As the longest nights of the year draw in, join us for an unforgettable evening of feasting, warmth and winter magic.
Our Winter Solstice Supper Clubs (this is my 9th year of hosting a Winter Solstice dinner!) are a celebration of the turning of the year— a nod to the festive season (of course), but also a celebration of the old ways. Coming together in the darkest days of the year to feast, tell stories, embrace our friends and honour the darkness as well as being thankful that, however slowly, the sun will return!
This year, as always, my menu is inspired by a multitude of things - by the season, the fruits and vegetables that are available and by traditional festive flavours but with a very Edible Flower twist. Think velvety soups, cheesy puffs, whipped butter, mouth watering dumplings, Indian-spiced deliciousness, zingy salads, ginger, cinnamon, brandy, caramelised apples and so much more. I cannot wait for this menu!
This dinner will be hosted 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.
Winter Solstice Supper Clubs
Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, Thursday 18th,
Friday 19th & Saturday 20th December
On arrival:
Kir Royale with homemade crème de mure
Gougères - Irish cheese puffs
Colcannon cakes with Walter Ewings smoked salmon and lemon & dulse butter
To start:
Cauliflower and chestnut soup with truffle oil and roasted hazelnuts
Homemade soda bread, whipped marmite butter
To continue:
Sichuanese wontons in chilli oil with crispy brussels sprouts
(with minced pork or with mushrooms for veggies)
The main event:
Tandoori chicken or tandoori cauliflower with masala gravy
Ginger and cardamom cranberry sauce
Crispy Indian roast potatoes with coriander and pickled onion
Bombay carrots & parsnips with yoghurt & mint
Shaved brussel sprout salad with dates, pomegranate and ginger
To cheese:
Young Buck blue cheese and mini mince pies
For pudding:
Ginger pudding with brandy caramelised apples and bay leaf custard
To finish:
Winter tea & biscotti
The drinks: This event is BYO. Please bring a bottle (or more) of your favourite tipple. A welcome drink will be provided on arrival
The time: 7pm on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, Thursday 18th, Friday 19th or Saturday 20th December. If you are planning on booking a taxi or organising a lift we’d suggest organising that for 11pm.
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: £70 per person (includes booking fees), for a six-course menu plus a few extras.
Dress Code: Festive glitz or a cosy Winter jumper! This dinner will be hosted in the dining spaces inside at Mother of the Woods which will be lovely and warm.
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. Unfortunately for this event we can’t cater for vegan or gluten free guests. If you have another dietary requirement please just get in touch before booking to check we can make the required adjustments.
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.
