Ann Sheehy: Bastion Kitchen

Part of our series of articles on businesses led by female entrepreneurs.

Bastion Kitchen is a thriving café and health food store based in Athlone.

Owned by Roscommon native Ann Sheehy, the business has been in operation from 1 Bastion Street, on Athlone’s left bank, since July 2013.

Ann, who lives in Athlone with her husband and two daughters, said the motivation for the business was and remains to provide quality, wholesome, health-conscious food.

The appetising menu focuses on quality fresh produce and although the cafe is strong on vegan and vegetarian food, it also caters to a wide clientele and offers chicken and pulled pork options too.

There is a focus on organic and locally-sourced produce where possible. It currently uses local suppliers including Waldron’s Meats, Durrow Mills, Kilbeggan Porridge, Millhouse Organic Farm, Lennon’s Fruit and Veg, Ballymore Honey and Meadowsweet Apiaries.

The café normally operates seating and take away options, but in the Covid-19 restrictions, it has restructured its offering and is currently providing a take-away service as well as, online, delivery, and parcel options

There’s a full takeaway menu available at the excellent online store (www.bastionkitchen.online) as well as its complete range of healthfood products.

From the website, customers can click and collect or choose a local delivery option and the café also operates a parcel service where appropriate.

A popular option on the online store at present is the Bastion Boost Box range, including coffee and health boost boxes.

Bastion Kitchen also makes its own range of in-house sauces, pestos, hummus and relishes which are available in store, online and from local shops.

Bastion Kitchen is currently open from 9-4.30pm Wednesday to Saturday – keep an eye on their social media channels for any changes.

She is also appreciative of other female business owners in Athlone through networking, support and sharing of advice.

Check out www.bastionkitchen.com; phone: 090 6498365; email: bastionk1tchen@gmail.com; or follow them on facebook.com/bastionkitchenathlone/ and instagram.com/bastionkitchenathlone/