Mount Merrion Institution Michael’s has closed ‘with immediate effect’

A big loss for Mount Merrion-ites

Let's be honest there are not a lot of reasons why you would head to Mount Merrion, aside from visiting friends and family. One spot that absolutely put the salubriously leafy southside area on the map was Michael's, together with his hardworking team, Gaz Smith put it on the map, changed it to a destination, the type of place you'd shell out for a taxi or sacrifice your share of the wine to designated drive to. A lot is spoken about in terms of community, but Michael’s created a space for it, from the old dears who would toddle in for a boozy lunch or the families who celebrated their achievements topped up with a Jägerbomb. Unfortunately, Michael's time on Deerpark Road has come to an end with immediate effect, following the expiry of its lease.

Taking to Instagram Smith, admitted it was a "very emotional" decision to make following the success of his other restaurant Big Mike’s in Blackrock, which now needs his "entire Champions League squad there every day".

"It’s bittersweet we announce to all our local regular guests and to all the visitors who have travelled from afar to dine with us over the years, that the lease has expired at Michael’s in Mount Merrion," the post reads.

"For now, we’ll be focusing on wrapping up all the wonderful Michael’s magic and bringing the whole experience under one roof at Big Mike’s in Blackrock. I’m thinking fondly of all the memories created in this restaurant, the ’little room that could.'"

"Big Mike’s in Blackrock is entering phase (two), and it has become so successful that it needs my entire Champions League squad there every day, enhancing the guest experience and overseeing its thriving growth."

"Big Mike’s guests will soon see many familiar staff faces relocating from Mount Merrion, and even a few OGs coming out of retirement. Plus, I’ll be spending much more time in the kitchen rattling the pots ‘n’ pans."

"When we celebrate our second birthday at Big Mike’s, we will throw open the doors and invite all our Mount Merrion guests to stroll down the hill and raise a glass with us. It’s been a wonderful journey, and it’s only just the beginning… it’ll be some shindig."

The restaurant confirmed that vouchers are “super flexible” and can be used at Big Mike’s, in Blackrock.

Making this decision has been very, very emotional, I won’t lie. But I must put the business head firmly on, harness the giddy energy we all have and equip Big Mike’s to reach its true potential in Blackrock. One team, one dream, under one roof," Gaz said.

"We’ll be finishing up in Mount Merrion with immediate effect, leaving on very good terms with everybody and will be in touch with all existing reservations to provide an opportunity to come along for the ride with us in Big Mike’s, and of course the beautiful and brilliant Esther’s is still buzzing away on Deerpark Road if you need your seafood fix in Mount Merrion."

He thanked all guests and visitors for everything as he announced the closure on social media on Thursday, July 11th.

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