Ciara McQuillan finds five smart celebration spots …
THE CONSTITUTION SUITE AT THE SHELBOURNE HOTEL
THE ROOM You would be hard pushed to find a more dramatic space for an intimate celebration than the historic Constitution Suite at The Shelbourne Hotel. With 2024 marking the hotel’s 200th year, it’s the perfect time to toast your occasion in this striking room which has played a significant role in Irish history. This is an enthralling space worthy of the most meaningful celebrations, from the silk wall coverings to the original antique table and chairs where leaders sat to sign the Irish Constitution in 1922. The views over St Stephen’s Green are the cherry on top.
THE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE The Constitution Suite can seat 22 guests for a formal, white-gloved dinner that will impress even the pickiest of invitees. Bespoke menus, silver flatware, and glistening crystal are standard with a backdrop of popping corks purely optional, although highly recommended.
WHAT ELSE? Prices for private dining in The Constitution Suite start at €121 per person and include a drinks reception, a dedicated private dining manager, a sommelier for wine recommendations, and menus designed by Executive Head Chef Garry Hughes. The Shelbourne, 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, 01 663 4500; www.theshelbourne.com.
NONE THE WISER AT HAWKSMOOR
THE ROOM Named after a Dexter cow born in 1892, None the Wiser at Hawksmoor on College Green is a dramatic room with a distinct “clubby” feel. The long, burnished wooden table paired with dramatically dark panelled walls and sumptuous brown leather seats has a slightly masculine ambiance, but it feels warm, inviting, and thoroughly intimate.
THE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE Choose from a set lunch menu with the option of two or three courses or for an evening soirée, go all out with the sharing menu, which is served family style. Kick things off with starters before enjoying a selection of steaks, cooked to order and served with classic steakhouse sides, followed by desserts to share. There is an option to add cocktails, canapés or bespoke gifts for your guests. None the Wiser can accommodate 18 seated guests for lunch or dinner.
WHAT ELSE? Lunch menus start at €40 per person with dinner from €60 per person (depending on the sharing menu you choose) and you have the option to enjoy wine from the extensive list or bring your own and pay corkage. Hawksmoor, 34 College Green, Dublin 2, 01 485 4720; www.hawksmoor.ie.
VOLPE NERA
THE ROOM The private dining room on the first floor in Volpe Nera is a good choice for anyone who is celebrating an occasion and appreciates fine dining without the fuss. In a cosy, intimate space removed from the main restaurant, you and your guests will have complete privacy, and as anyone who has enjoyed Barry Sun’s food knows, an enjoyable meal is practically guaranteed.
THE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE Anyone else love a square dining table? As much as I adore long table dining, a square table feels so much more sociable. Guests in the private dining room, accommodating up to 22 people, will be offered a four-course set menu, with tea or coffee, for either lunch or dinner. Signature dishes such as mushroom dumplings with aged soya, fennel and herb oil, and wild halibut are must-orders.
WHAT ELSE? The four-course lunch menu is priced at €50 per person while dinner will set you back €72, which is excellent value for food of this calibre. The wine list includes a handy list of wine recommendations for each dish, plus a selection of non-alcoholic drinks including wine, beer and cocktails. Volpe Nera, 22 Newtown Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 01 278 8516; www.volpenera.ie.
THE GOLD BAR AT HANG DAI
THE ROOM If there is a cooler spot in Dublin to mark an occasion or celebrate an achievement than Hang Dai, then I have yet to come across it. When it comes to a casual, fun venue, The Gold Bar at Hang Dai ticks all the boxes.
THE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE There are a couple of options when it comes to choosing private dining at The Gold Bar. For larger groups (max 40) there is the option to choose from a canapés menu that includes delicacies such as chilli and salt prawns with spring onion, pork dumplings and the famous cheeseburger spring rolls. Smaller seated groups (max 30) have the option to choose an à la carte menu. The heated covered balcony is quite possibly the biggest draw, although the excellent sound system, striking gold ceiling and bespoke wood panelling add to the unique ambiance.
WHAT ELSE? Private hire of The Gold Bar is based on a minimum spend (food and drink included). Hang Dai Chinese, 20 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2, 01 545 8888; www.hangdaichinese.com.
THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE, SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL
THE ROOM The ultimate long table experience, The Captain’s Table at Sole is a great choice for those who want to mark a special occasion with a feast of Irish seafood. Just off the main dining room, it’s a warm, inviting room with touches of glamour and subtle mood lighting.
THE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE The Captain’s Table can accommodate twelve to 18 seated guests for a celebratory meal or a private event. Start with The Captain’s Seafood Tower, a please-all seafood experience with both hot and cold tiers that includes delicacies such as grilled Irish lobster, steamed mussels, fresh oysters, prawns and Howth smoked salmon, served with a selection of condiments and brown soda bread.
WHAT ELSE? Prices start at €110 per person (with a minimum of twelve guests) for a four-course meal including the aforementioned seafood tower; non-seafood lovers have the option to substitute a different starter from the restaurant’s à la carte menu. Sole Seafood & Grill, 18-19 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 544 2300; www.sole.ie