Ready for a fresh start? For Chef Sam Moody, the move to Ireland's Midlands was a game-changer, proving that sometimes, the best decisions are the unexpected ones. This British chef, who's cooked in Michelin-starred kitchens and earned one of his own, found a new home and a new life in the heart of Ireland.
Originally from the UK, Chef Moody, along with his wife Emily, made the leap to the Midlands in 2017. They were seeking a new adventure, and the opportunity to be head chef at Ballyfin Demense was the perfect catalyst.
He now runs Bramley restaurant in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. "From the minute we arrived, we were made to feel really welcome and part of the community," he says.
The Midlands is a region on the rise, home to over 320,000 people and one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. It's also the youngest, with 50% of the population under 35.
Chef Moody's experience reflects the welcoming nature of the area. Having lived in various parts of the UK, he found the Midlands to be a place where he quickly felt at home. "I spent a lot of a long time in the southwest of England where the community was stronger, maybe than in the southeast and so I felt quite at home quite quickly," he added.
Since settling in the Midlands eight years ago, life has changed dramatically. The couple now have three children, and Chef Moody has opened his own restaurant, Bramley. He emphasizes the better work-life balance the region offers, where he doesn't have to work grueling hours to succeed. "You have the space to both be commercially successful and independent," he said.
He describes the pace of life as relaxed and slow, a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of other places. While there are challenges, such as finding childcare, the community comes together to support each other.
When asked if he'd encourage others to start a business in the Midlands, his answer is a resounding yes. He sees abundant opportunities and forward momentum, as evidenced by the growing number of restaurants opening in the area.
Efforts are underway to attract more people to live, work, and learn in the Midlands, which encompasses the counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath.
'Midlands Ireland' is actively promoting development in the region. They organized a showcase in Athlone, bringing together businesses, educators, communities, and innovators. Companies like Abbott Ireland, Ericsson, Mersus Technologies, and TAPiTAG were present.
The showcase included a study area where attendees could engage with third-level colleges like Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone. The region's Education and Training Boards highlighted apprenticeship opportunities, and there was a specialized demo area with STEM officers and Microsoft.
Panel discussions covered topics such as Just Transition, Investing in the Midlands, STEM Education, Expanding into Tourism, Supporting Business, Creating Clusters and Collectives, Re-skilling, Sustainability, Organic Food, and Regenerative Tourism. The showcase also highlighted the arts, heritage, and attractions in the region. The Midlands is also home to some of Ireland's biggest events including Electric Picnic and the Ploughing Championships.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Midlands is often overlooked, yet it's experiencing rapid growth.
What do you think? Would you consider a move to a less-traveled region for a better quality of life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
