‘Tis finally the season.

With Level 5 restrictions set to be lifted on December 1st, the creative foodie folk behind the Crawford Gallery Café are putting the finishing touches on a heated outdoor Winter Garden… and a magical menu to match.

The covered alfresco venue will open up just inside the gates of the atmospheric venue on Wednesday and serve throughout the Christmas period, so weary shoppers can kick back with a spiced carrot and tomato soup or tuck into a hot toasted Christmas sandwich, complete with free-range turkey, ham, stuffing and cranberry.

Glee!

A selection of brunch picks, a Full Irish, some fresh pasta dishes and cold-weather favourites such as Bresnan’s beef and red wine stew will also be available, alongside salads and the requisite chips ‘to share’.

Indoors, the café has been transformed into a festive shop filled with Cork made crafts and beautiful bits and pieces from around the country.

The Winter Garden will open for breakfast (8.30am to 11.30am) and lunch (12pm until 3pm) from Monday to Saturday from December 2nd. Walk-ins will be available but if you’re only in town for a little while and you want to ensure a seat, phone reservations are open now on 021 427 4415.