Ashford Castle raises the bar with new Chocolate Concept
Current, creative and full of flavour – three elements that sum up the new ‘PaulaPastry’ chocolate concept on the Ashford Castle Estate.
Manifesting as a new pâtissier and chocolate counter at Mrs Tea’s Boutique on the Ashford Estate grounds, the concept was devised by award-winning Pastry Chef Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie at Red Carnation Hotel group, which owns Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Launching this week, the counter will feature signature pastries and chocolates, the flavours reflecting both the seasons and the estate. Paula and her team craft each delectable treat in small batches, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and the finest flavours possible.
Guests’ favourites from the 5* hotel are available to purchase, including the hotel’s signature chocolate shards, which stand alongside seasonal offers that include indulgent praline spreads, chocolate nuts and hot chocolates. Hand-crafted chocolates & snack bars are also on sale both individually and as a beautifully presented box of 10.
Speaking about the new chocolate & pâtissier concept, Paula Stakelum said: “Our vision was to build on the deep-rooted relationship between Ashford Castle and chocolate. Our new pâtissier and chocolate counter is about bringing the essence of the estate to life through our chocolate & pastry creations, producing something that visitors will only ever experience from the Ashford Estate.
“Foraging for wild ingredients is something the chefs working on the Ashford Estate are passionate about and it will be a key element of our recipes at ‘PaulaPastry’ – infusing our sweet treats with elements from the local and natural environment around us.”
In keeping with Ashford Castle’s sustainability ethos, the cocoa beans used to make Ashford Castle’s signature chocolates are ethically sourced. Additionally, no single use plastic will be used in the production or packaging at ‘PaulaPastry’.
Ashford Estate has a long-established partnership with revered chocolate brand Valrhona due to its values surrounding sustainability, sourcing, and quality. As part of this partnership, Paula Stakelum has created two chocolate blends with Valrhona titled ‘Legend’ and ‘Legacy’ By Ashford Castle. ‘Legend’ offers a 55% cocoa content, for a rich chocolate tasting experience, while the new ‘Legacy’ chocolate blend features notes of Legend and hazelnut. Both blends will be used as the base ingredients for each offering at ‘PaulaPastry’. The opening pastries will feature the new ‘Legacy’ chocolate blend, Vanilla, lemon and estate apple.
For more visit: www.ashfordcastle.com and Instagram: paula_pastry
