Food, flowers and bubbles are all that I want really.
When all three come in the same place – with an added dash of flair from one of my favourite Irish designers – my life is more or less made.
So, it’s fair to say that I was in heaven at a preview of the new Art of the Wilde experience, which opens at Dublin’s Westbury Hotel from today. It brings together a delicious a la carte menu from Wilde restaurant and a selection of Champagnes from Perrier-Jouët, all served on a terrace bedecked in vibrant flowers and greenery.
The floral display was created in conjunction with Irish artist and fashion designer Helen Steele, who also designed the tropical-themed menu covers. Queen of prints Helen – whose clothes have been worn by the likes of Vogue Williams and Saoirse Ronan – is known for her riot of colours, and the palette she’s used here is filled with hot pinks and summery oranges.
From the garlands on the walls to the Belle Epoque-style anemone on Perrier-Jouët’s signature glasses, you’ll want to photograph every inch of the place, so make sure to clear out your phone before you go.
Chef Sandeep Singh’s menu includes options of Bere Island crab or duck breast to start, followed by chicken boudain or turbot for mains and an Amafi lemon tart to finish. The fish, served with braised artichoke, samphire and shrimped parmentier was gorgeous, but it was the dessert – with its added sherbet topping – that stole the show for me and my sweet tooth.
For an added €39 per person, you can enjoy a ‘flight’ of Perrier-Jouët Champagnes. These include the Grand Brut and Blason Rosé, as well as the Blanc De Blancs which is being served in Ireland for the first time.
If you like a relaxed girly day out, and are sick of afternoon teas and bottomless brunches, this is the perfect posh treat to enjoy with your friends – and induce serious FOMO from your followers.
The Art of the Wilde will run at Wilde at the Westbury until September.
