Finnegans is Falkirk's latest cafe

Giles Nicholl was head chef at Findlays in Falkirk Business Hub, which recently closed. Now he is preparing to head back to its kitchen – as owner of a completely new café business, Finnegans.

The new café, which will showcase wholesome, homecooked dishes that celebrate the pick of Irish and Scottish flavours as well as a range of international-inspired options, will launch on Monday, September 3.

Chef Giles has been backed in his new venture by Falkirk Business Hub and its owners Bellair (Scotland) Limited. The new café team includes five former members of Findlays staff.

Running his own business is a dream come true for the 47-year-old Falkirk-based chef after a career behind the scenes at well-known venues such as The Champany Inn near Linlithgow and The Unicorn in Kincardine.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming customers.

“It’s a completely new and independent business. I was keen to give a nod to my roots and worked with Bloe Creative in Brisbane on a brand that represents the business and me.

“Finnegans was the result and for me it speaks to our ‘chain free’ perspective supporting great tasting, home cooking with a focus on quality and in season produce.”

Diners can expect a wide range of cooked to order breakfast and lunch options including ever-popular paninis, and heartier dishes such as Irish stew and soda bread which reflect the chef’s Northern Ireland roots. There will also be a wide range of sweet treats including selections from The Cake Lady Falkirk.

Local suppliers include Falleninch Farm, Oliphants Bakers and Browns Butchers, and the regularly revamped menu will feature vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free 
choices.

Chef Giles added: “The Hub’s management team and Bellair (Scotland) Limited have been a huge support. They’ve helped invest in the business and offered management advice as well as sales and marketing.”

Finnegans will open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, and on Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm. Closed Sundays.