“One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again,” but for now you can escape to Narnia at The Imperial Hotel Cork.
The luxury city centre hotel is taking guests on a magical journey ‘through the wardrobe’ into the fantasy land of Narnia this festive season. They have created a special Fire and Ice package, an elaborate Narnia Afternoon Tea, magical new cocktail creations, indulgent ‘Escape to Narnia’ fire and ice inspired spa treatments, and exclusive Narnia prints for guests. You may even catch a glimpse of Aslan the Lion or the White Witch!
The creative and innovative hotel has established a reputation for their extravagant seasonal decor displays and this winter is no different! Always aiming to make a lasting first impression, the sense of wonder begins on arrival at The Imperial Hotel’s front entrance on South Mall which is decked out in lights and decorations inviting you to step into a snow kissed landscape within. The historic hotel lobby features iconic references to the fantasy land of Narnia depicted in the much loved C.S Lewis novels. Highlights include the ice queen’s throne and crown, an elaborate antique wardrobe scene complete with fur coats and vintage pieces (great for a photo op!) and the lamppost where Lucy first meets Mr.Tumnus! Little details like icicles, snow, and an abundance of flocked Christmas trees complete the magical winter woodland story. The traditional train set which is decorated each year by the hotel’s talented pastry team will yet again take pride of place in the display and this year features famous characters from Narnia bringing joy to younger guests in particular! The decor may be frosty but the welcome is warm!
The Imperial Hotel will also transport your taste buds to another land with their newly crafted Narnia themed Afternoon Tea menu which is served with an ‘Always Winter, Never Christmas’ cocktail. The menu features savoury elements which celebrate seasonal and local flavours such as a Cork spiced beef and smoked salmon from the English market, a selection of finger sandwiches and scones. Clever references to the beloved Chronicles of Narnia books are found in abundance in the sweet tier which features intricate desserts such as ‘Candle in the Dark’ (Hazelnut Sponge, Maple Mousse, Pear Compôte, & Hazelnut Crisp on Chocolate Sablé), ‘Winter’s Crown’ (Pistachio Cake, Orange Mousse & Orange Jelly on Vanilla Sablé), a ‘Snowy Christmas Tree’ (Almond Cake, Dark Belgian Chocolate Mousse with a Cherry Gelée) and last but not least ‘Edmond’s Delight’ (Dusted Turkish Delight). This out of this world afternoon tea experience is included in the Narnia package stay or can be booked separately for €49 per person with the festive cocktail (non alcoholic version available on request).
Planning to stay over at The Imperial Hotel Cork
For those looking for a memorable pre-Christmas or New Year stay, the newly announced Fire and Ice package includes an overnight stay with a la carte breakfast, a Narnia themed afternoon tea on a day of your choice and treats in your room including an exclusively designed Narnia print and bespoke chocolate bar from local chocolatiers O’Connaills. The Narnia package starts from from €154 per person.
Guests and visitors to the hotel over the festive season can really drink in the theme, with additional new cocktail creations such as ‘Tequila Turkish Delight’ (silver tequila, crème de cacao, lemon juice, rose syrup, egg white), ‘The Ice Queen’ (gin, lemon gin, Cointreau, frosted mint and sugar), ‘Aslan’s Roar’ (vodka, Cointreau, Aperol, sugar, lemon, winter spice, egg white), ‘The White Witch’s Spell’ (whiskey, lemon, egg white, winter spice syrup and Cointreau) and ‘The Great Lion’ (Fireball cinnamon whisky, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lime juice, grenadine, topped with 7up) all of which have been devised by in-house cocktail experts and served at Sketch and No. 76 within the hotel.
Ensuring that your Narnia experience at The Imperial Hotel also looks after the body and mind, their Escape Spa team have created the ‘Escape to Narnia’ treatment package which features a 1 hour in the thermal suite and a 50 minute fire and Ice geothermal massage. This treatment is focused on the back of the body and performed using hot and cold stones for stress reduction, deep relaxation and relief from physical pain. Enjoy the spa treatment with afternoon tea for €150 midweek or €160 over the weekend.
For more information or to make a booking see www.imperialhotelcork.com
