Irish Times article

Delighted to announce there's another little bit of publicity floating about the atmosphere today. I had no idea it was even in the paper until I got a phonecall from a friend, but today's property section in the Irish Times has a lovely article about women running businesses from their homes, and the Arbutus Club was featured. Now, I'm no businesswoman but I'll take the publicity where I can get it thank you very much. And any publicity for the supper club movement has got to be good.

You can check out the article here.

The next two supper clubs are sold out but I'll be announcing more dates here as and when I get organised enough to do so. (See, told you I was no businesswoman!) Or alternatively if you're interested in coming to a supper club in the future you can email me at thearbutusclub@gmail.com and I'll put you on the mailing list.

Sunday Times article

I've had my first flirtation with the media, and I would appear to have survived. Yesterday's Sunday Times contained a great article about supper clubs in Ireland and the Arbutus Club was one of the clubs that were featured. It's taken quite a while from the time I was approached about the article until it was published and it seems strange to finally see it in print after what felt like a huge build up.  To be honest I'm still slightly reeling from the shock that is seeing your photo in the national papers. While I was waiting for the article to come out I was so distracted by my excitement that I completely forgot how much I hate looking at photographs of myself. Now that I've read it, the paper will be going in the drawer never to be looked at again. Well, maybe I'll take it out the odd time. Even if I do cringe every time I catch a glimpse of it, it's still nice to be in the paper right? 

Despite my embarrassment, I was thrilled with how the article turned out. It was a really nicely written piece giving a good run down of the supper clubs available in Ireland. It was great to get some publicity for my dinners and be mentioned alongside what seem like some really well run outfits. Hopefully the article will help spread the word about supper clubs and encourage those budding hosts/hostesses out there to get involved and start evenings of their own. There's a huge amount of enjoyment to be had both for the hosts and the guests. Whether you're a budding cook or just love good food and meeting new people, I can't urge you enough to get involved.

So with my ten seconds of fame stuck safely in the drawer it's back to planning for the next Arbutus Club which, unfortunately for you but brilliant for me, is sold out. There are however seats left for the April club which is happening on the 28th April. Details of the menu will be appearing here shortly so keep and eye out and don't be shy, book a seat. Go on.

In case you missed it here's an excerpt from the article (with slightly better quality photo)! by Kathy Foley.

‘Every dinner has a different atmosphere and pace’

“It’s about bringing together people to share good food and experiences,” says Sarah Halpin, left, a freelance double bassist who dreams of opening her own cafe.
Having completed a part-time cookery course at Dublin Institute of Technology, Halpin was advised by her sister to start a club at home. She set up Arbutus Supper Club in Dublin, despite having never been to one. “It’s a great way to experience cooking for groups of strangers and learning what needs to come together to create an all-round enjoyable experience,” says Halpin. “I’m very much learning as I go, and each one teaches me something new about what I’m doing.”
Halpin has held four supper-club nights, with eight or nine guests at each. She serves a three-course meal, a drink and appetiser on arrival, and tea, coffee and biscuits. Each diner is asked to give a €20 donation.
“It covers my costs and allows me to explore the different organic markets, butchers and fishmongers that Dublin has to offer — places that I couldn’t always afford to shop at in my daily life.
“I don’t make any money. Anything extra I get from an evening goes towards buying decorations for the next club’s table, a few nice plates and napkins, or a glass of wine for my helpers on the night.”
The club evolves as it goes along, she says. “I’m getting better at planning menus and giving the dinner more of a cohesive flow. Every dinner has a different atmosphere and pace, so it’s good to treat each one as it comes.”
Halpin recommends hosting a club to people who love food and entertaining , but says hosts must be comfortable with having strangers in their home. She is planning more events, which could include singles’ nights and afternoon tea parties.
“For me, supper clubs are about the coming together of open, passionate people to share good food and experiences,” says Halpin. “They are driven by passion, not by profit.”
Arbutus Supper Club is next held on March 30 and April 28. Arbutussupperclub.blogspot.com