My name is Val O'Kelly and I live with my partner in a 19th century Gate Lodge in Co. Monaghan. Originally from Kildare, I started my career as a chef over 35 years ago. With inspiration from my mother, I started on a culinary journey that has taken me to nearly all four corners of the world, bar one! My journey led me to some exotic and some not so exotic places - such as the island of Bermuda, Shanghai-China, Riyadh-Saudi Arabia, Cairo-Egypt, Amsterdam-The Netherlands, London-England, and Abergavenny-Wales.

After working with some amazing and talented chefs, I came home about 15 years ago full of culinary knowledge and bursting with ideas. I continued my journey working in many four and five star hotels around the country, where I learnt lots and taught loads!

The idea of ‘Subh Fraoċ Bán’ started a few years back: I was tired of using bulk-produced, synthetic sauces that lacked provenance. I needed to use my skills to develop a range of preserves and sauces that I could be proud to use in my restaurants. Nourishing theses ideas has helped me create my unique range of jams, condiment sauces and relishes. 

Now I'm bringing them to your table to enjoy!