Former Head Chef at Ballyvolane House launches veggie food truck in Clonmel THIS FRIDAY!

Steve Mercer (41), a former Head Chef at Ballyvolane House is launching ‘The Oven’, a mobile restaurant serving vegetarian dishes in the heart of Clonmel, this Friday.

Steve, a classically trained chef who lives in Clonmel, has cooked for many distinguished guests during his time at Ballyvolane House, including the entourage of King Charles III' and Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom.

In July 2018 the then HRH Prince of Wales and HRH Duchess of Cornwall stayed at Ballyvolane House for a four-day official visit to Cork. During their residence Steve and his team catered for their Clarence House entourage.

Opening on the Friday 31st March, foodies can check out ‘The Oven’ on The Quay in Clonmel and enjoy its unique takeaway vegetarian dishes which are ideal for an office lunch or Friday treat. ‘The Oven’ can also be found at the Clonmel Farmers market at St Peter’s and Pauls School on a Saturday.

Steve said: “I am really excited about cooking in Clonmel. I want to bring a fresh high quality new offering to my new home town giving me chance to support local suppliers”

‘The Oven’ began back in 2021 as ‘The Chai Kitchen’, a horse box kitchen travelling around Tipperary and Cork catering for various events as well as a pop up cafe at Kilcoran Garden Centre.

More recently The Oven has been making a name for itself at the popular Clonmel Farmers Market serving a South Indian dahl and Cornish Pasties using ingredients sourced from the market and local Clonmel businesses.

The Oven will initially be open from 10-3 at the Quay car park on Fridays and at the Clonmel Farmers market at St Peter’s and Pauls School on a Saturday. It is also available to hire for events such as birthdays and weddings with bespoke menus available.

You can keep up to date with the latest developments for The Oven on Instagram or Facebook.