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The latest - and most cerebral - take on traditional afternoon tea comes from Dublin this autumn. The Merrion (www.merrionhotel.com) introduces its new Art Tea, a witty interpretation of its world-class collection of contemporary Irish art.

With works by artists such as Sir John Lavery, Jack B Yeats and Paul Henry, (all of whom are represented in the national Gallery of Ireland just across the road form the hotel), The Merrion’s collection is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest in the country.

Drawing from this unique, rich source of inspiration, The Merrion’s team of pastry chefs, headed up by Irish Olympic Culinary team member, Paul Kelly, have been hard at work at their own drawing boards. The result is a collection of pastries, each one inspired by a work of art, as the centrepiece of the new Art Tea.

In all, nine works of art were chosen by the pastry chefs. All the paintings hang either in the Front
Hall, Reception or in the classically elegant, deeply comfortable, Georgian Drawing Rooms, overlooking the private courtyard gardens, where afternoon tea is served. In the interests of indulgence and complete enjoyment, Art Tea is served course by course, rather then all at once, on a stand. So, will it be a “Woman in White” by Louis le Brocquy (Coconut and Blueberry Macaroon) or a mouth-watering “The Hour of Sleep 1951” by Jack B Yeats (A Sour Apple and Caramel Mousse)? …hard to decide…. or even a quick “Roses and Temple” by Patrick Hennessy (Rosewater and
Orange Mousse on a White Chocolate Feuilletine)…whatever the final decision, guests of The Merrion can now truly have their cake - and art – and eat it.

The Merrion opened 11 years ago on Upper Merrion Street, right in the heart of Georgian Dublin. The hotel was created from three magnificent Grade 1 Listed Georgian terrace hohouses and ever since it has been showered with awards and accolades, both at home and abroad.

Art Tea at The Merrion €36 per person to include:

- Assorted finger sandwiches and Viennese bridge rolls
- Warm scones and tea bread
- Three pastries – each inspired by a piece from The Merrion art collection
(nine have been created in all)
- Selection of teas

And guests will also receive a copy of The Merrion’s art collection catalogue – so they can read up
about what they are eating.

Contact The Merrion Hotel on 01 6030600 or email info@merrionhotel.com