‘An unexpected development’ as Rory Gallagher announces new venture in Lanzarote

Donegal singer Rory Gallagher has announced an exciting new venture in Lanzarote where he already owns Rory’s Corner Bar.

He took to social media to share the news and to call on fans to help out with ideas for the new business.

Rory said: “Hi Folks! A very rapid and unexpected development has occurred.

“Our neighbours Tracy and Dirk have decided to retire and we are delighted they have accepted our offer on their lovely premises La Golosa.

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“We are happy that Dirk accepted our offer first above others because if anyone else took the cafe they were not obliged to stick to the same opening hours as Tracy and Dirk, and they could have really crippled us in Rory's Corner Bar by staying open till 1am if they wanted! So i really want to thank them for coming to us first considering we were nearly punching each other 4 years ago.

“But now we have a new huge dilemma. As Dirk totally had his own way of baking which we cannot replicate and they built up such a strong trade around his specific culinary skills, I think we will naturally have to go a different direction with the kitchen.

“We will be using the entire terrace now as an extension of Rory's Corner Bar. What a nice beer garden for the long Lanzarote summers, and we hope to introduce earlier opening hours for the bar asap .

“So what kind of direction to go with for the new menu? Have you any suggestions?

“Thank you all again from Cara, myself and the boys. None of this stuff would be possible without all the fantastic support you have shown us in the Irish Viking Lanza and Rory's Live Lounge these past few years.”

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The announcement has been met with a flood of good wishes and plenty of suggestions for the menu from traditional chipper style food to vegan and gluten free options - with a family recipe for scones being a recurring theme!

Here is a flavour of the reaction on the Rory and the Island Facebook page:

“Congratulations to the Gallagher clan. Get that apron on Rory and roll out the scones.”

“Class…. Lanza will be renamed Rory’s Island soon!”

“The one thing that pec doesn’t have is Thai food! That would be amazing.”

“Open as a steakhouse”

“Best wishes to you Cara and boys. You could get Mary B to bake her fantastic scones”

“Good on ye! Delighted for you both that things are going so well! Menu? We like omelettes, toasties, burgers, baguettes, Irish fry - simple stuff!”

“A good Irish chipper!”

“Get some proper vegan options on the menu, really opens it up to lots more families and couples where one person is vegan.”

“Congratulations and best of luck with the new place. Now you’ll have to get your Grandma’s recipe for scones and start baking.”

“Rory’s Prátaí… baked potatoes, or wings and chips. Congratulations!”

“Congratulations and best of luck. Maybe do light afternoon snacks - sandwiches, wraps, sausage rolls and of course scones with jam and cream. It would be a good start with food.”