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 10th 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. This year I’ve been much inspired by the old ways - with a little nod to the East - think winter spices, dried fruits, crumbly cheese, earthy beetroot, pickles, slow cooked beef, fragrant pears & quinces, the crispiest potatoes, old fashioned bread sauce, local cheese, spicy chutney and an sweet and airy pavlova to finish. A nod to classic Christmases but with so many more beguiling flavours!
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.
***Tickets will be available on Monday 26th October at 6pm***
Winter Solstice Supper Clubs
Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, Thursday 17th,
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th December
On arrival:
Warm mulled apple juice & spiced rum
Mini mince pies with Young Buck
Buckwheat blinis with Walter Ewings smoked salmon, sour cream & dill
To start:
Beetroot & onion pakoras, pickled fennel, coriander and mint chutney, toasted coconut and poppadums
The main event:
Slow cooked beef with pears, red wine and black pepper
Mini mushroom and leek pies with stuffing crumble & mushroom gravy
Honey & rosemary roasted carrots and parsnips with spiced bread sauce
Wine poached quince, shaved sprouts, toasted hazelnuts and goats cheese salad
Crispy roast potatoes with smoked onion mayo
To cheese:
Irish cheese, spiced gooseberry chutney, homemade crackers
For pudding:
Mini pavlovas with raspberry, rose, white chocolate & pomegranate
To finish:
Rosemary tea & gingerbread stars
***Tickets will be available on Monday 26th October at 6pm***
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 4th, Saturday 5th, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th or Saturday 19th December 2026. 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 five-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. 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.
