Bealtaine is the season of fragrant flowers and herbs and the beginning of sunshine that actually starts to seep into the bones. In the ancient Celtic calendar this was the month that marked the true beginning of summer - a month for rejoicing in the warmth of the sun, the new growth in the fields and hedgerows and a time to come together for feasting, frolicking and fire!
At this time of year I always crave the zingy, fresh flavours of South East Asia - all those gorgeous herbs are at their best right now. I’ve been lucky enough to travel (and cook) several times in that deliciously vibrant part of the world. This year’s Bealtaine dinner is a homage to some of my favourite dishes and flavours from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and beyond.
Think zingy lime, crispy fritters, toasty sesame and peanuts, crunchy vegetables, sweet, sour and spicy dressings and everything tumbled with handfuls of fresh herbs. Not to mention a deliciously aromatic Massaman curry, seared steak with the perfect chilli sauce and an luscious dessert of pineapple cake and ice cream. I can’t wait for this menu, some of my favourite flavours and dishes!
Come celebrate the beginning of summer with us and welcome back the sunshine! Grab your seat at the table!
I’ll be hosting this supper club in the beautiful Mother of the Woods Retreat. Located between Saintfield and Lisburn this is a gorgeous Georgian house and retreat centre owned and run by Essential Nature Yoga.
Bealtaine Supper: Ember & Spice @ Mother of the Woods Retreat
Friday 15th & Saturday 16th May 2026
On arrival:
Ginger and brown sugar mojito
Spiced lentil and onion fritters with date and tamarind dipping sauce
Mini poppadoms with pea and coconut guacamole
To start:
Larb - lemongrass and chilli minced pork or tofu with crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, toasted rice, crunchy peanuts and pickled radish
The main event:
Crying tiger seared picanha steak with nam jim jaew (roasted chilli & lime sauce)
New potato, squash and chickpea massaman curry with roasted peanuts
Honey miso aubergine with herbs and toasted sesame
Griddled halloumi and mango salad with a lime and ginger dressing
Arjard - pickled cucumber, chilli & shallot salad
Steamed jasmine rice
For pudding:
Pineapple and cardamom upside down cake and black sesame ice cream
The drinks: This event is BYO. Please bring a bottle (or more) of your favourite tipple. A welcome drink will be provided on arrival and there will be still water kept topped up on the tables all evening.
The time: 7pm on Friday 15th or Saturday 16th May 2026. If you are planning on booking a taxi or organising a lift we’d suggest organising that for 10.30pm.
The place: Mother of the Woods Retreat, 31 Back Road, Cargacreevy, Lisburn , BT27 6TR (please see the event confirmation email for full details on how to find the venue - but DO NOT go to the Back Road in Drumbo)
The cost: £55 per person (includes booking fees), for a three-course menu plus a few extras.
Keeping warm: This event will be hosted inside the beautiful dining spaces at Mother of the Woods. Weather permitting we may serve drinks outside or light the firepit at the end of the evening so please bring an extra layer or two to keep you cosy.
Seating: You will be seated with other guests. If you are not comfortable sitting with other people then please do not book tickets as unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to seat groups separately.
Dietary Requirements:This menu is suitable for vegetarians. For this menu we can also cater for vegan and gluten free guests. Please let us know if your require any of these options when you book.
For all other dietary requirements let us know when you book and we’ll try our best to accommodate you.
Cancellation Policy: We have recently updated our cancellation policy and we now charge an administrative fee for cancellations up to one week in advance of the event. If you cancel less than one week before the event we cannot offer a refund unless we can resell your tickets. All tickets are transferable if you can find another guest to come in your place. For full details of our cancellation policy please click here.
