Brought to you by The Imperial Hotel. 

It’s the glamorous day out we all need right now.

If the dull winter months have you craving a bit of Parisian decadence, The Imperial Hotel is pulling out all the stops to transport guests back to the glitz of 19th-century Montmartre.

The South Mall hotel just underwent a romantic transformation, inspired in no small part by all things Moulin Rouge.

Taking pride of place on the list of fun things to do and see at The Imperial is the Signature Moulin Rouge-themed afternoon tea, inspired by characters in the film.

Guests will tuck into the Lady Marmalade chocolate custard sponge cake with orange mousse and the ‘Satine’ raspberry shortbread cookie as well as a Moulin Rouge raspberry sponge with chocolate mousse, coconut jelly and a coconut brittle.

There’s also a ‘Nini’ almond cake served alongside a mini-scone with raspberry and white chocolate.

On the savoury side there’s a delicious selection including Coronation Chicken on a mini brioche bun, English Market Smoked Salmon Mousse with black caviar, fresh dill and Buckley’s Brown Bread, a Reuben sandwich: astrami beef, smoked Gubbeen Cheese, pico de gallo, wild rocket, and Ballymaloe Relish and a Macroom Baby Mozzarella Caprese Bite.

Every stunning morsel showcases locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared.

For a truly decadent experience, take a seat in the bar for a cocktail afterwards. The Imperial Hotel’s expert mixologists revel in designing creative cocktails that look as good as they taste.

Inspired by the Moulin Rouge theme they have created four new signature drinks: The ‘Clichy’ features vanilla vodka, butterfly tea, peach-schnapps with simple syrup, lemon juice and egg white garnished with rosemary, while the  ‘Mademoiselle Marmalade’ features Hyde Single Malt Whiskey, passion fruit and simple syrup, marmalade, egg white and garnished with a slice of dehydrated orange.

Our favourite, the ‘La Fee’ is a blend of Midori melon liqueur, limoncello, lime juice, simple syrup, and two sprays of absinthe, garnished with two blueberries on a cocktail stick and finally the ‘Harold Zidler’ is made with raspberry syrup, coconut syrup, lime juice and Malibu garnished with coconut flakes.

The decadent decór (think roses, feathers, bird cages and pearls), Signature Afternoon Tea, themed cocktails and spa treatments will continue at The Imperial Hotel from the end of January to Easter (including Valentine’s Day).

Hoping to sweep someone off their feet?

To quote the movie, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

The Imperial Hotel’s ‘Moulin Rouge’  romantic getaway for couples is all about loved-up luxury and includes a stylish overnight stay in a beautiful room and an indulgent afternoon tea for two to enjoy.

 

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You’ll also receive two signature cocktails inspired by the bright and bold colours and flavours of the cabaret era to enjoy in Sketch. In the morning you’ll be greeted with a delicious a la carte breakfast to set you up for any romantic plans or Cork City explorations on the day. This package starts from €153 per person.

See imperialhotelcork.com/moulinrouge for more, email reservations@imperialhotelcork.ie or call 021 4274040. If you would like some assistance with planning a special proposal simply email events@imperialhotelcork.ie.  

Images: Louis Tang @noirxtone