<a href="http://irelandtravel.typepad.com/ireland_scotland_travel_b/" accesskey="1">Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Oct 5, 2010 6:26:00 AM | Food and Drink

May 06, 2010

Ludlow Spring Food Event

Ludlow Spring Food Event

8
th – 9th May – Ludlow Castle Gardens, Shropshire

In anticipation of the renowned Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival in September, Ludlow

Spring Food Event is the town’s new festival . A weekend of music and good food as

well as great local beers, bangers, bread and much more.

www.thespringevent.co.uk

Ellen McNulty is President of

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May 6, 2010 7:52:00 AM | Food and Drink

March 02, 2010

Wales in New York Tuesday March 2 – Sunday March 7 inclusive:

An exhibition of some rare Dylan Thomas manuscripts and other artefacts at the Morgan Library and Museum, New York.

Welsh afternoon tea will also be served each day in the Morgan Library’s restaurant.

The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York (www.themorgan.org/home.asp)

Hours
The Morgan Library & Museum and the Morgan Shop are open
Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission
$12 Adults
$8 Children (under 16)
$8 Seniors (65 and over)
$8 Students (with current ID)
Free to members and children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission to the McKim rooms is without charge during the following times: Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m to 6 p.m.

Visit www.corcoran.org/turnertocezanne/index.php www.lynotttours.com

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Mar 2, 2010 6:14:00 AM | Books, Food and Drink

January 19, 2010

Oldest pub in Britain

Whilst enjoying the historic city of Nottingham take your time to

visit the Oldest pub in Britain – Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. On

stepping inside, visitors to England’s oldest Inn will immediately

sense that they truly are taking a step back in time. A wonderful

stopping point to experience traditional British pub life and where better than one of the most famous in

the country.

www.triptojerusalem.com
Ellen McNulty is President of

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Jan 19, 2010 7:57:00 AM | Food and Drink

January 12, 2010

Cadbury World near Birmingham Factory Tour

Birmingham’s very own chocolate paradise, a unique place to indulge all of your senses. Our attraction

is a fun, educational multimedia attraction dedicated to the story of Cadbury and chocolate. Ideal last

stop off to purchase gifts.

www.cadburyworld.co.uk

Ellen McNulty is President of

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Jan 12, 2010 8:12:00 AM | Food and Drink

December 31, 2009

Cooking Scools in Ireland

Dunbrody Cookery School has been designed to cater for all levels of cooks, from budding enthusiasts (Back to Basics) to the experienced gourmet (specialised courses). The perfect blend of demonstration and hands-on individual tuition means that you will learn practically and be able to reproduce the dishes at home in your own kitchen.

Located opposite Dunbrody Country House where the restaurant has received numerous awards the simple philosophy of under-stated but delicious food follows on in the Dunbrody Cookery School.

Ballymaloe Cookery School

The only cookery school in the world located in the middle of its own 100-acre organic farm.

When you step through the little wooden side gate and into the courtyard of Ballymaloe Cookery School you enter a different world. A world where the loudest sounds are the sounds of the countryside and maybe, if the windows are open, the quiet chatter and gentle clatter of people at work in a kitchen.

Highly acclaimed, Ballyknocken Cookery School lies in the pretty village of Glenealy, near Ashford, County Wicklow, Ireland. Run by chef Catherine Fulvio, this school offers a broad range of cookery classes from Southern Italian to Mexican, from vegetarian to Gourmet Entertaining and much more.

Ballyknocken, regarded as one of Ireland’s leading cookery schools also offer cooking classes to private groups Catherine is the food writer for the Irish Garden Magazine and has made many media appearances in leading magazines such as Saveur USA, and TV such as Discovery, The Food Network, UKTV Food, RTE 1 & 2, TV3 to name a few.

Bunratty Cookery School
Bunratty Cookery School specialises in hands on cookery courses. From Quick Suppers to Divine Dinner Parties Bunratty Cookery School cover all aspects of cooking.

Ellen McNulty is President of

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Dec 31, 2009 9:31:00 PM | Food and Drink

November 17, 2009

Afternoon Tea in London

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, cucumber sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.

Whether you fancy tea in a posh London hotel or something more informal and wallet-friendly, check out our pick of the best afternoon teas in London.

Posh Afternoon Teas

Afternoon tea at one of London's top hotels or restaurants is a luxurious and extravagant affair. It is not just tea and cake, but a lavish setting with exquisite service and the finest china, often accompanied by live music. Traditional afternoon tea in a swanky venue is a real delight, but booking is essential and smart dress codes may apply.

The Ritz

Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

Fortnum & Mason

In Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant you can enjoy a range of teas from around the world, all specially selected by Fortnum's tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, scones and pastries. There's also a Champagne Afternoon Tea; a Birthday Afternoon Tea; and a range of afternoon teas for special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten free and diabetic.

The Berkeley

If you're a fan of fashion, head to the Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

The Metropolitan

The Metropolitan has reinvented afternoon tea with a touch of waist-friendly chic. Their guilt-free Afternoon Delight tea is served in the exclusive Met Bar. The menu has a hearts and flowers theme and includes heart-shaped cakes, pretty cupcakes with low fat toppings, decadent macaroons and healthy breadless sandwiches. To accompany the cakes, you can choose from a selection of fruit teas and Eco-tini cocktails.

The Dorchester

Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm and 4.45pm in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, or enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea. For something more substantial, opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.

Cultural Afternoon Teas

What better way to spend a day than seeing one of London's top exhibitions, and then relaxing with sandwiches, cakes and a nice cup of tea. Many of London's museums and galleries have great restaurants and cafés. Here's our pick of the best cultural afternoon teas in London.

Sotheby's Café

Take a break from shopping in Bond Street and relax in the cultured surroundings of Sotheby's, the world-famous auction house. Afternoon tea at this chic and popular café includes house-blended teas and a delectable selection of traditional cakes, sandwiches and scones at very reasonable prices.

British Museum

The British Museum's Court Restaurant overlooks the magnificent 19th-century Reading Room. The afternoon tea menu features sandwiches, scones and cream, and a selection of pastries. There's also a Champagne Tea, and a Viennese Tea with coffee and traditional Demel chocolate cake.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

Queen Anne built the idyllic Orangery in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 1705. Stroll through Kensington Gardens and then treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea. Fresh strawberries and double cream are a seasonal speciality. Try the Tregothnan English Tea, which comes with a glass of English Pinot Noir and a pot of Tregothnan tea. Tea is served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Booking is not necessary.

National Dining Rooms

Run by restaurateur Oliver Peyton, the National Dining Rooms occupy part of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, and overlook Trafalgar Square. You can enjoy warm buttermilk scones with organic Peyton and Byrne jams and clotted cream, and a choice of freshly-made sandwiches, gorgeous cakes and perfect pastries. Pop into the gallery's National Café if you'd prefer something a little more informal.

Camden Arts Centre

Have a look around Camden Arts Centre's free exhibitions and then enjoy tea and cake in the café overlooking the garden. Indulge in delicious pastries and homemade cakes, and select from a range of Italian coffees and natural Numi teas. If the weather is good, you can sit outside in the garden, making this the perfect place for families.

Informal Afternoon Teas

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in London. There are plenty of memorable and reasonably priced places where you can enjoy tea and cakes in a more relaxed setting.

Louis Patisserie

Louis Patisserie in Hampstead is a real institution. Set up in 1963, the patisserie and tea room has retained a traditional feel, with dark wood furniture and comfy leather seats. Tea comes in a teapot with small, floral cups and saucers. There's no afternoon tea menu – you simply choose your cake from an enormous tray packed with éclairs, glazed fruit tarts and sumptuous cakes in all shapes and sizes.

Candy Cakes

The windows of Candy Cakes shops are loaded with amazing colourful cupcakes. Venture inside the cafés in Monmouth Street, Goodge Street or Kingly Court and you can choose from flamboyant cakes like Spider Lovin', Strawberry Sundae, Techno Mouse, Alphabet City and the Chocolate Flyer. Once you've decided on your cake, you can pick from a selection of teas, coffees, smoothies and milkshakes.

Mudchute Kitchen

Mudchute Kitchen is located in the middle of the 32-acre Mudchute City Farm, a green oasis overlooking Canary Wharf. Wander past the cows and horses and visit the cute animals in Pets' Corner, then head to the café for tea with freshly made cakes, scones and biscuits. Almost everything is homemade, including the bread, jam and even the ice lollies!

Tea

Tea is an ultra-modern tea shop near St Paul's Cathedral, where you can choose from a huge variety of specially sourced and blended teas. Try one of the black teas, oolong teas, green teas, white teas or herbal teas, or opt for one of the super teas, which promise to perk you up or chill you out, depending on your mood. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, freshly-baked fruit scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes.

The Original Maids of Honour

The Maid of Honour cake has been part of Richmond's history for nearly 300 years. Henry VIII is said to have given the cakes their name, when he saw Anne Boleyn and other Maids of Honour eating them from a silver plate. The first Maids of Honour tea shop was set up in Richmond in the early 18th century. Today you can enjoy a Maids of Honour cake as part of the Original Maids of Honour's afternoon tea menu, which also includes a pot of tea, and scones with cream and jam.

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Nov 17, 2009 8:42:00 AM | Food and Drink

October 27, 2009

London Gastro Pubs

Gone are the days of a swift half in the local boozer, perching on a carpeted bar-stool for a natter with the barman, while the sun glints through the cigarette-stained curtains.

These days, with all the wooden-floored pubs featuring everything from organic ales to well-sourced rare-breed pigeon on the menu, it's a much more sophisticated affair! Welcome to London's gastro pubs.

The Couch

This popular Soho haunt boasts (apparently) the biggest windows on Dean Street. Perfect then for chilling out with a pint and watching the hectic bustle outside. The menu at The Couch changes weekly but to give you an idea, when we last popped in, chargrilled king prawns with couscous and sweet chilli along with chicken breast with cream cheese and asparagus were both on the menu. There's only one sofa though. Get there early if you want to nab it.

The Cow Dining Room

Another of the founders of gastro pub food is Notting Hill's Cow Dining Room. The owner is Tom Conran - son of Terence, Oysters and Guinness are the things to be seen with here. Choose from Irish Rocks or Wild Falmouth Bay Natives. Seafood features heavily on the menu and the pub's philosophy is "eat heartily and give the house a good name." We think that could be arranged.

Duke of Cambridge

Voted the second best bar in this year's Observer Food Magazine Awards, the Duke of Cambridge prides itself on its organic, well-sourced fare. The seasonal menu of wholesome British food changes twice daily. All the real ales are local brews and the wine list is made up of 40 bins, all organic too.

The Eagle

Rumour has it that The Eagle, a fine Farringdon watering hole, was where the gastro pub revolution first evolved. The menu is simple but delicious. The food is a mix of Mediterranean and wholesome British and the varied wine list is fairly priced. The owners are even attributed with starting the bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil trend that you'll find today in many a gastro pub. Just don't ask for any salad cream, OK?

The Garrison

There are a few cool extras at The Garrison such as a downstairs cinema room that can be hired for private dos. The menu includes fancy options such as foie gras and chicken liver parfait, and roast guinea fowl with sauce poivrade. And to finish, sample tasty pub puddings such as Norfolk apple and treacle tart with clotted cream.

The Gun

This Grade II listed gastro pub dates back to the 18th century and boasts a lovely deck overlooking the Thames. The Cabin Room at The Gun features murals of Nelson's cabin and the Battle of Trafalgar and can be hired out for private dining. Food ranges from dining room delights to a more relaxed pub menu. In the summer - if it's sunny - fresh fish is barbecued in the alfresco eating area.

The Marquess Tavern

Having had a revamp, The Marquess Tavern in Canonbury now boasts a kitchen headed by chefs previously at the Ivy and St John. The food is top-notch British fare, sourced almost entirely in the UK. Traditional Sussex pond pudding, Bath chap (pig's cheek) with mash and homemade pork pie with piccalilli are all on the menu. Add a drinks list including award-winning Nyetimber sparkling wine, Bramley and Gage liqueurs from Devon, and London Porter beer.

Queen's Head & Artichoke

The Queen’s Head & Artichoke is a more recent arrival to the scene. Begin your meal with Portuguese rock oysters with shallot and Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar, and follow perhaps with duck breast, roast Jerusalem artichoke and baby beetroot salad with apricot and ginger jam. And did we mention that the decor is picture perfect too? It is!

St John's Tavern

This pub is a real find on Junction Road in Archway. The locals love the rustic French/British menu featuring a mix of meat, fish and salad dishes. Everything at St John's Tavern is homemade and the bread is baked on site. Choose from eating in the beautiful high-ceilinged ballroom or the outside garden.

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Oct 27, 2009 8:42:00 AM | Food and Drink

September 01, 2009

Britain’s Biggest Cheese Festival

Cardiff Castle 2009

26th & 27th September

Ellen McNulty is President of

Cheese Lovers should put these dates in their diaries NOW and plan to visit Cardiff Castle and Britain's Biggest Cheese Market where you can taste over 450 Sheep, Cow, Goat and even Buffalo cheeses. Visitors can also taste and buy artisan wine, cider, perry and beer.

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Sep 1, 2009 9:30:00 AM | Food and Drink

July 28, 2009

Cool Bars in London

Whether you want to plan a special celebration, impress someone with your knowledge of the latest hang outs, or simply have a cracking night out with the girls or lads, these are the coolest places to drink in London. Officially! (OK not officially but just the ones we like best.)

Ice Bar

Book your slot, don your poncho and settle down for a nice-cold, ice-cold vodka cocktail at the newly refurbished Ice Bar. Everything in this bar is made entirely out of imported Swedish ice, including the stools, tables and glasses. The new "factory concept" features industrial cog wheels, pipes and warning sounds. This novelty bar is the first of its kind in London and perfect for those needing to chill out (geddit?).

Pigalle Club

If you're looking for sophisticated elegance, you can't go far wrong with Le Pigalle Club. This new supper club will take you back to the glamorous era of the 1940s. Dine on home-cured salmon with gravadlax sauce and pan-seared gingered tiger prawns with crab rice, while listening to live acts from up-and-coming artists to big-named veterans like Shirley Bassey and Van Morrison.

Loungelover

OK, listen up. This bar is seriously cool. Loungelover is the sister bar to the lavish Les Trois Garçons (which is just around the corner). The beautiful lounge is adorned with unique pieces of antique furniture and colourful details that will have you marvelling all the way to the cocktail list, which is also superb. Sip on Eastern Promise made with Sputnik rose petal flavoured Russian vodka and lychee liqueur, and Thai Breakers, made with coriander, ginger, passion fruit, kalamansi juices and coconut liqueur.

Lucky Voice

Choose from over 5,000 classic songs, and sing in your own plush, private booth with your favourite (and most out of tune to make you sound better) friends at Lucky Voice. This is London's coolest karaoke bar by far. It features nine individual rooms, each with an "I'm Thirsty" button to hail the waiter and order drinks like Ginseng Margarita, Love Hotel and Lucky Destiny. But make sure you plan in advance. This place is popular.

Shochu Lounge

Underneath Roka, you'll find the chic Shochu Lounge. This bar is a cut above the rest. You can even have a bespoke shochu cocktail mixed up from all of your favourite fruits, scents and colours. Ask at the bar for details, but only if you're feeling flush.

Sketch

Chic and elegant, Sketch has an egg-shaped bar with a bit of a retro feel. The venue covers a number of different bars and restaurants. So, from luxurious opulence to informal fun, there's a setting to suit every mood. Something of a temple to food, drink, music and art, Sketch even has a gallery thrown in for good measure.

Trailer Happiness

Self-titled as "a retro-sexual haven of cosmopolitan kitsch and faded trailer park glamour", Trailer Happiness is a great little hideaway on Portobello Road. The cocktail menu is kicking. Try the rum-based Scorpion Bowls and Zombies, both designed for sharing. You can even buy your own tiki shot mug and keep it at the bar.

Volupte Lounge

This sexy burlesque cabaret club will jazz up any night out. Drink Japanese Slippers and French Martinis then kick back and enjoy fabulous cabaret acts. And best of all, we think, are Volupte Lounge's afternoon teas made up of apricot scones, frosted lemon butter cakes, mini raspberry custard tarts and double chocolate and hazelnut brownies.

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