Afternoon Tea at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
If you're looking to indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea when visiting Dublin, there's really only one place...
We were so excited to visit The Leinster, situated on the edge of Dublin’s iconic Merrion Square. The 55-bedroom hotel is such a welcome addition to the city, as it provides not only the much loved character and warmth associated with the Irish capital, but with it, a new level of style and sophistication. The Leinster’s location in the heart of Dublin’s cultural and literary heritage, a place frequented by the country’s most celebrated literary figures, from James Joyce to William Butler Yeats, also ensures its proximity to major cultural attractions.
Created by Dublin-based architects ODAA and Henchion Reuter Architects, with interiors by O’Donnell O’Neill Design, the hotel fuses the area’s Georgian elegance with bold contemporary touches that feel both timeless and current. The design draws inspiration from the symmetrical proportions of Georgian Dublin, incorporating sleek geometrics and tactile materials that create a stunning visual narrative throughout the property.
The Leinster is renowned for its art collection, featuring over 300 original works by more than 80 Irish and Ireland-based artists. Alongside emerging artists, the collection also includes works by established artists such as Damien Hirst with each artwork carefully selected to respond to the interiors.
The Leinster is also home to world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s signature rooftop restaurant, with spectacular views across the city. Jean-Georges at The Leinster, is the acclaimed chef’s first venture into Ireland and a groundbreaking addition to Dublin’s dining scene. Following the success of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants in London, New York, Paris, and Kyoto, this rooftop restaurant brings his innovative culinary vision to the city.
We were so bowled over by the relaxed ambience of the space. Jean-Georges’ design evokes a classical French brasserie with white panelled walls and a pink marble bar front, complemented by bespoke lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. Beautiful indoor foliage together with tactile mohair and golden brown leather upholstered furniture provides warmth while adding luxurious comfort, creating the perfect setting for the chef’s signature cuisine. The restaurant has seating for up to 140 guests and serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.
Jean-Georges’ innovative culinary concept at The Leinster blends Irish classics with fresh French and Southeast Asian flavours, all crafted using local suppliers and seasonal Irish ingredients. The chef and restaurateur developed his love for the exotic and aromatic flavours of the East when he spent time working and travelling throughout Asia. The restaurant abandons traditional heavy stocks and creams in favour of intense flavours and textures from vegetable juices, fruit essences, light broths, and herbal vinaigrettes.
There is also an extensive wine selection and expertly crafted cocktails, curated by the hotel’s sommelier and head bartender.
After sampling the most delicious caviar ever served on egg toast, we chose the wild turbot crusted with nuts and seeds and sweet and sour jus.
We also chose this delicious lumache, Atlantic shrimp with spicy tomato sauce.
And who could resist this Wexford strawberry sundae with lime leaf meringue and honey brioche croutons, followed by a memorable Hungarian Tokaji Aszu dessert wine from 2013. Rounding off a dinner of dreams.
No visit to The Leinster would be complete without a visit to The Collins Club which is almost a destination in its own right. A sophisticated bar and supper club which provides a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere for both hotel guests and locals. Honouring the legacy of Dublin-born interior designer, David Collins, who was well known for creating interiors that felt effortlessly elegant and sophisticated. In his lifetime, Collins was responsible for some of the most beautifully designed spaces in London, including amongst other, the Blue Bar in Belgravia, The Wolseley, J Sheeky and Nobu Berkley Street. He also designed retail interiors for Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Harrods.
Crafted cocktails alongside carefully curated dining options, all within such elegant surroundings, makes The Collins Club another truly wonderful addition to Dublin’s social scene.
For further information, please visit: The Leinster.
Images by CELLOPHANELAND* and Karlo Otto.
CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of Jean-Georges
