Owner of Thyme in Athlone lodges plans for former Corner House Bistro site

John Coffey, the proprietor and head chef of the award-winning Athlone restaurant Thyme, has submitted plans to Westmeath County Council for proposed works at the former Corner House Bistro premises in the centre of the town.

The proposed development is at 7 Mardyke Street, Athlone, the site where the Corner House Bistro closed in January 2024, following 12 years in business. The new planning application cites Mr Coffey as the current owner of the premises.

The planning application at the protected structure is seeking permission for change of use of the existing lower ground floor apartment from residential use to a commercial kitchen, and associated food preparation areas, in support of the existing restaurant.

Should planning permission for the development be approved by the council, it could lead to the reopening of a prime premises in the heart of Athlone after it has been idle for more than two and a half years.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent, Mr Coffey did not wish to comment on the planning application which was submitted to the local authority on July 14.

The plans also proposed to remove an existing external steel escape staircase and construct an extension incorporating a new protected internal staircase linking the lower ground floor commercial kitchen with the ground floor restaurant.

Additional proposed works include internal alterations and refurbishment to the existing ground floor and existing first floor, together with associated internal alterations and elevational modifications.

Thyme, the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant based at Custume Place, was established almost two decades ago by Mr Coffey and his wife, Tara.

It has grown its reputation steadily since then for the consistency and quality of its food offering which makes extensive use of local produce sourced from producers across the Midlands.

In February of this year, the restaurant retained its listing in the 2026 Michelin Guide for the eighth consecutive year, while Mr Coffey added to Thyme's accolades when he was awarded the 'best chef in Leinster' honour at the Irish Restaurant Awards in May of this year.

The planning application for the former Corner House Bistro premises is due to receive a decision from Westmeath County Council on or before September 7.