Honestly, you had me at brunch.
The iconic Imperial Hotel will be celebrating next week as they mark one year since the launch of their trendy cocktail hot spot Sketch (recently voted one of the top cocktail bars in Cork!)
Facing onto the newly pedestrianised Pembroke Street, just off the South Mall, the award-winning luxury boutique hotel has also announced the appointment of their brand new Executive Head Chef, Ali Honour (formerly of Ali’s Kitchen), who is well known amongst Cork foodies, along with an exciting new brunch menu.
Commenting on the news, Bastien Peyraud, who took over the role as GM two years ago, has put a strong focus on the hotel as a stand-alone dining and social destination that serves quality local, sustainable food:
“We want to become known for heartfelt food in the heart of the city and this is exactly what Ali creates, so we are very excited to announce her appointment. Our new food direction will include more homemade comfort foods packed with flavour, which modern diners crave when eating out, while still maintaining the style and sophistication you would expect from a luxury boutique hotel.”
A brand new brunch menu will launch in time for the one-year celebrations at Sketch. Jam-packed with flavoursome treats the menu will include Sweet French Toast with seasonal compote, vanilla mascarpone and hazelnut crumble or a Savoury French toast topped with creamy mushrooms, spinach, and gruyere cheese.
If poached eggs are your idea of staple brunch go-to, then be sure to try the Corn Fritters which come with avocado, poached egg, chilli and coriander dressing, or alternatively you can opt for the Brunch Bowl which has poached egg, hummus, tender-stem broccoli, quinoa, roast peppers, onions, sweet potato, salad and a herb dressing. Delish!
On the 8th October from 12-4pm, Sketch will be adding live music to their Saturday brunch
featuring Cork pop singer Aine Carroll, a contestant on season 5 of The Voice UK.
In addition to this, a special ‘Stretch at Sketch’ yoga brunch will take place on Sunday 9th at 11am. Tickets for this event start at €59 an includes an energising morning with a health shot from the head chef herself followed by a 45-minute yoga class with yogi Val from Soul Retreats Cork.
After the workout, guests will then enjoy 3-courses of gorgeous fresh local produce from the new Brunch menu at Sketch (vegan and vegetarian catered for), and attendees will be also given an energy ball to take home. The event is suitable for all levels of experience but you must bring your own mat!
Bookings for both Brunch with live music on Saturday and the Stretch at Sketch event must be pre-booked can be reserved here.