Green Mug Cafe offering Irish charm and Korean flavour with Australian breakfast classics
A unique blend of Irish charm and Korean flavour has landed in North Queensland, as a husband-and-wife bring their extensive hospitality experience to their new venture.
Townsville
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A unique blend of Irish charm and Korean flavour has landed in North Queensland, as a husband-and-wife bring their extensive hospitality experience to their new venture.
Since opening in March, The Green Mug Cafe has quickly become a local favourite, known for its hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunch options, and welcoming atmosphere.
The owners, Seamus Moriarty and Jane Lee first crossed paths in Sydney in 2009 and after 15 years working in bustling pubs and cafes across the city, the pair made the move north for a new opportunity.
“The people are the same, they just want the same thing, they want somewhere safe, secure, with plenty of offerings that’s affordable,” Mr Moriarty said.
Before launching their cafe, Seamus was the original manager at the North Shore Tavern. But the pull of starting something of his own, with a personal touch, eventually took over.
“It’s a bit of an Irish, personal thing for me,” he said.
“There’s a pub where my dad grew up, right next to where his family home used to be, it was called The Green Room.”
He said if the couple ever expanded and opened up a second venue, he would name it exactly after the iconic pub.
The cafe offers a mix of Aussie classics, like eggs benedict, but also features dishes inspired by the couple’s childhoods in Ireland and Korea — an element that’s quickly becoming a drawcard.
The couple have introduced two culturally-inspired specials — and decided to have a little fun with it.
“With brunch at the moment, we’re actually having a bit of a competition between me and my wife because we have two dishes, one from Korea and one from Ireland that are going well,” he said.
“We have an Irish chicken curry made with McDonald’s Irish chicken curry base and a Korean beef bulgogi bowl.”
These have been flying off the shelves for the business and they have plans to expand on their lunch dishes in the future.
“It’s definitely not something that’s available anywhere else in town,” he said.
“Irish style is integrated better to the Australian model but Korean has definitely started to take off in Townsville.”
Conveniently located, The Green Mug Cafe has become a go-to spot for teachers from St Margaret Mary’s College, as well as staff, patients, and visitors from the nearby Mater Private Hospital.
When they’re not busy serving up meals, Seamus and Jane enjoy spending time outdoors with their three-year-old son, embracing the North Queensland lifestyle.
Originally published as Green Mug Cafe offering Irish charm and Korean flavour with Australian breakfast classics
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