Lawlor’s of Naas officially launched Vi’s Bar and Restaurant this week. Vi’s, named after the famed Violette Lawlor, is one of the most promising new additions to the four star hotel following the recent extension by owner Jack Tierney. The restaurant four-star dramatic cone-shaped ceiling-height bar as its centrepiece, custom made for Lawlor’s. Vi’s aims to deliver a high standard of dining within an elegant yet eccentric setting with the iconic round bar at its centre, alongside an expansive outdoor terrace just in time for the summer.
The interior of Vi’s is an eclectic mix of pieces from all over the world. Guests will enter the restaurant through large, brass doors taken from a cash desk in Las Vegas, and enjoy a Lady Vi’s cocktail while seated on a chair from a casino in Monte Carlo with views of a stunning stained-glass window from a chapel in Nevada.
There is a story behind each carefully selected item, curated to compliment the Lawlor’s dining experience.
The specially designed menu will be sure to delight every diner and includes the Lawlor’s of Naas signature steak on the stone and a new addition, the legendary Mrs Lawlor’s Trifle. This local recipe will be unique to the Lawlor’s menu, and a guaranteed culinary staple for any visit.
Lawlor’s of Naas, Executive Chef Ronny Wolf and Head Chef of Vi’s Simon O’Callaghan use high-quality Irish ingredients that combine the tastes and flavours of land and sea with locally sourced ingredients for Vi's menus which will be adapted seasonally. The wine list offers a vast range of new flavours with a discovery section for guests to try something new and features Lady Vi’s Vault where exclusive wines are stored.
Executive Chef Ronny Wolf, who joined the team In March, said: "Lawlor's of Naas has a history of food that spans 110 years. I'm looking forward to being part of the next chapter with the team and keeping the Lawlor's name at the forefront of dining".
Vi’s Head Chef Simon O’Callaghan said: “It is not very often that a chef is given the opportunity to be part of a new restaurant opening and I’m taking this exciting opportunity to develop my style of cooking towards a more customer-driven approach. I am keen to make a menu and dishes my customers want. This is more relevant as customers are not just influenced by the tastes, smells and textures they enjoy, but by the impact their dining has on the community and environment.”
The new menus are of a premium brasserie style with a mix of fish, Irish beef, free range chicken and plant-based dishes. Vegetarians and vegans, along with dietary requirements, can be catered to with ease with a wide variety of dishes that rival their meatier alternatives in quality and quantity.
The restaurant interior is a unique combination of Irish crafted materials with high quality finishes, intermingled with vintage pieces from Jack Tierney’s personal antique collection. The mix of styles, textures and fayre presents an intriguing feast for the eyes and is certainly a departure from the direction of the industry and distinguishes it from any other hospitality venue. Vi’s Bar and Restaurant was designed by Jack as he drew the plans on the floor and craftsmen set about making it a reality.
The elegant brass doors that open into the new Vi’s Restaurant lead you into an inviting space, with rich fabric light shades that compliment dining chairs and booths, all made in Ireland, combining to create a surprisingly cosy space considering its spacious size. The dramatic cone shaped ceiling height bar anchors the space and beckons as THE place to socialise, celebrate and dine. At night the lights glow through the feature windows and doors printed with scenic forestry photos, beckoning into an outdoor garden that is sure to become a favourite hangout.
As an addition to Vi’s Restaurant, the new extension also includes The Linen Room; a delightful semi-private dining space overlooking Vi’s Restaurant, hosting another timeless interior with seating for 30 guests. The Linen Room was originally the boardroom of a Linen Mill in Scotland and is now an extension of Vi’s.
Diners wishing to book a table at Vi’s call 045 90644 or visit www.lawlors.ie where you can book a room or a table online.
For full menu details for Vi’s Restaurant please click here and for Sunday's menu click here.
