Tropical leaf prints and sky blue carousel stripes give a fresh new look to Newbridge Silver's popular restaurant, now re-christened Café Carleton after the American designer, Carleton Varney, who created the new look.
It is bright and uplifting - and hungry visitors will be glad to know that is also true of Ballymaloe trained Natalie Collins' food, which is vibrant as ever, with fresh soups, salads, main courses and baked goods made in-house with best quality ingredients.
Early opening from 9a.m. caters for healthy breakfasts with fresh fruit and natural yogurt, porridge with honey and cream or the indulgence of eggs benedict or the full Irish with fresh from the oven brown bread.
Soups are vegan and gluten-free, as are many options from the varied sandwich and main course menus served through the day. Grilled fillet of sea bass comes with flageolets and horseradish aioli, and a pumpkin and goats cheese tart with figs and lemon thyme is a popular vegetarian choice.
Homemade desserts and stellar baked goods are a specialty, starring in afternoon teas served on elegant rose patterned Newbridge porcelain. Reasonably priced at 12.50 euro and 20 euro for the extra sparkle of prosecco, afternoon teas are served from 3 p.m. and booking is advisable.
The Newbridge Siverware Visitor Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone new to the area, whether to browse the extensive range of quality tableware and gifts, visit the fascinating Museum of Style Icons - or enjoy a meal in this bright and stylish café. Designer Carleton Varney is president of Dorothy Draper & Company, America's oldest interior design company, and he has beenassociated with countless prestigious restoration projects around the world, including Dromoland Castle, in County Clare.
