Barnabrow House Launches New Tea Rooms

Barnabrow House Launches New Tea Rooms 

The sun shone brightly as the guests gathered in front of a splendid Barnabrow House and owner/director Geraldine Kidd welcomed those coming to help her launch the new Tea Rooms.

The sun was something of a symbol for Geraldine and her team, as they emerged from the Covid induced restrictions. “Thanks for coming. I’ve been here a lot of the time…, trying to maintain the place.. it’s been difficult. The Tea Rooms, a combination of ideas from all the team here, will change all that and allow us welcome people in.”

Guests gather

The Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher had earlier cut the ribbon with a perfect snip and wished Geraldine and Barnabrow all the best with the venture as we sipped Prosecco or lemonade in the noonday sun.

Soon we were inside the beautiful high-ceilinged room that is the Tea Room, a really splendid venue. And in no time at all we were enjoying a sampling (tapas style) of what is usually on the menu. Geraldine also indicated that menu will change to reflect the “change in season”.

Stylish cut by the Lord Mayor as Geraldine looks on

Last Thursday it was Ham Hock Terrine, Egg Mayonnaise on Brioche, Salmon Rillette with pickled Cucumber, O’Connell’s Beef with pickled garden beetroot and horseradish cream and Arsallagh Goats’ Cheese with Organic Tomato Salsa from their walled garden. 

The desserts (see video above) were Raspberry Delice, Chocolate Marquise, Lemon Tart with Cream, Creme Anglaise custard tarts with summer berries, Carrot Cake,  Poppy Seed Cake and Scones with cream and homemade raspberry jam,  Homemade Chocolate Fudge and organically grown (in the garden) grape pastilles.

Savoury!

There is a new head chef here and Adrian Kazsinski got a strong round of applause when he was introduced to the gathering at the end. Adrian is well used to Barnabrow as he worked here with the previous chef, Stuart Bowes, for some ten years.

As you can gather, much of the produce is their own and they support local producers too. Geraldine: “We are using Drury’s coffee, roasted in Youghal.” Nick, the coffee roaster, was there on Thursday. The Tea Rooms opening hours are 12 noon to 4.00pm

And she has lots of plans for Barnabrow, for both the house and the grounds. “Over the Winter, we are planning to have Afternoon Tea every Saturday and hope to have small parties from less significant birthdays, to genteel Hen Parties  (we had one in the Summer that got dressed up on Downtown Abbey-style costumes) to poetry reading and perhaps small Christmas parties.”  

Geraldine with Donie O'Brien
of Eno Wines

"Next Summer we plan to have picnics, providing guests with a box of food and a blanket to find their own spot on the grounds.  We also will try to organise 'Teddy Bear Picnics’ and we hope to create walk ways around the grounds and up the hill to allow people to explore more and perhaps walk off the calories.  The Pygmy goats and the donkeys like to have visitors!” 

And there’s more, including a Santa Lunch. Stay up to date by checking their Facebook page here. 

What is the fuss about?

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Just to give you an idea of what you can get if you are in for lunch, I’ve listed items from the current menu below:

Soup of the Day €5.50

Ham Hock and Chicken Terrine with Spinach, Serrano Ham, Fig and Port Puree, Crystalized Nuts €9.50

Salmon Rillette on Brown Soda Bread, Sesame Pickled Cucumber €8.50

Ardsallagh Goat’s Cheese Brochetta, Tomato Salsa, Garden Herb Pesto €8.50

Spiced chicken Wrap with Roast Red Peppers, Sweetcorn, Cheddar €8

Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Mayo, Pickled Beetroot, Forrest Mushrooms Dressing €8

Ham & Cheese Toasted Sandwich €5

See Tea Rooms video here 

Sweet Treats

Scones €3

Coconut and Poppy Seeds served with Mango Puree €5.50

Hazelnut Brownie €5.50

Carrot Cake €5.50

Lemon Drizzle Cake €5.50

Plum and Frangipane Tart €5.50

Lemon Tart €5.50

Chocolate Chip Cookies €2.50

Power Balls €2.50

All Homemade at Barnabrow House