A Christmas afternoon tea...the dream.

Now that the start of November is almost here, we figure it's acceptable to get excited for Christmas and we have it on good authority that the festive spirit is spreading. The Christmas lights are ready and waiting to be switched on, Christmas-themed events are in full swing and we've just got wind that Brown Thomas has just launched a festive afternoon tea. Think delicious bites and tasty cocktails, we're already planning a girls day out because buying presents takes it out of you. The savoury treats include Christmas Coronation Chicken with Indian spices and poached organic eggs with white asparagus, black truffle & parmesan cheese. Those with a sweet tooth might be intrigued by Johnnie Cooke’s mince pies, Tarta de Santiago, a gluten-free almond cake and cranberry and pecan scones served with Cooke’s Lambay Irish whiskey marmalade. There's also some Christmas inspired tea-based beverages including ‘Winter Surprise’, think warm and cosy marzipan and cinnamon flavours. Last but not least, there is a bespoke cocktail menu because shopping is thirsty work and they sound incredible altogether. Snowflake Martini - blended with Tanqueray no TEN, vanilla, coconut cream Zacapa 23 Hot Chocolate,- Zacapa 23 Rum, Belgian chocolate and orange bitters Rosemary & Co - Roe & Co Irish whiskey, rosemary syrup, quince jelly, maple syrup, orange juice and egg white The Festive Afternoon Tea experience is priced from €30 and cocktails start from €11 - €16 with the experience running from November 2 to January 13. It will be served daily from 3 pm to 6 pm at The Restaurant by Johnnie Cooke at Brown Thomas, Grafton Street...see you there!