Marlfield has adjusted to the new reality post-Covid
AFTER ITS longest closure in 24 years, Marlfield House Hotel and the Duck restaurant are reopen this week for what looks to be a very busy summer season.
Incorporating the idea of the ‘stay-cation’, the focus will be on the outdoors and exploring the grounds and the countryside during a stay or a visit to this destination venue.
Speaking to Laura Bowe of Marlfield, she said that reservations are strong.
‘The Duck restaurant is very heavily booked, and it feels similar to what was there before, it’s not going to lose its atmosphere at all and but you can’t just walk in as before. It’s going to be a two or three course lunch or dinner on offer, as realistically we can’t have people dropping in for a glass of wine and a starter. In the afternoon on the terrace, we’ll give you a table if we can’.
As Chairperson of Ireland’s Blue Book of hotels and restaurant, Laura explained that the lockdown period has given her the opportunity to network and bounce ideas with other hotel owners in Ireland as well as internationally, which has been a key part of re-opening.
‘We’re closer together even though we were apart. We held board meetings and had Zoom calls for members. Making plans and hearing about the problems and issues arising nationally and internationally was so important. To be linked in with all those hoteliers, you’re using them as a benchmark but also as a support system’.
Laura also described the links with the Irish Hotels Federation, The Restaurants Association of Ireland and Fáilte Ireland as vital.
‘Regulations were slow coming forward and it was so important voice our views with lobbying groups to inform government about what we wanted and needed to re-open. I’ve learned more about other hoteliers here and I’ve networked more than I had previously’.
Hopeful that the experience at Marlfield won’t lose its unique character, Laura explained that visitors an expect a more ordered visit.
‘I had been nervous for the west coast with the lack of American tourists but now we’re all sharing the pool of Irish tourism. We’re encouraging two night stays and the house will be for residents only. It’s mid-season, and we cannot wait to get back out there and have that buzz back. We’re thinking of having theme music for people staying such as jazz or Cuban. We’ll be able to offer another experience to our guests.
‘During the lockdown we worked on opening a jogging trail which we had never done before, and we’re finishing up a gym and other construction works. There’ll be lots of outdoor activities like weekly yoga and falconry’.
Take-away will be available in the coming weeks to order from a main menu, but residents will have their own dining table for their stay.
‘Now we’re looking to the public to take responsibility for themselves, but we’re not going to police the public. We want our customers to be completely transparent and safe,’ said Laura.