Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hands across the generations the making of Newbridge Silverware

Hands across the generations the making of Newbridge Silverware

The restaurant at Newbridge Silverware. Newbridge pic


Thinking of Newbridge Silverware (after a recent visit), I think of hands. So many hands since the company was founded in 1934. Those hands and the people, from the “raw” apprentice to the managing director, are responsible for lifting the company from its humble beginnings. And as I look at the firm now,  it seems to me that all those hands, all those families, pulled (and still pull) together at Newbridge to bring it to its valued position today not alone in the County Kildare town but in the country as a whole.

 

Thanks to Aisling Burke, the Visitor Experience Manager, we had a fabulous tour there earlier this month and it was then that I began to “see” hands. Hands at work. Because yes, virtually everything here is done by hand, checked at every stage of production, so that what you get in the blue package, whether it be a modest Christmas tree decoration or a pair of diamond earrings, is just perfect.

At work in the factory, 1958. Newbridge pic


Newbridge Cutlery Company was founded in 1934 and is one of Ireland’s oldest surviving companies. It started in a local army barracks  (ex-British) and a large order from the Irish army gave it a welcome boost in the early years. 


By the 90s, their cutlery wasn’t cutting it anymore and a decision to start making jewellery (using much the same skills) proved a wise one. Cutting edge design and acclaimed photo shoots with supermodels such as Sophie Dahl, Yasmin le Bon and Naomi Campbell, enhanced the company’s brand image. RTE newsreader Anne Doyle was one of the first local personalities to wear the jewellery. 

Great welcome to Newbridge from Aisling (2nd left) and Ronan (left)


In 2007, the Museum of Style Icons was initiated and Newbridge is now associated with the world of celebrity and fashion. Still a lot of hard work here though, lots of manual stuff going on day after day and it still takes years to train a cutler.


It is a company that seems to inspire great loyalty in its workers, many of whom spend decades here, a place where a son or a daughter regularly follows a parent into employment here. You’ll see lots of photos around the place of personalities who are nowadays associated with Newbridge but up there too you notice many pictures of valued employees and there’s a long list of workers named as you enter the building. And even a quick look at their website reveals photos of many of the men and women who made this place. You can view some of their stories here.


Most of the machinery here is old, most of it still going strong

And speaking of families, you just have to mention the Doyles. Dominic Doyle and later his son William helped guide the firm away from its dependency on cutlery (falling out of fashion) and helped refocus the brand on unique and high-quality tableware and silverware. 


This proved to be a wise decision, and Newbridge Silverware quickly became known for its high-quality, cutting-edge designs thanks to those acclaimed photo shoots with well-known international models that included a five-year relationship with Naomi Campbell (despite her turning up somewhat late for the first appointment!).

When you want to cut out multiples of shapes, waterjet's your man!



In 2007, the chance acquisition of an iconic dress belonging to Audrey Hepburn sparked an idea that led to the creation of Newbridge’s next innovation; the Museum of Style Icons. Factory tours started in 2018.


Take a tour through the Museum of Style Icons and you'll come out dripping with nostalgia (if you're a certain age of course). Then again, maybe age doesn’t matter that much as many of the visitors I saw were young and seemed to be well into the celebrities, the fashion and the music.

Princess Di's India dress.



Indeed, the music, or at least those who made it, is quite a large element of the very interesting display. You'll see the Beatles and Bob Dylan (hardly springs to mind as a fashion icon but do look at that jacket). And there is also a Paul McCartney autographed guitar.


Mostly though it is about the film stars (and Princess Di) and the clothes they wore on set and at receptions and parties while promoting their various films.  Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Tippi Hedren are all featured. Liza Minnelli’s costume from Cabaret is prominently displayed.

Olivia Newton-John



You may be a bit cynical about fashion, saying it’s just skin deep. But it is of its time and can sometimes speak of its time, more deeply than you'd think. Take that Tippi Hedren, the star of Hitchcock's film The Birds. She went on to make the movie Marnie for Hitchcock but that was her last film. She wouldn't work again for Hitchcock and he would not release her from her contract. Talk about slavery! You may read more disturbing details about it here.


Newbridge owns most of the exhibits on show but, from time to time, they supplement that with loans and transfers between themselves and other similar exhibitors and collectors. Keep an eye on their website for updates. 

The Beatles' suits, worn on the film promotional tour of A Hard Days Night
Newbridge pic


By the way, the whole exhibition is free to enter. So, whether you’ve called in to do a bit of shopping or for a bite of lunch in the lovely cafĂ©, do allow time to walk up that red carpet and have a browse!


Carleton Varney has designed the interiors of landmark buildings from Washington to Japan, and in 2017 the world-renowned interior designer brought his iconic style to Newbridge Silverware when the ‘Decorator to the Stars’ was commissioned by to redesign its restaurant.

Good afternoon! Newbridge pic


My first bite!
In that newly expanded restaurant, with its eye-catching decor, we were treated to Afternoon Tea!  But that is just one of their offerings. You may have anything from a  crusty homemade doorstep sandwich with a bowl of chunky soup to a full evening dinner for a family get-together or a business celebration.



We certainly got the royal treatment here, thanks to Aisling and F&B manager Ronan. Our handmade Afternoon Tea was absolutely stunning and simply delicious, elegantly served in the most beautiful Vintage Tea Collection. And what was really excellent about it was the perfect balance between savoury and sweet, one of the best we’ve come across. Next month, the restaurant will be the venue for a special event - see end of the post for details.

Four years ago! This view changes regularly depending on what's happening at the time


Four years earlier we had enjoyed a meal here on a Sunday afternoon and I wrote: “They have a huge selection here and the Sunday lunch was very popular. The staff were friendly and absolutely efficient; the place ran like clockwork but with no shortage of smiles. One of the best of its type around, I’d say….The menu (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea) changes regularly and a board shows a long list of Irish suppliers that they support.”


After the latest factory tour, the Museum of Style Icons, and the Afternoon Tea, we were ready to do a bit of shopping ourselves and we did just that, jewellery and some wine accoutrements in bags and boxes as we said our goodbyes and headed off home.

Coming to a Christmas Tree near you soon!



Actually, during that shopping, we got a further sign of the hospitality element that seems to be natural here. We were finding it hard to make up our minds between various items. But one of the staff gave us a hand and also enquired if would we like a cuppa! Nice touch! Quite a few nice touches actually during a very enjoyable few hours.


By the way, Newbridge Silverware and its multi-faceted offering is just off the M7 and the M9 (less than 10 minutes in each case). Well worth a visit! And, don’t forget the Christmas shop! If you can't make it to Newbridge, you can of course shop online.


Also on this visit (thanks to Into Kildare for helping):

Newbridge Silverware.

Clanard Court Hotel.

Kildare Village - Athy - Burtown House


Recent Visit:

The National Stud & Japanese Gardens 

You're on course for a great time when you stay at Lawlor's of Naas 

Lawlor's Naas is a great base for Kildare's many attractions 


FASHION EVENING COMES TO NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE

-HOSTED BY CELEBRITY STYLISTS AND MEDIA PERSONALITIES-

Fashion guru, fashion editor and stylist, Mandy Maher photographed with media personality, Noel Cunningham and celebrity stylist to the stars, Marietta Doran at the announcement.

Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge, Co. Kildare will host a night of autumnal fashion on Friday, 29th September at its newly renovated and extended restaurant, ‘The Silver Restaurant’.  The event will be hosted by Mandy Maher, RSVP Fashion Editor and Ireland AM Stylist and her co-hosts, media personality, Noel Cunningham and fashionista and celebrity stylist, Marietta Doran. This exciting event takes place on Friday 29th September from 6.30pm and includes a drinks reception, dinner and a glamourous fashion show featuring jewellery and accessories from Newbridge Silverware and fashion and style from a host of local boutiques.

Guests can enter a raffle in aid of Sensational Kids with plenty of goodies and prizes to be won. Sensational Kids is based in Kildare Town and is an award-winning social enterprise, that has already changed the lives of over 8,500 children, saving their families over €1.8 million in therapy fees. The registered charity provides vital front-line therapeutic supports for children with additional needs, ensuring that these children in need have access to vital supports when and where they need them. With 45,000 children on waiting lists for speech therapy and occupational therapy the services offered by Sensational Kids offer a lifeline for families whose children would otherwise be waiting 3-4 years to access services and would lose the opportunity for timely intervention and better outcomes for their children.

Speaking in advance of the show, Mandy Maher said, “The show will feature fabulous fashion and looks from some of Kildare’s top boutiques and with looks for both men and women there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Newbridge Silverware has been at the forefront of fashion for decades and the design team have their finger on the fashion pulse of the nation.   Together, with my co-hosts, Marietta Doran, and Noel Cunningham we are looking forward to meeting up with old friends and new and would encourage people to join us for what will be a great night of fashion, food and fun!”

There will be lots of exclusive discounts on offer on the night offering guests a great opportunity to shop for their favourite Newbridge Silverware items.  The evening will also offer visitors the chance to experience the new, light filled restaurant extension which overlooks the gardens at Newbridge Silverware. Tickets cost €69 per person and can be purchased  from the Newbridge Silverware website, at the restaurant itself, or via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fashion-show-at-newbridge-silverware-tickets-691695328347?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

For more information see www.newbridgesilverware.ie



Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Cork City newcomer Paladar is Bar of the Year!

 

2023 Bar of the Year Awards Winners Announced!
Paladar in Co. Cork was named Bar of the Year at this year's prestigious Bar of The Year Awards ceremony which took place in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.
Celebration time for Paladar and Cask


Amongst the galaxy of contenders, the most exceptional bars have been recognized and celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to the hospitality industry. These establishments have elevated the art of mixology, ambiance, and service, captivating patrons with unforgettable experiences.


After rigorous evaluation and deliberation by an esteemed panel of industry experts only the best in the industry were crowned winners. Amongst many other winners on the night, Bar No 23. at The Merrion Hotel in Co.Dublin took home Gold for "Five Star Hotel Bar of the Year" Sponsored by London Essence, while BAR 1661 took home Gold for "Innovative Bar of the Year", Sponsored by Istil 38.

The winners were announced on Monday, the 21st of August at a gala awards ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.
Montenotte's Ray Kelleher has an even bigger smile than usual!




Bar of the Year 2023 Winners
5 Star Hotel Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - Bar No 23. at The Merrion Hotel, Co.Dublin
Silver Winner - The Courtyard Bar at Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, Co.Kildare
Bronze Winner - The Sidecar Bar at The Westbury, Co.Dublin
Sponsored by London Essence
Bar Food of the Year
Gold Winner - Blake's Bar Galway, Co.Galway
Silver Winner- The Blue Haven Kinsale, Co.Cork
Bronze Winner - The Hideout, Co. Kildare
Best Bar To Watch The Match
Gold Winner - Woolshed Baa & Grill Cork, Co.Cork
Silver Winner - Dignam’s Bar, Co. Monaghan
Bronze Winner - Buskers On The Ball, Co. Dublin
Sponsored by Sky Business
Best Designed Bar / Inside Space
Gold Winner - The Montenotte Hotel, Co. Cork
Silver Winner - The Gables, Co. Dublin
Bronze Winner - Paladar, Co. Cork
Best Live Entertainment Bar
Gold Winner - The Porter House, Co. Mayo
Silver Winner - The Blue Haven Kinsale, Co. Cork
Bronze Winner - O’Donoghue Public House, Co. Kerry
Best Newcomer
Gold Winner - Paladar, Co. Cork
Silver Winner - Kodiak, Co. Dublin
Bronze Winner - The Gables, Co. Dublin
Best Value Pub
Gold Winner - Oasis Bar, Co. Donegal
Silver Winner - The Black Forge Inn, Co. Dublin
City Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - Left Bank, Co. Kilkenny
Silver Winner - Lemon & Duke, Co. Dublin
Bronze Winner - The Front Door Pub, Co. Galway
Sponsored by Schweppes
Cocktail Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - BAR 1661, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Paladar, Co. Cork
Bronze Winner - 9 Below, Co. Dublin
Sponsored by Maker's Mark
Craft Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - Caribou, Co. Galway
Silver Winner - Lock 13 Brewpub, Co. Kildare
Bronze Winner - Impala, Co. Cork
Gastro Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - The Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse, Co. Kildare
Silver Winner - Monks, Co. Clare
Bronze Winner - Russells Seafood Bar, Doolin, Co. Clare
Sponsored by Classic Drinks
Gin Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - Andy’s Bar Monaghan, Co. Monaghan
Silver Winner - Tigh Nora, Co. Galway
Bronze Winner - HYDE Bar & Gin Parlour, Co. Galway
Sponsored by Xin Gin
Hotel Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - HYDE Bar, Co. Galway
Silver Winner - The Montenotte Hotel, Co. Cork
Bronze Winner - Dunes Bar & Bistro at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Co. Cork
Sponsored by Tia Maria
Innovative Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - BAR 1661, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Nevins Newfield Inn, Co. Mayo
Bronze Winner - Cask, Co. Cork
Sponsored by Istil 38
Late Bar / Nightclub of the Year
Gold Winner - 37 Dawson Street, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - r.i.o.t. Dublin, Co. Dublin
Bronze Winner - 1314 at Jerry Flannerys, Co. Limerick
Local Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - Dignam’s Bar, Co. Monaghan
Silver Winner - Peadars Bar Moate, Co. Westmeath
Bronze Winner - The Railway Tavern, Fahan, Co. Donegal
Sponsored by New Payment Innovation Limited
Outside Space of the Year
Gold Winner - House Dublin, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Kenny’s of Lucan, Co. Dublin
Bronze Winner - Nevins Newfield Inn, Co. Mayo
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold Winner - The Landmark, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Russell’s Saloon Gin Emporium, Co. Louth
Bronze Winner - Harrigan’s Bar & Grill, Co. Kildare
Sponsored by Cointreau
Restaurant Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - FIRE Steakhouse & Bar, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - The Club At Goffs, Co. Kildare
Bronze Winner - Mama Yo, Co. Dublin
Sponsored by Coole Swan
Tourist Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - The Brazen Head, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - The Locke, Co. Limerick
Bronze Winner - Brass Fox Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
Sponsored by QuickTips
Traditional Bar of the Year
Gold Winner - The Stag’s Head, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Gracie’s Bar, Co. Sligo
Bronze Winner - The Brazen Head, Co. Dublin
Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold Winner - Roe & Co Distillery, Co. Dublin
Silver Winner - Lock 13 Brewpub, Co. Kildare
Bronze Winner - The Black Forge Inn, Co. Dublin
Sponsored by Excel Recruitment
Whiskey Bar Of The Year
Gold Winner - The Shelbourne Bar Cork, Co. Cork
Silver Winner - Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar, Co. Galway
Bronze Winner - Costigan’s Pub, Co. Cork
Sponsored by Roe & Co
Pub Group of the Year
Gold Winner - Nola Clan
Sponsored by Alliance Ireland
Staff Personality of the Year
Ian Murray
Bar Manager of the Year
Conor Moloney
People's Choice Award
Dublin - The Black Forge, Co.Dublin
Leinster - The Hideout, Co.Kildare
Munster - The Locke, Co.Limerick
Connacht / Ulster - McHughs Bar, Co.Leitrim
Overall Winner - The Locke, Co.Limerick
Judges Choice
Winner - Jimmy Rabbittes
Gail Cotter Special Recognition Award
Winner - Mary Kerrigan, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Bar of the Year
Winner - Paladar
Sponsored by Licensing World

Gallagher's and Beara Distillery combine to present an accomplished taste of the peninsula

Gallagher's and Beara Distillery combine to present an accomplished taste and taoscán of the peninsula.

Delightful pairings a highlight of Cork on a Fork Fest

Beara-Ly Standing, the cocktail that brought the lovely afternoon, part of the annual Cork in a Fork Festival, to a sweet conclusion. Ingredients are Beara Black Cask Whiskey, lemon and red berry sherbet, egg white, crushed almond, meringue. The matching dessert was Lemon Gin infused polenta, mascarpone honey glaze roasted almonds, and mixed berries. Gallaghers and Johnny and Valerie Power all worked together to make this a superb experience. Preparations included a visit to the distillery by Gallaghers staff (hard work?) and lots of experimentation in MacCurtain Street and it all came good last Saturday.


Dee of BabelfĂ­s and Myles of Gallaghers got the ball rolling

The four-course meal started with Egg Three Ways described as Asparagus and sun-dried tomato frittata, crispy egg and a potato hash brown, egg bread rouldade, serrano ham and liver paté, Quite a plateful of flavours and texture and all accompanied by the first of the cocktails.


Eggs Three Ways with Royale to the right in the background


It was named the Wild Atlantic Royale made from Beara Pink Gin, mandarin and elderflower balsamic shrub, and topped with prosecco. Oos and aahs all round and the party was definitely on.


Course number two was the really amazing and well-named Salmon Sensation, a delicious combo of Lemon & Lime Beara Gin Cured Salmon, poached cherry tomatoes, sesame seeds, garlic basil, apple celeriac remoulade, samphire and nori seaweed foam. Every bit on the plate played a role; the salmon itself was memorable and those tomatoes were something else. 

And what would sir have with that? Unusual Abundance was the name of the cocktail: Beara Ocean Gin, sugar kelp, nettle and lime cordial, and honey. Kelp is grown in the bay, Johnny told me.




If the second was my favourite plateful, the third proved my favourite cocktail, the appropriately titled El Plato Principal, combining Fat Washed Beara Whiskey, sweet vermouth, black walnut bitters, orange bitters, sugar and Pernod spritz. Amazing with the whiskey getting a chance to shine through. 


Myles explained in some detail (to myself and Johnny), that fat-washed whiskey involves the whiskey, beef fat and the freezer and the technique enhances the flavour of the whiskey and "clears" it making it lighter in colour. Basically, you allow the fat and whiskey to intermingle and then comes a spell in the freezer. The fat goes solid, and all you have to do is drain off your whiskey. Cheers!

The Gallaghers kitchen whizzed off to South America for the matching dish and again came up trumps with the Mexican Tostadas (Corn shell tostadas, black beans & tomato corinader salsa, meatballs topped up with cheese sauce). Loved it, especially the black beans in the salsa.

Dessert. Topped with a fuschia flower!



Number four was next, all for a sweet finish as you can see in the opening paragraph! A terrific afternoon for the punters - live jazz was enjoyed as well as the food and drink. 

A delighted Gallaghers were soon on social media: "It was a very enjoyable afternoon. We were delighted with what the team @gallaghers & @Babelfisbrand put together and with the fantastic support from @BearaDistillery John & Valerie." It was indeed a lovely and memorable occasion.

Quite a few exotic touches in the menu and indeed in Gallaghers' menus in general but they are firm supporters of Irish produce. One hundred per cent of their beef is Irish and other producers supported include Twomey's Butchers Macroom, P. O'Connell and Sons, Ballycotton Seafood, Shellfish Delamare, Traditional Cheese Company, Hegarty Cheese, Pana Bread, and Alternative Bread Company.

More details on the restaurant and menus here. Terrific food and drink and charming staff. And I'm told there is no need at all to avoid their Charmless Man cocktail, as the name is really just a rum sort of joke!

More on the distillery here.