From Grocer to Table: A Slow Irish Summer Lunch with Style

We might not have sun-drenched street markets (though this week has been pretty epic!) or Provençal fruit stalls, but Irish summer dining has its own kind of magic. For us, it begins in places like Lotts & Co., Avoca, Fallon & Byrne or Delgany Grocer, modern food halls brimming with handmade chutneys, seasonal produce, crusty sourdough and cheeses that taste like holidays. 

And if you're lucky enough to find yourself on the road to Brittas, Ballymoney or another beachside weekend spot on a sunny summer's day, you might stumble across one of those delicious roadside strawberry stalls, selling punnets of sweet, sun-warmed Irish strawberries (though Wexford strawberries might have the edge). 

A summer lunch doesn't need to be complicated. It can be as simple as those strawberries, chilled rosé, and a table set with intention. This is your guide to creating a slow, delicious summer moment at home - the LNH Edit way!

Where We Shop Now: Ireland's Modern Larder

Ireland’s food scene has never been better. While we may not have bustling daily markets, we do have beautifully curated grocers and food halls that bring the same sense of discovery and delight. From sourdough still warm from the oven to handmade pesto, Irish strawberries, and soft cheeses wrapped in waxed paper, these spots are made for creating slow summer lunches.

Some of our favourite places to stock up: 

  • Delgany Grocer, Co. Wicklow - A local gem with shelves of artisan chutneys, vibrant veg, and fresh-baked bread, it also has a fresh fish counter. Pop into the café attached after you've done your shopping and treat yourself to one of Firehouse Bakery's incredible baked goods. 
  • Fallon & Byrne, Dublin - A one-stop wonderland for cheeses, olives, charcuterie, and fine wines. Their fresh pasta and bakery are well worth a browse too. 
  • Lotts & Co., Dublin - Think curated grocery meets chic café. Great for just-made salads, excellent hummus, and "that'll do nicely" bottles of wine. You'll also find FX Buckley butcher counter should you decide to turn the lunch into a BBQ lunch!
  • Avoca Food Markets (multiple locations) - Famous for their homemade pesto and pastries, but don't miss the Sheridans Cheese Counter - the perfect place to build your dream cheese board. 
  • Morton's of Ranelagh, Dublin - An old-school deli with brilliant produce, fresh flowers, and a surprising selection of health food favourites. 
  • Cavistons, Glasthule - A South Dublin staple. Their fish shop is legendary, but the deli counter, wine shop and bakery are equally dreamy. 
  • The Green Barn Shop at Burtown House, Co. Kildare - A treasure trove of seasonal fruit, homegrown veg, and thoughful Irish pantry items, a countryside favourite for weekend wanderers. 
  • Toons Bridge Dairy, Co. Cork - If you're westbound, this spot near Macroom is well worth the detour for mozzarella, smoked ricotta and cannoli you'll still be thinking about next week. 
  • Sheridans Cheesemonger (locations nationwide) - I know we mentioned their counter in Avoca but if you aren't near one of them, Sheridans have multiple locations throughout Ireland including their own standalone stores. Whether you're in Galway, Meath, Dublin or Waterford. Sheridan's is the go-to for Irish cheese (and crackers, chutneys, and wildflower honey to go with it). 

Wherever you are, there's likely to be a deli, food hall, or corner grocer just waiting to be explored. 

Assemble, Don't Cook: A Relaxed Summer Lunch Menu

This isn't about slaving over a stove, it's about curating a table of colour and flavour, and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. A few of our go-to ideas: 

The "Not Really a Starter" Sharing Board

  • A soft cheese, a hard cheese, and a blue
  • Fig or rhubard chutney
  • Sourdough slices or seeded crackers
  • Fresh cherries or grapes
  • A sprinkle of edible flowers if you're feeling really fancy

Summer Salad (that actually fills you up)

  • Burrata or goats cheese
  • Sliced peaches or nectarines
  • Rocket, fresh mint, toasted almonds
  • Olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky sea salt 

The Lazy Girl's Dessert 

  • Irish strawberries, halved
  • A dollop of mascarpone or Greek yoghurt
  • Crushed amaretti or ginger biscuits
  • A drizzle of honey and a little lemon zest 

Let guests build their plates, refill their glasses, and graze at their own pace. 

Set the Table Like You're on Holiday

Your table doesn't need to match, it just needs to feel joyful. This is where LNH Edit pieces come into their own: block printed napkins, colourful plates, a tablecloth that feels like sunshine. It's summer in a tablescape. 

Styling Ideas: 

  • Mismatched tableware - Playful, relaxed, a little unexpected
  • Fruit in napkins - A single peach or a lemon wrapped in a linen napkin makes a perfect place setting
  • Bright glassware - Coloured tumblers mixed with vintage finds from local charity shops (or brought home from Brocantes in France)
  • Candles by day - Tall, pastel tapers add a soft glow even in the daylight 

The LNH Way: Slow Moments Over Perfect Ones

Put on a playlist (something French or a little jazzy), kick off you sandals, pour the wine, and let the afternoon unfold. 

This kind of summer dining isn't about perfect presentation, it's about togetherness, colour, flavour, and ease. Whether it's just you and your family, or a few friends dropping in, there's something special about carving out these small, beautiful moments. 

So go on, grab the good napkins, cut the strawberries, light the candles. Even in Ireland, a summer lunch can feel like a mini holiday. 

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