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One of Donegal’s best bakers will officially open her own coffee shop this Monday.
Esther McConnell, famous for her home bakes, branched out this summer to open her cafe on Milford Main Street.
This Monday 1st September at 2.30pm, everyone is welcome to celebrate the opening and see what makes Esther’s food so special.
It’s no secret. Esther’s ethos is simply to keep everything as local as possible, as fresh as possible and as homemade as possible.
For 15 years, Esther’s Home Bakes has been creating stunning cakes for all special occasions.
Since opening the coffee shop in June, the same cakes and bakes have been flying off the shelves, as have the freshly made sandwiches.
“Everything we use in the coffee shop is home made,” Esther proudly tells us.
“The ham is home roasted, the quiche, our famous sausage rolls, chips, everything is homemade.
“Our tray bakes, cakes, desserts are made by myself and we have a huge Gluten free range as well and yes, they are all homemade. Our scones Plain, Fruit or Raspberry & White Chocolate are made fresh every morning and they are served with my homemade strawberry jam. We also have a great selection of homemade jam available for sale as well,” said Esther.
Esther’s Home Bakes in Milford
For the big breakfast, the sausages are sourced from a local butcher. The bacon is home-cured and the pudding is described as the best of the best.
“Our tasty sandwiches on the freshest of bread are not made the night before they are made to order and you can really tell the difference. Everything in our salad bar is made from scratch and even some of our customers drop in produce to us like cucumbers and rhubarb etc they have grown.”
“The thing I hear the most is “those are REAL apples in your apple tart” and yes, they are. They are peeled and stewed by myself and the pastry is made by myself as well.”
Pancakes made fresh to order at Esther’s Home Bakes
Tasty sandwiches on the freshest of bread, available to order for occasions and corporate events
Esther’s Home Bakes caters for all dietary needs, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
The cafe has also become a very welcoming meeting spot.
“We have a very large kiddies’ corner, full of bean bags, story books, colouring books, games and an ice cream cart. The kids are really enjoying this area and are making loads of friends, I had one parent come and thank me one day that she was able to have her coffee in peace for the first time in 8 years. This feedback all means the world to me.
“We also have luxurious armchairs if you just want to come and have a coffee, read a book and have some precious me time.”
The open space in the cafe and the disabled parking spot at the door suits many people, including Guide & Assistant dogs’ trainers who are common visitors.
“We want the coffee shop to be available to everyone and for everyone to feel welcome there,” said Esther.
Esther is also launching her new Autumn/Winter menu this Monday which will introduce a delicious range of homemade soups and comforting foods.
“It is so true the saying that when someone buys something you have made, your heart does a little dance,” she adds.
In a hurry? You can phone in your order to sit in or takeaway on 0749153420. You can put in your home baking order on 0872281118. Watch out for our specials and offers on Facebook Esther’s Home Bakes and on Instagram esthershomebakes2010
Esther’s Home Bakes launches coffee shop after 15 years of sweet success was last modified: August 28th, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin
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