So, we’re taking a bit of a summer break from our weekly email newsletters.
For some inspiration, browse through our articles of past and we’ll see you in September!
So, we’re taking a bit of a summer break from our weekly email newsletters.
For some inspiration, browse through our articles of past and we’ll see you in September!
Our fabulous Cork Corner writer, Madeleine joined a group of bloggers in London to visit innocent fruit smoothie’s headquarters. Here’s her experience in her own words…
“Think Google, with astro turf! That is basically what you get, plus a whole lot of fruity delights, when you visit Innocent Smoothies HQ at their well named Fruit Towers on Brackenbury Road in London. The vibe is altogether informal, well intentioned, youthful and enthusiastic. They decided to host a coffee morning to gather together the elite of the British Isles parenting blogging community and get their opinions on all things ‘kiddie’. What was genius was their angle – kids were invited along for the ride. Masterful.
To greet you on arrival was the infamous Cow Van and bubbly Innocents staff, complete with a selection of smoothies for you to sample. Upon entering the building you were invited to sit at various tables; one for felt hat making; one for stickers; one with a nutritionist to ask/answer any questions. Groups of three to four were ushered into the kitchen where the magic happens and allowed make smoothies from scratch. There were also some quirky little games to be played including ‘identify this fruit while blind folded’ for the kids. A giant wedge ambled around the room hugging adults and kids alike while Fußball was battled to the death by well intentioned Dads dragged along for the day. Coffee, tea and to-die-for carrot cake etc were on tap in their kitchenette.
At one point, for a fleeting 17 seconds, one founding member of the company bounded to his feet on the couch and gushed at how happy he was we could come. In truth, I had read their branding book and was really looking forward to hearing him say something about the whole process as they are truly an amazing example of branding success. But, that didn’t happen…
Bloggers of note included Judith’s Room, Are We There Yet Mummy, Battlingon and Muddling along Mum. All of them have since written a speil on innocents praising the day and asking for a job! A lovely fellow Irish blogger (from Dad.ie) howled ‘celebrity’ at me when I said I was with Mummymaps. It was a classic case of a glance over the shoulder to see who exactly he might have been referring to moment. Then he said it again during another conversation and I thought, hmmm, Mummymaps rocks!
Sum up of innocent….real smooooth…...! -MM
Settling for a staycation this year? Then book into Brooklodge for a family treat that will appeal to all ages. If you like a sophisticated spa followed by some fine dining but they like to run wild in the woods or splash in the pool, this stunning corner of County Wicklow is where you’ll find it all. Laid out on the site of an old country village, complete with hens roaming around the green, the main hotel and surrounding buildings house several great eateries, from the casual Acton’s Country Pub to the more formal Strawberry Tree Restaurant, the only certified organic one in Ireland. Children are welcome in all of them.
Rather than the usual family formula of kids clubs and separate dining times (which really only works for older children anyway), Brooklodge has opted for a more subtle but equally welcoming approach, and just caters for parents and children with the same excellent service they offer to all guests. The billiards room is stocked with board games, the stables will take tots on horseback rides around the garden (as slowly as they want!), meals are made to order, even for the fussiest eaters. The spa is of course an adult-only zone but an extra family pool is provided in an adjacent building so they can splash away as noisily as they want there.
There is a sale on accommodation and spa treatments at Brooklodge during the month of July. If you are within day-tripping distance and just want to get a flavour, they hold a fantastic food fair on the first Sunday of every month (until October), including an array of stalls and artisan food suppliers from far and wide, as well as music and barbecues. -KT
The BrookLodge & Wells Spa, Macreddin Village, Co Wicklow, 04 023 6444, www.brooklodge.com
Quick! Is that sun we see? If you’re looking for a quick-fix beach without the drama of packing up and heading down to the sunny-south-east, then hie thee down to Sandycove Beach. A tiny scrap of golden sand nestled in between Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey, it’s just the thing for your very own tiny scraps when they’re in the mood for a bit of low-key strand action. Just take the DART to either Sandycove & Glasthule or Dalkey, then fix your sights on the sea and wander down. The beach is nestled between Sandycove Avenue East and Sandycove Avenue West, and parking is free along the side streets.
Energetic and/or culturally-inclined families can get in a dose of brain stimulation by wandering up round the corner, where you’ll be spoiled for James Joyce choice. Do you want to emulate the beginning of Ulysses and jump into the water at the Forty Foot, bathing spot of the hardy (probably best only for adults and older children)? Or would you rather stay fully clothed and check out the neighbouring Martello Tower, open from April – August as a museum of Joycean memorabilia? It’s your call. Meanwhile, the kids and remaining (sane) adults will be having a ball down on the golden sands. On sunny days, there are often people there selling you vital 1950s-style beach gear – buckets and spades, li-los, fishing nets – and the ice-cream van gives nearby Teddy’s a very good run for his money.
The water stays shallow out past the breakers, so there’s plenty of good paddling and splashing to be had, whilst budding beachcombers will have a ball sorting through the grains to find pretty stones and shells. No wonder Joyce waxed lyrical about this spot.
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Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic is Bunnyconnellan’s Bar and Restaurant. There are a few key things about this joint that are of note.
First, it’s only fifteen miles from Cork city centre – it’s not a huge effort to get there, nor is it so close that you will feel like you haven’t ‘done’ anything! It’s worth the drive for the breathtaking view once there.
Second, the bar and restaurant are ridiculously kid friendly while still managing to pull off an adult vibe. Kids can run and play in the walled grass area to the back of the establishment while those looking for a quieter meal or drink can take a seat on the veranda or inside without feeling like they are in a playground.
Third, the food is great. The elaborate, Irish themed menus which can be eaten at the bar or in the restaurant. The lunch menu consists of delicious soups, sandwiches and paninis as well as more substantial meals (but nothing is over 11.50).
And, last of note about this little Atlantic gem is the heated outdoor patio area. It’s a real string to the bow of what is already a very well thought-out premises. It’s ideal for special occasions like a birthday, christening or family gathering. When we visited there were two separate small family parties going on; all tastefully catered for and well-managed making those of us who had just popped in feel relaxed and still well attended to.
Tips: Park towards the entrance rather than driving close as you can to the door. It gets narrow and is difficult to reverse out of if there are a lot of customers.
Bunnyconnellan’s Bar and Restaurant, Myrtleview, Cork. 021 483 1213, www.bunnyconnellan.ie
