Spoil your loved one this Valentines with a romantic break to Cork’s grand dame of romance, The Imperial Hotel, which has been hosting first dates, engagements, weddings and honeymoons for more than 200 years. The scene for your romantic weekend will be set as you arrive at their majestic lobby which will be festooned in giant red roses as part of a stunning ‘Cupid’ inspired flower art installation – the perfect insta spot to capture the start of a romantic weekend
The Imperial’s ‘All You Need is Love package includes a 2-night stay in a luxury room with a delicious birdcage breakfast, and you can choose one treat to go with it, whether your true love is food, romance, fashion or fun! If all you need is love FOOD, choose dinner for two in Thyme at Seventy-Six on the Mall on a night of your choice. If all you need is ROMANCE choose the romantic turndown on a night of your choice, which includes rose petals on your bed, a bottle of prosecco and chocolate dipped strawberries. If all you need is FASHION, then Afternoon Tea for two in Sketch Tea room is the place to show off your style. And lovers of FUN can choose a sharing birdcage of cheese and charcuterie and two cocktails at Sketch, Cork’s newest cocktail bar at The Imperial. The package is priced from €194 per person sharing, and you’ll also have the option to add other treats or treatments at Escape Spa to your package to really wow your sweetheart.
The ‘All you Need is Love’ Afternoon Tea has been designed by the hotel’s talented pastry team who are renowned for their culinary talents and aesthetic creations. Get swept away with local delights including an Ardsallagh goats ‘cheese and roast pepper tart, poached hens’ egg with crispy pancetta in a brioche bun, salted beef with blue cheese and walnut, a herb chicken, golden raisin & fresh tarragon and the smoked salmon, crème fraiche & dill, pickled cucumber, and a selection of sweet treats including the Pornstar Martini verrine which has lots of passion ‘fruit’ to kickstart your weekend.
The Imperial is pulling out all the stops when it comes to romantic gestures by providing the services of their very own Special Occasion Butler, James Gunter, to help grant guests every romantic wish for the weekend. Whether you are planning the ultimate romantic date weekend, an anniversary celebration, or a surprise proposal, James will be on hand to provide local insights, advice, and unparalleled expertise.
James, who has been arranging romantic moments for 22 years with more than 10,000 weddings and special occasions under his belt, says Cork city is a haven for lovebirds. If you’re looking for inspiration, his top 10 romantic spots are…
- A sunset cruise around Cork Harbour by boat
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’ to ensure you never run out of conversation
- Soak in the foodie delights and local produce in the English Market
- Stargaze at Blackrock Castle Observatory
- Have a coffee date at one of Cork’s trendy new Marina Market
- Hold hands on a romantic walk around Fitzgerald’s Park
- Feel on top of the world at the top of the famous Shandon Bells
- Try Oysters at one of Cork’s seafood great spots (they are known to be an aphrodisiac)
- Cycle along the River Lee
- Enjoy a private dining in the Imperial Penthouse, a romantic dinner at Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall, or a birdcage sharing platter for two and love cocktails at Cork’s newest cocktail bar Sketch at The Imperial.
James also says that you don’t need to be coupled up to celebrate Valentine’s. “Why not pay homage to a friendship with your forever bestie, mum/dad or workwife/ workhusband this Valentines because really all your need is …love… friends…family… and fun!”
See imperialhotelcork.com/allyouneedis for more, email reservations@imperialhotelcork.ie or call 4274040. Or to engage with the Special Occasion Butler service from The Imperial Hotel simply email events@imperialhotelcork.ie. Imperialhotelcork.com
