Following the success of the first restaurant Sasta by the River, a second outlet named The Pantry at Sasta has just opened, offering the local community another trendy eatery to dine at. It will operate as a takeaway first and then outdoor dining will be available once restrictions ease following government’s guidelines.

The Pantry at Sasta offers a rotating menu of gourmet sandwiches, savouries, salads and pastries, with all food prepared by a talented and experienced team, using only the freshest of ingredients. The fit-out has an earthy vibe with a multitude of indoor plants and environmentally friendly pallet walls. The location is alongside the Lyreen River, overlooking the Mill Wheel, Maynooth Castle and Maynooth University.

Sasta by the River and The Pantry at Sasta were founded by Brian McNamara and Alina Bandol, both coming from a highly experienced hospitality background, who dreamed of creating a unique, trendy, casual eatery that utilises the outdoors for al fresco breakfast and brunch dining. Despite opening their first restaurant Sasta by the River during the pandemic in July 2020, they never felt any fear and had an unwavering belief in their business’s potential, even amid people who thought they might be “crazy” to open in such a challenging time.

One of the founders Brian McNamara said, “We are absolutely thrilled to open this new venture which we view as an extension of our existing business in the shopping centre. We had so many ideas we wanted to deliver in our first restaurant but did not manage to do so due to space constraints. We are now extremely pleased to open The Pantry at Sasta and fully realise all our plans that we wanted to achieve at the outset.”

Jenna Culligan from Sigma Retail Partners, who is the asset manager for Manor Mills Shopping Centre, said “When we first met Brian and Alina we were very impressed by their energy, passion and concept that they envisioned for the space, and we were excited by their food offerings. A year on, we are very happy that their first restaurant Sasta by the River has bedded down very well albeit in a challenging environment, so much so that they are opening a second location within the centre. I wish them all the best and I am confident that they will do well again with this sister restaurant.”

Built in 2005, Manor Mills Shopping Centre is centrally located within Maynooth town itself and is located adjacent to Maynooth University. The shopping centre is home to 30 retailers including Dunnes Stores, Costa Coffee, Carraig Donn, Eason and Hickeys Pharmacy. There are over 500 free car parking spaces in a covered car park.