A new culinary experience which recently opened its doors in Lurgan is tickling the taste buds of diners from near and far.
Jireh – Filipino Asian Cuisine and Café has taken Lurgan town by storm opening on Market Street in December 2024 and the excitement in the community is palpable.
Owned and run by Victoria Talbot, a Filipino native, Victoria moved to Northern Ireland in 1997 and dedicated much of her life to nursing. Speaking to UrbanABC she said “I’ve been a nurse since 1999, working in the Craigavon Area Hospital’s Orthopaedic and Surgical Ward for 25 years”.
“It’s been a very fulfilling career but I just wanted to do something different”.
Despite her successful career in healthcare, Victoria always dreamed of owning her own restaurant. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. The idea of creating a space where people can come together and enjoy good food really inspires me,” she explained.
Her dream took a significant step forward when she enrolled in the Go Succeed programme in July 2024. “The support I received was invaluable. They helped me with everything from writing a business plan to navigating the legal aspects of opening a restaurant,” Victoria recalled.
During her journey to open Jireh, Victoria had a serendipitous encounter that would change the course of her entrepreneurial journey. While attending a Filipino Community Church service in Portadown, she struck up a conversation with two talented chefs who were also members of the congregation.
This chance meeting turned out to be pivotal for her vision of bringing Filipino and Asian cuisine to life. As they chatted, Victoria shared her dream of opening a restaurant and her passion for cooking. They had worked in various kitchens, honing their skills in different cuisines, and were eager to explore new culinary ventures.
Recognising a shared passion for food, they quickly connected over their love for cooking and the desire to create memorable dining experiences.
After months of hard work, she picked up the keys to her new establishment in September 2024. The renovations were primarily cosmetic, allowing her to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners.
Victoria’s commitment to her restaurant is evident. She is not only the owner but also the front-of-house manager, handling marketing, bookings and even the cleaning at the end of the night. “It’s a lot of work, but I love it. I want to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and has a great experience,” she said with a smile.
Jireh can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it a perfect spot for gatherings and celebrations.
To introduce the community to her culinary offerings, Victoria has organised an ‘All You Can Eat’ event on March 1st, featuring ten different styles of Filipino and Asian cuisine. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to taste a variety of dishes. We want to showcase the flavours of our menu,” she stated. The event will be split into three sessions, each accommodating 50 people for just £15.99.
“I was amazed when two of the three sittings sold out almost immediately, so we are only able to accommodate in the 1pm – 3pm sitting”.
Victoria’s passion for food and her community shines through in her words. “The local support has been incredible. I feel so grateful to be able to share my culture and cuisine with the people of Lurgan,” she expressed.