Totally Dublin 1
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BITESIZE CAFFEINE AND CO-WOR
KING AT LIVINGROOM Let’s face it there’s no shortage of places to grab a flat white and plug in a laptop in Portobello, but the owners of recently opened livingroom in the D8 suburb are aiming to offer locals something a little more inviting. The neighbourhood’s latest café comes courtesy of the team behind Mr French on Erne Street, with inhouse café Frenchette serving up specialty coffee from 8am. Speaking about the new venture, founder Grace Collins says, “Portobello felt like the natural home for the first livingroom, given the creative energy that already exists in the neighbourhood. The ambition is for this to be the first of many spaces rooted in local culture and community.” Aimed at everyone from those dropping in for a morning caffeine fix to others settling in for a slower start to the day, she describes as a café first and a workspace second. “More than just desks, livingroom is intended as a genuine third space for Dublin’s creative community - somewhere founders, freelancers, artists and independent thinkers can cross paths naturally, with a programme of events and collaborations helping to foster those connections.” Designed for those who value focus, creativity, and connection in equal measure, behind the coffee counter, it unfolds into an intimate co-working and creative space designed for freelancers interested in plugging in and catching up. Currently home to twelve co-working desks, it’s available to book in a way that suits different rhythms of working. Guests can reserve desks by the day, opt for a flexible five-day package to be used over four weeks, or secure an annual residency, currently available at a special launch rate. Ideal for those thinking about putting together a more regular autumn routine fuelled by some excellent coffee. For enquiries visit livingroom.community BOOKISH AFTERNOON TEA In search of a cultured city escape with a literary twist? If your idea of a perfect break involves books, imagination and a very good afternoon tea, The College Green Hotel Dublin has just the thing. The five-star city-centre hotel has teamed up with the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) to launch an inspired staycation celebrating Ireland’s connection to storytelling, landscape and place. Inspired by MoLI’s acclaimed exhibition, Wild Earth: Irish Writers and the Natural World, the experience invites guests to explore over a thousand years of Irish writing, from ancient myths to modern masterpieces, before returning to one of Dublin’s most elegant addresses for a literary-themed afternoon tea. Drawing on the work of Irish literary giants including Joyce, Wilde and Heaney, the menu features playful flavour combinations, imaginative pastries, and a big helping of food for thought. Available until September, the package includes an overnight stay, breakfast, afternoon tea and tickets to the MoLI exhibition. Perfect summer fodder for bookish grazers. collegegreen.ie MATCHA MAKEOVER Caffè Nero recently launched a new Iced Tropical Matcha Latte, a limited-edition serve blending ceremonial-grade matcha with mango, passionfruit and a touch of vanilla. Served over ice, the bright, fruity pick-meup works nicely with the café’s summer food menu which has also had a seasonal refresh. New arrivals include a Pastrami and Emmental Panini, a flaky, custard-filled Pastel de Nata baked fresh in-store, and toasties filled with a choice of Chicken and Stuffing and Mozzarella and Pesto. Consider your lunch break sorted. @cafeneroireland TAYTO ENTERS ITS WONKA ERA WE’RE LOVIN’ Tayto’s annual limited editions often present die-hard lovers of the savoury snack with a bit of a dilemma, and that trend looks set to continue with the arrival of their new Candy Floss flavoured crisps on shelves here this summer. Combining the sugary nostalgia of a traditional fairground fav with the unmistakable crunch of the brand’s signature potato chips, the sweet and savoury new addition is already dividing opinion. A Wonka-style stroke of genius or a rollercoaster step too far? Answers on the back of a crisp packet please… taytocrisps.ie Takeaway Palestinian Afternoon Tea Boxes from the Silk Road Café. Available on a collection only, once a month basis, each box comes packed with a delicious selection of homemade savoury and sweet treats. Choose from Gluten Free, Vegetarian or Vegan options, add a cuppa of your choice and enjoy! A great way to help support the café as it remains closed to the public during the EU presidency. @silkroadcafe.ie 32
