Graduate of Culinary Arts at SETU, chef Sam Cronin has announced he will open his first restaurant, ‘Lil’s’, located on Connolly Street in Clonakilty, Cork on 30 January 2025. Sam has named his restaurant in honour of his beloved grandmother.
Sam studied BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts at SETU, before working in high-end kitchens, which included the Michelin Star Lady Helen Restaurant, Kilkenny.
The awards have been stacking up for Sam, as he was crowned winner of Munster’s Chef of the Year and Ireland’s Chef of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards in 2023. He also took home the Judges Award this year at the YesChef Awards in May 2024 for his contribution to mentoring young chefs.
On why he chose Cork as the home of his first restaurant, Sam stated, “I chose Clonakilty because I grew up here, it just felt right. I also had my first job in this town aged 15, working in Richy’s Bar and Bistro. That experience gave me a great foundation.”
The opening is highly anticipated in the town of Clonakilty, with locals delighted that Sam Cronin’s culinary talent is returning home. In advance of the opening, Sam revealed, “It’s fine dining all the way for me, as it’s my craft. I think it’s the strongest menu I’ve created to date.”
SETU’s Culinary Arts lecturers are delighted with Sam’s new entrepreneurial endeavour, and wish him continued success in his career.
