Weekender

Clodagh McKenna’s Brooklyn

I go to New York often,

and spend as much time as possible in Brooklyn.

I love the Wythe Hotel on the waterfront at Williamsburg,

one of the trendiest parts of Brooklyn. The hotel used to be a factory, so the style is industrial chic. The rooftop bar has breathtaking views of Manhattan, and delicious cocktails. Even if you don’t stay, it’s worth going just for a Fridaynight drink.

I could while away Saturday in the shops around Bedford Avenue.

A tiny shop called Cat Bird has unique jewellery and trinkets, and Beacon’s Closet is an amazing vintage shop. Eat a hearty lunch, as you’ll need all your shopping energy.

Roberta’s on Moore Street has the best pizza in Brooklyn.

They serve locally brewed beers and grow their own vegetables out the back. Off the garden terrace is Heritage Radio, a really cool station that I sometimes appear on if I’m in Brooklyn.

I love Maison Premiere for the best oysters.

They also have an impressive absinthe menu — try the Vilya Absinthe Verte from Montana, served with a sugar cube and ice.

On Sunday morning, go to Devocion on Grand Street for the best coffee in Williamsburg.

Fans of The Good Wife will recognise it. Just three blocks away, on the Hudson River, there’s a small park with a great view of the NY skyline.

My favourite walk is across the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun is setting.

Even if you’ve been to New York hundreds of times, it’s worth taking time to do it. ‘Clodagh’s Kitchen’ is at Arnotts, D1, or see clodaghmckenna.com