STYLE & SUSTENANCE

PARK HOTEL KENMARE

The world and his very fashionable wife are lining up to visit the newly refurbished Park Hotel Kenmare. The hoteliers Francis and John Brennan tasked the revamp to local-born, London-based designer Bryan O’Sullivan, Elle Decor Interior Designer of the Year 2020 and responsible for swanktastic projects at Berkeley and Claridge hotels in London. His wonderfully judged Deco-esque styling elevates dining to an art form. Think scalloped-edge dusty pink seating; curved pale green banquettes; gilt-edged art displayed on white wood-panelled walls and a fabulously elegant wrought-iron-framed terrace boasting Riveria-nautical striped furniture. Divine.

Address: Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Tel: 064 664 1200

EDITION CAFE BROWN THOMAS

Fuelling your shopping day is the fashion-pack’s current fave, the Edition Cafe on Level 2 at Brown Thomas, Dublin. A highly stylised offering from the powerhouse duo, Peaches and Domini Kemp, the Edition combines warm contemporary urban decor with healthy and delicious fare. Expect tasty breakfast options; scrumptious bites and lunches (pulled beef & kimichi on a brioche bun is our weakness); amazing desserts and great coffees. Love, care and attention are evident throughout this smart and buzzy operation. Another bonus: this is the perfect place to park less-enthused shopping companions while you get on with your retail therapy…

Address: 88 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. D02 VF65

Tel: 01 675 3606

BRESSON

Every night’s a party (even on a Sunday) at Bresson, a brilliant Monkstown brasserie, named after the acclaimed photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. The vibe is properly Paris-bistro with lashings of dark wood, leather and Art Deco-esque French posters. The menu? A deft blend of classic French dishes, modernised with a lightness of touch by chef Temple Garner and executive chef Peter Byrne. The real star, though, has to be the service. A super lunch spot but just watch the crowds pour in from six onwards for the terrific ambience and a cracking outdoor dining area. This is a scene-and-a-half.

Address: 4 Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co. Dublin

Tel: 01 2844286

Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Ard Bia at Nimmo’s, a local legend in Galway, has become a must-stop for anyone taking a design tour of Ireland. Owner Aoibheann McNamara is part restauranteur/part fashion designer (she co founded The Tweed Project) and considers experiences and aesthetics as important as the food she serves. The charming interior showcases a feel good mix of natural woods and ceramics (from local craftspeople), quirky art and vintage pieces. By day the Ard Bia cafe dishes up delicious salads, seafood and home-bakes, while by night Nimmo’s serves creative North African-influenced food with pzazz and artistic heart.

Address: Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway H91E9XA

Tel: 091 561114

THE MUSTARD SEED

What is it about The Mustard Seed in Co. Limerick that keeps it eternally in? The sublime comfort, the relaxed heritage style, the exquisite award- winning-cuisine? It’s all of these, plus a serious slug of je ne sais quoi - the magic ingredient that all country houses strive for but few ever find. The team led by John Edward Joyce deliver the most unforgettable dining experience with faultless service and luxury elements - crisp white table linen; antique silver cutlery, colourful Villeroy & Boch crockery - but with an utterly unpretentious vibe that is totally charming. It’s a balm for the soul.

Address: The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick V94 EHN8

Tel: 069 68508

MORE TO READ

Now that dining out is on the cards, allow us to help you to find something to wear in Breaking Free.