Cellar Bar @ The Merrion Dublin, Ireland

We decided more or less spontaneous that we wanted to have Sunday brunch again at the Cellar Bar at the Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin and reserved a table for two the evening before having the meal. Most time slots were already gone, so we took the one at 14.00 hours. We were also advised that we had to vacate it within 2 hours.

Arriving a little bit after 2 PM we were asked by the Maître d' if we had a reservation and brought immediately to our table.

The bar was busy with a large group and a few couples.

The staff was overall attentive and could remember us from a previous visit, even though that was around a year ago.

We ordered a large bottle of still water, two hot chocolates, one Charentais melon with ham, a super salad, available as starter or main course, two portions of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and bagels with butter and one Banana Salted Caramel Sundae.

The water was filtered by the Merrion and treated with UVB before being bottled and sold.

All dishes were very good and we enjoyed the atmosphere and the meal.

The only criticism we have is the cream on top. It was too much and less would be nice, but our shared sundae was tasty and moreish at the same time.

The bill was 74.50 Euro or ca. 82.75 USD.

The bar had quietened down even before we left more than two hours later, so we assume some guests didn't show up. This was maybe due to the weather. It was raining and windy outside.

After paying we explored the hotel a bit further and used the public toilets, which are worth mentioning, because they are decorated with old photographs of Dublin landmarks and streets and display stamps (gentlemen) and Irish bank notes (ladies). The hand wash and cream are by Asprey Purple Water as on the rooms.

We noticed the hotel has new carpets, the artwork seems to have changed a bit and the way to reception is better signed than before.

We can also reveal that there will be a garden restaurant added, which is at the moment under construction. We look forward to it, but sadly the garden and courtyard will have a somewhat reduced size, but they're beautiful and a real one of a kind asset to this gorgeous hotel in the heart of the city.

We will explore the hotel more and let you know about our experiences, when staying at the Merion in the very near future, so there's no question we will return to this gem.

©2016

Sunday Brunch @ The Cellar Bar, The Merrion Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

In early February my fiancé and I went to the Sunday Brunch at the Cellar Bar, located at the Merrion Hotel. We had planned it for about two months and reserved a table.

We arrived on time and were warmly greeted by the Maître d'.

Our table was held back for us and just opposite the one we had around one and a half months ago during our lunch. The "Reserved" sign was discreetly removed before we took our seats. The difference between our two tables was the size and shape. Our most recent table was squared and larger, while the other had been round. It was a bit wobbly, though. When we mentioned it, a solution was found immediately. The member of staff was grateful we told her. It shows it's better to communicate when something isn't working before leaving dissatisfied.

The Sunday Brunch is well branded with a sign (proclaiming it's the most stylish) at the top of the stairs leading down to the Cellar Bar & Restaurant and branded "Brunch" coasters, especially created for it.

The brunch menu is published online, so we already knew what we would order and the estimated costs.

There were special brunch cocktails and mocktails available. He had an Orange Crush and myself enjoyed the Brunch Refresher. My better half likes coffee liquor, so he was pleasantly surprised, when the waitress confirmed they offered both Tia Maria and Kahlua. He had a Tia Maria. The measure was generous. My cocktail was refreshing and less sweet than his mocktail. The combination of cucumber and gin worked well.

As starter he had the Charentais Melon with Parma ham and mandarin mustard, while I had the Super Salad with pomegranate, baby spinach, feve and feta cheese. Both were delicious and light. A good beginning to our meal.

Our main courses were Brioche French Toast with berries and scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, bagel and butter.

The French Toast came without maple syrup, but it didn't hurt the dish. It allowed to focus on the berries and the eggy bread. The dish was very light and enjoyable.

The eggs were creamy and hidden under the smoked salmon. The bagel was the best I've ever had so far.

Our desserts were a Banana Caramel Sundae and Choux Buns filled with vanilla ice cream. Both looked stylish and were scrumptious, but light. We chose cafe latte and a cappuccino to accompany our desserts. They came in specifically made glasses. They were well designed, unusual shaped and prevented burning our hands by being made with two layers of glass. They are maybe better suitable for larger hands. I had to hold mine with two to get a better grip. The content was creamy and strong, just as we like it.

Our overall impressions are excellent. The food was delicious and healthy, the staff very attentive and always there when we needed them. They managed the right balance between being warm and professional.

The background music was to our liking - mostly jazz. The volume was right and didn't disturb conversations.

Other guests were a family and couples. The older children were very well behaved and the atmosphere was good, but it wasn't loud.

Having had two good experiences we can only recommend a visit to the Merrion Hotel's Cellar Restaurant and Bar, now we're looking forward to experience this venue again in our future.


©2014

The Cellar Bar @ The Merrion Hotel Dublin, Ireland

Originally we wanted to have Christmas Brunch at Balfes, but unfortunately they were fully booked.

We went to the Cellar Bar & Restaurant at The Merrion Hotel and were lucky. They had a table available for us.

The Cellar Bar is located in the cellars of the main building of the hotel. It is an 18th century Georgian house and the cellar is magnificent, looking rustic with exposed bricks, arches and very thick walls.

We had a large table for two. The bar was already full, but the staff managed the crowd well.

Fellow diners were other couples and families, some with very small children, others with teenagers.  All of them were well behaved and the atmosphere was good.

Our waitress was attentive and no matter how busy it got, she was there when we needed her.

We ordered a large bottle of still water, a Red Nose Reindeer Cocktail, an Espresso Martini and a Cappuccino.

The Red Nose Reindeer was a Christmas special and contained Makers Mark, orange juice, grenadine and lemonade.

The Espresso Martini was made with Illy Coffee Liquor. It was delicious.

The Cappuccino was creamy and smooth, so very good as well.

He had a three course meal, while I had a two course.

He started with leek and potato soup. It was smooth and tasty.

Next came the pasta with aubergine, ricotta and tomato sauce and the steak sandwich. When ordering the sandwich I was offered fries or crisps. Since I'm not a fan, I received a generous portion of salad instead without prompting.
We liked both dishes. The steak sandwich was moreish and especially delicious thanks to the roasted onion and saffron mayonnaise.

Our desserts were a slice of Coolattin Cheese with condiments, mango sorbet and a glazed chocolate dome with clementine coulis. As always the dessert was the highlight.

The friendly staff found also time for a quick chat, but was never intrusive. That's how we love it.

The bill came in at 76 Euro (ca. 95 USD).

Would we return? Yes, it was worth our time and money.

 ©2014