The Hollytree is an expression of Kate’s joy in feeding the people she loves and creating lasting memories.
This stems from a special childhood in Main Street, Tulla, with her Mam and Dad, Pat and Kitty Leyden, along with her seven siblings. Her parents were both great cooks, cooking simple food with buckets of flavour.
“No bland food in the Leyden house.”
Kate has great memories of her Dad’s tasty mushrooms roasting on the range or his comforting salmon white sauce. No one can come close to her mam’s potato stuffing or pancakes. These dishes always created a feeling of joy which she vividly remembers several years later.
Needless to say, Kate realised very early that food and celebrating go hand in hand and she is at her happiest when she is feeding a houseful of friends and family.
“Birthdays were always celebrated in the house, whether we liked it or not. Homemade strawberry shortcake was the traditional birthday cake. We are so thankful that Mam, Kitty, was always on hand with the camera because today we have hundreds of photos that we love to look at when we get together .”
After spending 15 years in the financial industry, Kate was given the opportunity to make a fresh start. Her training with Ballymaloe Cookery School reinforced her love for everything local and seasonal, and gave her the skills and confidence to open The Hollytree.
Our ethos is simple , cook with only the finest of ingredients in small batches. And make everything as if my mam is tasting it!
Kate is supported by husband, Martin, and three children, Lara, Jenny & Sean, and all her extended family and friends. She is eternally grateful to them for their help, patience and encouragement in making her dream of ‘The Holly Tree’ a reality.
Thanks to our growing network of local growers, food producers and suppliers. Thanks to our talented team of catering professionals for their hard work and dedication. And, finally, thank YOU, our customers, who have allowed us to do what we love every day.
