Conveniently located right in the centre of Kilkenny (and with secure free parking for residents) this boutique hotel is named after the Earl of Pembroke, for whom Kilkenny Castle was built, and is just a stone’s throw from the Castle and other Kilkenny landmarks including Butler House and Gardens and the National Craft Gallery.
The tone of this contemporary and well-designed hotel is set at the smart entrance, with potted plants outside and a large window giving onto the street – and, as a patron of the Butler Gallery, the Pembroke is used to showcase a selection from their permanent collection.
It would make an equally good base for business or pleasure and the pleasant bar area is a popular place for reading newspapers, or meeting for coffee in the morning (there is complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel).
The spacious modern bedrooms have well finished en suite bathrooms and are very comfortable, with king size beds and air-conditioning, flat screen TV and all the usual amenities (iron and ironing board, trouser press, Nespresso coffee/tea making facilities, hairdryer). There’s ample workspace for business guests in all rooms, while superior rooms also have some little extras such as bottled water, robes and slippers.
Whether visiting Kilkenny specifically for a leisure break, or building some relaxation into a business visit, the hotel's Mint Medispa is sure to please.
Statham’s by Pembroke Kilkenny
Entering from the hotel lobby or from the street, you will find this very pleasing bar and restaurant which has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment. Named after the iconic Statham’s Garage, it pays tribute to the Statham-Ford Special racing car which was designed and built on this site.
The Pembroke has long been known for its commitment to sourcing the best local produce – something there is no shortage of in the South-East, and particularly Kilkenny – and Statham's well earned reputation as a destination restaurant was given a boost in 2021 with the arrival of a new Head Chef, Ken Harker. Well known in the region and beyond for his very successful years heading up the kitchen at Mount Juliet's Lady Helen Restaurant, he brings the finesse and skills of classical cooking to the wider repertoire that is called for in a boutique city hotel and puts his special stamp on every dish, however simple.
Whether enjoying an al fresco meal outside in the pretty partially covered courtyard or dining in the restaurant, the same principles of seasonality, creativity and careful preparation apply and the experience is sure to be memorable.
Popular ingredients star, notably the beef for which Kilkenny is famous (sourced from the Ging family farm, also home to Ballykeefe Distillery) and fresh fish and seafood from Kilmore Quay in nearby Co Wexford. Whatever the ingredients, you can expect interesting and seriously tasty dishes.
You might begin with Small Plates such as Lamb Ragout Croquettes with a parmesan & truffle herb emulsion, for example, or Smoked Trout with apple, fennel, cucumber, dashi & tuille, while popular Large Plates include Statham’s Steak Frites (Ballykeefe 7oz sirloin, confit garlic butter, salsa verde with fries) and Chicken Schnitzel with Kilkenny beer mustard, asparagus and garlic butter. And there are plenty of enticing options that will delight vegetarians and meat lovers alike - Ravioli of Pecorino, for example, a delicious summer dish of homemade ravioli with peas, sautéed spinach and hints of truffle; enhanced by a wonderful fresh herb velouté, the Pecorino and spinach-stuffed ravioli make a memorable dish.
Sweet Plate options tend towards classical treats, such as Dark Chocolate Creme, a decadent rich chocolate dessert with caramel coffee cream sauce and a light hazel nut cream - small but finger licking good - while other highlights may include Roast Banana Ice Cream with peanut crisp, salted caramel and pecans, or Strawberry & Vanilla Mascarpone with ginger shortbread, with a dash of basil oil that lifts the dish.
Service by smartly attired staff is friendly and professional, and an excellent drinks list complements the menus well – with a large choice of cocktails (ask about the smoking 'Ford Special), spirits, sherry and brandy as well as a compact but well-priced choice of wines (seven each of red and white), there is something for everyone.
With a good breakfast and brunch served from early morning, then lunch and a wide ranging casual dining and dinner menu also available, Statham’s offers something special to revive right through from early morning to night time.
