Tradition, hospitality, and old world charm are synonymous with the luxurious The Ardilaun hotel, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. The new afternoon tea menu will not disappoint. Head chef David O’Donnell has carefully chosen local artisan ingredients to produce an afternoon tea menu that combines classic delicacies in a contemporary style. A staple of afternoon tea, scones, come with added flourish — Cuinneog buttermilk sultana and chocolate scones served with Irish Mist and berry jam, vanilla mascarpone, and Cuinneog butter. Finger sandwiches take a classic and elevate it to include local producers McGeogh’s Air Dried Lamb, Cornamona Smoked Salmon — the humble cheese sarnie is transformed into chargrilled cereal bread with beetroot and pink peppercorn hummus, Aran feta cheese, arugula leaves, caramelised apple, and pumpkin seed oil.
“My inspiration for the new Ardilaun afternoon tea comes from when I was younger, my grandmother and I used to bake together,” O’Donnell explained. “At the time, I didn’t think it would evolve into my full time vocation, but after landing the role of working in the kitchen of a busy hotel in my early career and spending time on various sections, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do more. Over the years I have learned that guests come to expect sweet menu items, including afternoon tea, to be more creative, so you can push the boat out a little more and design dishes that are daring and imaginative. Starters and main courses are generally eaten for sustenance, whereas sweet menu items are considered treats. So I am of the mindset that if our guests are treating themselves to a dessert or an afternoon tea experience, I want to treat them with something special, unusual, and memorable alongside a selection of speciality teas and coffees.”
Sweet treats are indeed special and include Grand Marnier cheesecake verrine with nutty biscuit crumbs, condensed milk crisp, and Galway Bay Brewery chocolate milk stout cake with muscovado and malt cream, and many more.
The Ardilaun afternoon tea will be available every day from Saturday March 14, just in time for Mother’s Day, and must be booked in advance. It is available between 3pm and 5pm and costs €35 for two, or for an extra indulgence add two glasses of Prosecco for €50.
To book phone 091 521 433 or purchase online www.theardilaunhotel.ie for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
