There is something very special about Tankardstown House. From the moment you arrive and your tyres scrunch over the creamy gravel, you get a sense of the luxury of the place. Arriving at dusk is particularly impressive as the main house is lit up like a grand villa in Tuscany. Owner Trish Conroy has exquisite taste and you’ll see her touch everywhere – from the elegant pastel china tea service for afternoon tea in the Tea Garden to the sumptuously decorated guest rooms and the open wood fire as you walk into Brabazon restaurant.

She also has a great eye for chefs and has snaffled one of the best in Robbie Krawczyk (son of Frank Krawczyk, well known salami maker in west Cork). Robbie is bringing brilliant new energy to dining at Tankardstown with the introduction of his on-site smoker and his passion for using homegrown produce (from the walled garden) and supporting local producers.

And that is what his new Friday Night Project is all about. On the third Friday of every month, Robbie will create a special menu to pay tribute to a series of local producers. Next up (Friday 24^th April) he will create a five-course tasting menu featuring succulent spring lamb, from Gareth Sands in Lambtown (no joke), near Ardee and Matcha tea from local girl Lily’s Tea Shop in Termonfeckin.

Ps: On your way to Tankardstown make sure to pop into the village to check out two more of Trish Conroy’s pinterest-perfect projects – The Conyngham Arms Hotel and Slane Bake caf?.