireland 10 years ago and setting up their first Queen of Tarts on Dame Street, which will remain open in addition to the latest addition.
The new premises, which has a sunny terrace on a pedestrianised street, has a more extensive lunch menu, "with a focus on meat-free dishes", says Yvonne, as well as their signature savoury tarts and tantalising cakes.
The sisters describe the decor of their new shop as "country French" and they sourced many of the antique pieces themselves. "A customer walked in yesterday and looked around and just went 'Wow'," Yvonne says with pride.
Queen of Tarts is at 3-4 Cow's Lane,Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Opening hours are 7.30am (for the hugely popular vegetarian breakfasts) until 6pm. "We will be staying open later at some stage, for early dinners, but that's a work in progress."