An upmarket hotel in Tipperary came out swinging after receiving a bad review online due to the price of the tea and scones.
Cashel Palace Hotel sold three servings tea and scones for an eye watering €45 – which does seem rather pricey.
However, as it is a five-star hotel, maybe most people would expect to pay a higher price than a regular place in town to account for the luxurious setting and high-quality service.
One customer certainly didn’t see it that way and joked that they needed to send for an ambulance after being shocked by the bill – which came to €49.50 after the €4.50 tip was added.
She tweeted a photo of the receipt, which showed she had indeed been charged almost 50 Euro.
Cashel Palace hit back. They pointed out that they use quality ingredients that are sourced from a variety of specialist local farms.
The hotel told Irish Mirror: “The hotel charges €5 for a pot of tea/coffee (with a complimentary refill if desired) plus €10 for three freshly made scones (per serving) with clotted cream from Hayes’ Farm in Two Mile Borris, butter from Glenilen Farm and a choice of jams from Crossogue Preserves which are all made locally.”
The Cashel Palace estate dates back to the 18th century. The hotel closed in 2015 and was taken over by Relais & Chateaux who renovated the interiors.
After the pandemic forced them to push back the opening date multiple times, the newly renovated hotel opened in early 2022.
It’s high-end status was boosted when it received a glowing review in Condé Nast Traveller.
The luxury travel magazine said: “An 18th-century, Palladian pile of an estate – Cashel Palace has cut an imposing figure over Co Tipperary since the 1730s.
“After a couple of pandemic-related delayed opening dates, we’re excited for a proper peek of the restored interiors, which have played host to Jackie Kennedy, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana in its former life.
“Three acres of gardens are yours to wander and a slick spa has been added, but there are also original fireplaces and centuries-old windows for history buffs to admire.”
It also has two restaurants/bar/kitchens for guests to enjoy some food – The Bishop’s Buttery and Mikey Ryan’s Bar.
Mikey Ryan’s is billed as the casual option, and so perhaps it is understandable that the customer was shocked at the price of the scones.
Send an ambulance pic.twitter.com/g9UGaq8bGu
— Ciara (@Ciarasho) March 27, 2022
