The Merrion Hotel:
Afternoon Tea Really Is an Art

By Sandra Scott

When John and I are traveling we are always on the lookout for tea experiences. Tea is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing break in the midst of touring. In Dublin we enjoyed a unique tea experiences at the Merrion Hotel. When we were on the Dublin Bus Tour the driver mentioned that the 5-star Merrion Hotel is where President Obama stayed during his recent visit and one of the most elegant hotels in Dublin with the most lavish afternoon tea in Dublin. It was time for us to take a break and the stop was convenient to the hotel so we hopped off the bus.

When the doorman in a top hat opened the door and welcomed us we knew we had made the right decision. We immediately felt at home, which is exactly the ambiance the hotel tries to create. The property, originally four 18^th century homes, has been blended into an elegant accommodation. In keeping with the concept that homes are “living” things the owners have decorated with a mix of furnishings and paintings. The eclectic collection of paintings of more than 40 Irish artists belongs to the owners of the Merrion Hotel. The artwork is the focus of the hotel’s unique Art Tea, which is good enough to eat! And, we did.

John and I have enjoyed afternoon tea in many great hotels in many locations worldwide, but we were entranced by the creativity of Pastry Chef Paul Kelly. Kelly is a talented pastry artist whose elaborate creation recently won a contest sponsored by Aer Lingus. We were offered a wide selection of teas and decided in Granny’s Garden, a “fruity, fresh rhubarb blend rounded off with the delicate sweetness of genuine Bourbon vanilla.” It was as tasty as it sounds. The savories were equally delightful with Chicken and Pesto on Sunflower Bread, Cucumber with Cream Cheese and Chive on Tomato Bread, a Bridge Roll with Egg Mayonnaise, and Cress Oak Smoked Irish Salmon on Brown Soda Bread with Horseradish Cream. If you have never tried Irish Brown Soda Bread then your culinary education is not complete. It is wonderful. The breads and cakes with dollops of cream, raspberry jam and lemon curd would normally have completed a wonderful tea but the Art Tea ends with Chef Kelly’s unique creations and a complimentary copy of The Merrion art collection catalogue. Three miniatures from the art collection are presented on silver forks fashioned as art easels and accompany Kelly’s designed desserts inspired by the artwork. The selections change each week.

Based on “Self Portrait”1912 by Saurin Elizabeth Leech, a bold splash of orange chiboust and lemon jelly curd on lime sponge cake immediately brought to mind the painting we saw on display when we entered. It was my favorite. However, the Stephen McKenna’s “Farm Buildings” that inspired another dessert—hazelnut gateau with a coffee bavarois—reminded us of the buildings and stone walls so common in the Irish countryside. “Roses and Temples” by Patrick Hennessey brought to mind some of our travels in Greece. It was a yummy rosewater and orange mousse on a white chocolate feuilletine, a delight to the eye and palate.

Art Tea at the Merrion Hotel helped make our trip to Ireland even more memorable.

Visit www.merrionhotel.com .

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Images by Sandra and J. J. Scott

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