Brought to you by The Imperial Hotel

“Even I never dreamed of magic like this!”

A Cork hotel is going all out this Christmas to wow guests with an enchanted fire and ice theme and treats to inspire and delight this festive season.

“One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again,” but for now you can escape to Narnia at The Imperial Hotel on Cork’s South Mall where a special Fire and Ice package, an elaborate Narnia Afternoon Tea, some tempting new cocktail creations, indulgent ‘Escape to Narnia’ fire and ice inspired spa treatments, and exclusive Narnia prints are waiting.

You may even catch a glimpse of Aslan the Lion or the White Witch.

The decor 

The sense of wonder begins on arrival at The Imperial Hotel’s front entrance on South Mall, which is decked out in lights and decorations inviting you to step into a snow-kissed landscape within.

The historic hotel lobby features iconic references to the fantasy land of Narnia depicted in the much-loved C.S Lewis novels. Highlights include the ice queen’s throne and crown, an elaborate antique wardrobe scene complete with fur coats and vintage pieces (great for a photo op!), and the lamppost where Lucy first meets Mr.Tumnus.

Little details like icicles, snow, and an abundance of flocked Christmas trees complete the magical winter woodland story. The traditional train set, decorated each year by the hotel’s talented pastry team, will yet again take pride of place in the display, bringing joy to younger guests in particular.

Afternoon Tea… with a magical twist

The newly crafted Narnia-themed Afternoon Tea menu is served with an ‘‘Always Winter, Never Christmas’ cocktail. The menu features savoury elements which celebrate seasonal and local flavours such as a Cork spiced beef and smoked salmon from the English market, a selection of finger sandwiches, and scones.

Clever references to the beloved Chronicles o f Narnia books are found in abundance in the sweet tier which features intricate desserts such ‘Candle in the Dark’ (Hazelnut Sponge, Maple Mousse, Pear Compôte, & Hazelnut Crisp on Chocolate Sablé), ‘Winter’s Crown’ (Pistachio Cake, Orange Mousse & Orange Jelly on Vanilla Sablé), a ‘Snowy Christmas Tree’ (Almond Cake, Dark Belgian Chocolate Mousse with a Cherry Gelée) and last but not least ‘Edmond’s Delight’ (Dusted Turkish Delight).

This out-of-this-world afternoon tea experience is included in the Narnia package stay or can be booked separately for €49 per person with the festive cocktail (non-alcoholic version available on request).

Fire and Ice for a sensational stay

For those looking for a memorable pre-Christmas or New Year stay, the new Fire and Ice package includes an overnight stay with a la carte breakfast, a Narnia-themed afternoon tea on a day of your choice, and treats in your room including an exclusively designed Narnia print and bespoke chocolate bar from local chocolatiers O’ Connaills. The Narnia package starts from €154 per person.

Swing by for a drink 

Guests and visitors to the hotel over the festive season can really drink in the theme, with additional new cocktail creations such as Tequila Turkish Delight (silver tequila, crème de cacao, lemon juice, rose syrup, egg white), The Ice Queen (gin, lemon gin, Cointreau, frosted mint and sugar), and Aslan’s Roar (vodka, Cointreau, Aperol, sugar, lemon, winter spice, egg white).

 

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You can also sample The White Witch’s Spell (whiskey, lemon, egg white, winter spice syrup, and Cointreau) and The Great Lion (50ml Fireball cinnamon whisky, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lime juice, grenadine, topped with 7up) all of which have been devised by in-house cocktail experts and served at Sketch and No. 76 within the hotel.

Escape to the spa

Ensuring that your Narnia experience at The Imperial Hotel also looks after the body and mind, their Escape Spa team have created the ‘‘Escape to Narnia’ treatment package, which features a one-hour in the thermal suite and a 50-minute Fire and Ice geothermal massage.

This treatment is focused on the back of the body and performed using hot and cold stones for stress reduction, deep relaxation and relief from physical pain. Enjoy the spa treatment with afternoon tea for €150 midweek or €160 over the weekend – it’s the most magical way to treat yourself during the Christmas rush.

For more information or to make a booking see imperialhotelcork.com.