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As the days grow longer and the promise of spring lingers in the air, we’re brightening up your glass with a tropical twist on a Brazilian classic. Introducing our Mango Caipirinha – The Rabbit Hotel’s cocktail of the month for April.

Bursting with zesty lime, sweet mango, and the bold kick of Cachaça, this vibrant cocktail is the perfect sip to welcome warmer days. Whether you're joining us at the bar or mixing it up at home, here’s how to bring a taste of sunshine to your glass.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Cachaça
• 4 lime wedges (muddled)
• 1 demerara sugar cube
• 35ml mango purée
• 10ml mango syrup

Method:

• Place one cube of demerara sugar into a Boston shaker.
• Pour 50ml of Cachaça over the sugar cube.
• Gently muddle the sugar until dissolved.
• Add four fresh lime wedges and muddle again to release their juice.
• Add the mango purée and mango syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
• Pour (or “dump”) the contents into a whiskey glass.
• Garnish with a slice of fresh mango.

Whether you're lounging lakeside or setting the mood for an evening in, this Mango Caipirinha is sure to add a splash of sunshine to your April. Pop by The Rabbit to try it from the hands of our expert bartenders - or give it a go at home and bring a little of The Rabbit magic to your own cocktail hour.

Cheers!

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met

We are what you would call 'childhood sweethearts'. We met at Ballymena Academy when Emma was completing her GCSE's and Connor was completing his A-Levels. Emma's mum was late to collect her from school one day resulting in us crossing paths at the end of the school drive. Connor quickly asked Emma out on their first date to Morellis and the rest is history. 

Talk us through the proposal

On a windy weekend away in Donegal, whilst walking on the beach (our favourite thing to do), Connor asked Emma to be his wife after almost 7 years together. We were the only two people on the beach and it was simply beautiful. A lot of tears were shed by Emma!

Your Day, Your Way

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We booked The Loft after meeting Abby in a construction site. Abby was so passionate about The Loft and gave us a vision of what it was going to be. The reality far exceeded our expectations. The Loft is simply beautiful and it really is breathtaking coming up those stairs. We will never forget the first moment of seeing the venue after booking in February 2020. 

Favourite memory of your Wedding

The whole day was simply amazing, it's so difficult to choose just one memory. However, the 20 minute sitting in the love seat prior to entering for dinner was one of the best moments of the day. Spending time together as husband and wife, just reflecting on the day so far was so special. 

How was your Loft Wedding Planner?

Abby was phenomenal. We simply cannot put into words how amazing Abby and the whole team at The Rabbit were. From the first day we met Abby to the final moments leaving after our wedding, her service was outstanding. Abby went above and beyond for us in every single detail of our wedding and was always at the end of the phone to answer any questions we had. She took all our requests in her stride and helped us plan the most amazing day of our lives. Abby, we cannot thank you enough. Everyone throughout the day commented on the service they received from all staff. 

Top Tips

Just enjoy every single moment because it all goes by in a flash. Remember to spend some time just the two of you to reflect on the day. There is something so special about all your favourite people being in the same room celebrating and cheering you on as husband and wife. 

Shout Out To The Dream Team 

Wedding Stationery

Chief bridesmaid Megan Workman who done amazing at creating the most beautiful stationery. Her creativity is something that inspires me everyday. 

Cake

Gingerbread Bakes. A local baker from Ballymena who made such a gorgeous wedding cake. Simply beautiful and so tasty. 

Flowers

Tortraits Floral Design. Victoria is amazing at what she does and her service is so professional. 

Entertainment

Fifth Avenue and DJ represented by Glen Houston Entertainment. They were phenomenal and kept the party going all night. 

Photographer

Kellie Scott. Kellie is amazing at what she does and truly is one of the nicest people we have ever met. You get a friend and a photographer with Kellie. 

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Dress was from Forever Bridal Belfast and accessories by Deborah K Design. The dress made Emma feel like such a princess and the detachable train allowed for all the moves on the dance floor!

Bridesmaid's Dresses

ASOS surprisingly. They were exactly what we were looking for and allowed us some extra room in the budget. All the bridesmaids looked simply stunning. 

Groomswear

Hire Class Ballymena. Darrell was so knowledgeable and an overall great guy who helped all the guys to feel confident on the day. 

The Glam Squad

Hair

Sam Surgenor assisted by Charly Surgenor. Both girls were amazing at making us feel beautiful. 

Makeup

Hayley McClean Makeup. Hayley is such a lovely girl and unreal at what she does. She is also such good craic and helped keep the nerves to a min

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met

We first met through a mutual friend at a Blue Jays Game in Toronto. We spent the entire game chatting as I shared my “expert” facts about Baseball with Marty. Marty was too polite to question when I told him that the bases were 100m apart from each other (they are 30m). In his head he was wondering how it was possible that a baseball player was out running track athletes multiple times during the game.

Talk us through the proposal

Marty and I were in Italy for a friend's wedding in Siena and following the wedding we travelled to Cinque Terre just the two of us. On a particularly hot day we hiked from Vernazza to Monterosso about a 3 hour hike. Marty was hoping to propose along the trail with the ring stored in his pocket the entire time but the narrow trail did not allow for a stop. When we arrived in Monterosso my hands were so swollen from hiking Marty suggested a dip in the water in hopes my hands would go back to their normal size. After our swim we walked up to the top of the town where he proposed on a beautiful trail overlooking the ocean. I was so shocked I yelled no way then quickly said yes!!

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

The Ceremony was held at Marty’s parish Mary Mother of the Church in Saintfield. I walked down the aisle to Inisheer a special song to us. We first heard Inisheer at a pub in Greystones where all the locals were playing it. One of the men got talking to us and at the end of the night said when you two get married (we weren't engaged yet) you should walk down the aisle to Inisheer. We have loved it ever since!!

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We were planning our wedding internationally from Canada and after our wedding was cancelled twice due to COVID we were seeking a new venue when it became too complicated to have a wedding in the south and ceremony in the North. Marty’s sister drove past the Loft and stopped in to inquire after hearing about the venue. When we looked online we immediately fell in love with it. The greenery and décor was exactly what we were looking for. We loved the idea that we wouldn’t have to decorate the room and the packages included everything we needed.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

We honestly have so many it is so hard to choose. One of our favourites was the Cocktail reception at the Loft. When guests arrived they were blown away by the beauty of the venue and greeted with Aperol Spritz, Beer Buckets & Prosecco. Stephen grabbed us when we first arrived and walked us through the evening so that we knew exactly what was happening and when. That relieved any stress we had and were able to enjoy every aspect of the evening without thinking about anything!!

How was your Loft wedding planner?

Maureen was INCREDIBLE!! Planning a wedding internationally is not easy but with Maureen and the team at the Loft they made it a breeze. Maureen helped us plan the wedding in a little over 6 weeks and it was perfect!!

On the day of Stephen made us feel like royalty. The service was above and beyond. All of our friends and family were blown away by the venue and the service.

Top Tips

Enjoy the day! The Loft’s staff does an amazing job making sure everything and everyone is looked after which relieves so much stress. We were able to enjoy every moment of the day without a worry in the world.

Shout Out To The Dream Team

Cake

Cakeology NI

Flowers

Flower Room Belfast

Entertainment

The Muddlers Club

Photographer

Colin Colleran

Wedding Dress & Accessories

The Modern Bride

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Park & Fifth 

Groomswear

Paul Puncher Clothiers

The Glam Squad

Hair

Kim Annesley Hair

Makeup

Tippy Makeup Artist 

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Michael and I met 10.5 years ago through friends! We got engaged 3 years ago in Dublin, one of our favourite cities! It was unexpected on my end but looking back Michael was extremely nervous!! He kept saying he felt sick 🙈 I could not get over the efforts he went to, especially picking my ring! It was from chupi, a Dublin based jewellers who loves pink just as much as me!

Your Day, Your Way

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

I came across the loft online just before the renovation was finished! We arranged to go have a look but then covid struck the same week! We never really discussed booking our wedding again as we were busy enough with our 2 girls but when I saw there was a wedding weekend I thought we should have a look! We instantly fell in love with the laid back vibe and picture perfect decor! We did everything back to front so we continued that by booking the wedding for 5 months later!

Favourite memory of your Wedding

It would be very difficult to pick one part of the day! I was told many times that a bride doesn’t enjoy their own wedding but I absolutely loved every bit! First coming into The Loft and getting to socialise with friends and family was a great feeling but dancing the night away to YeooDJ has to be a favourite memory! They read the crowd so well and had everyone up dancing for hours!

Shout Out To The Dream Team

Wedding Stationery

My creative sister, Caitlín!

Cake

Lilypink Bakery

Flowers 

Sass & Halo

Entertainment

YeooDj

Photographer

The Artisan Photographer

Favours

We opted for a gin cart instead!

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Custom dress by Eamonn McGill Design

Shoes

Gucci

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

ASOS

Groomswear 

Red Belfast

The Glam Squad

Makeup

DJ Griffin

Hair

Francene Carlin

Check out our cocktail of the month! Rum Rabbit Rum is the perfect cocktail for spring time, enjoy at home or in the garden as the weather gets warmer!

Ingredients:

• 35ml Caribbean Rum
• 15ml crème de mure
• 20ml peach syrup
• 35ml pineapple juice
• 15ml lemon juice
• 75ml white peach and jasmine soda

Method:

• Grab your Gin Goblet glass & chill with ice
• Taking a Boston shaker and add all the ingredients apart of the soda, add ice
• Shake firmly for 5 - 10 seconds, with the smaller tin closest to you
• Remove ice from goblet gin glass and stir in the cocktail, add some fresh ice
• Top up with the soda.
• Garnish with pineapple and blackberries (optional)

Enjoy!

The Happy Couple  

Tell us a little about how you met:

Alastair and I met working together, supporting adults with severe learning difficulties. In this job we got to see each others best and worst qualities, and shared both proud moments and challenging experiences together. We supported a particular man, who we have much to thank for and he will always be a big part of our story. 

Talk us through the proposal:

We were staying at Aurora in Bushmills for the weekend and got up on Saturday morning to visit my favourite place, Ballintoy Harbour. I can remember it rained that morning, and I wasn’t too keen on going out in the rain. But Alastair encouraged me to go and the rain thankfully stopped. Once we got down to the harbour, Alastair asked me to turn around so he could take a photo of me. So, I turned to face the sea, and when I turned back around, he was down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I answered with, “are you serious” and then a quick “yes”. I had absolutely no idea and Alastair picked the ring himself. We were on cloud nine all weekend in our engagement bubble. 

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony:

Dromore Methodist Church 

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

The Loft was the very first Wedding venue we visited and at the time it was a building site. Abby showed us around and talked us through everything and we just had a good feeling and asked to book the first Saturday of July. Which also ended up being our anniversary date, so it all worked out perfectly. 

Favourite memory of your Wedding:

Our favourite memory of the wedding day was walking into The Loft for the first time as Mr and Mrs McCracken and seeing all our family and friends together in the most beautiful venue. 

Your wedding planner and thoughts:

Abby Dunlop was our wedding planner for our special day at The Loft and was absolutely amazing! Abby was quick to reply to us when we had any queries and reassured us when we were planning during lockdown. Every time we met Abby at The Loft, we left feeling very happy and had plenty of giggles during our meetings. We never had any worries about the venue because Abby is a rockstar! 

Top Tips:

Don’t stress too much!! It always comes together in the end, and enjoy the best day of your life!

Shout Out To The Dream Team 

Cake:

Emily Mehaffy 

Flowers:

Fleuriste 

Entertainment:

Good old Spotify playlist (covid restrictions)

Photographer:

Stacey Anna 

Wedding Dress & Accessories:

Jill Jones Bridal 

Groomswear:

Collar and Tie Lisburn 

The Glam Squad

Hair:

Megan-The Glamour Room

Makeup:

Anna McConnell

Ingredients 

Potato pancake

• 250g mash potato
• 60ml milk
• 40g plain flour (we use Gluten Free Flour)
• 2 eggs
• 15g bicarbonate of soda
• Mixed fresh herbs (we use dill and chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pickled apples

• 10 granny smith
• 500 ml cider vinegar
• 30g sugar
• 15g salt
• 15g pickling spice

Pickling spice - Blitz together

• 30g mustard seeds
• 15g allspice berries
• 10g coriander seeds
• 5g chilli flakes
• 5g ginger powder
• 2 cinnamon stick
• 6 whole cloves

Red wine jus

• 1 glass red wine
• 1 shallot sliced
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 500ml quality beef stock
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 whole black peppercorns

• 100g spinach 
• 2 tbsp butter
• salt & pepper to taste

• 4/5 purple sprouting broccoli (tenderstem broccoli would work equally as well)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 duck breast per person, sinew trimmed and fat scored in a criscross fashion

Method

1. Boil or steam your potatoes and pass through a potato ricer.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
3. Peel, ½ and slice the apples. We use a mandolin to get lovely thin, uniform slices. Place in a heatproof container.
4. Place all pickling spice ingredients in a pot, boil until the sugar dissolves and pour over the apple slices. Allow to cool before using.
5. Preheat a pan on a medium to high heat. Season the duck breast with salt and pepper and add to the pan, with no oil, skin side down. Fry for 6 - 7 mins until the skin is a beautiful golden brown colour, then put the pan of duck into the oven for 9 mins. Remove from oven and allow it to rest whilst you prepare the other ingredients.
6. Mix all ingredients for the pancake recipe in a large bowl to form a batter and season according to taste. Preheat a pan on medium heat. Add some oil, add a large spoon of the batter mix to the pan, and cook for 5 to 6 mins on one side, flipping over and cooking for 5 -6 mins on the other, keep warm for plating later. Keep going until all the batter is finished.
7. Place a pot on a high heat, add the wine, herbs, sugar sliced shallot, and reduce until you have ¼ of the wine left. Add the beef stock and continue to reduce until you have a thick dark sauce, the consistency of gravy. Keep warm until later.
8. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a pan on a medium heat until foaming, wash the spinach leaves and add to the butter, add salt and pepper, cook until wilted, set aside for plating
9. Cook the broccoli according to the packet instructions and toss in the melted butter adding salt, set aside for plating
10. Square of the duck, and slice into 3 pieces lenghtways, it should be lovely and pink inside, if you prefer it a little more cooked, place back in the oven for the desired amount of time.

To plate

1. Layer up 2 pancakes and the spinach per person
2. Place the sliced duck on top
3. Spoon some of the jus over the duck
4. Garnish with the broccoli and pickled apple slices

Galgorm Collection are celebrating World Wellness Weekend this September, which aims to inspire and empower people to make healthier choices and enjoy an active lifestyle with family & friends. The Rabbit Executive Chef Niall Sarhan has shared a delicious and nutritional Tandoori Whole Roast Cauliflower recipe for you to enjoy making at home.

Ingredients

1 Cauliflower

For the Tandoori Marinade:

100g Yoghurt

100g Soft Cheese

3 Green Cardamom Pods

1 tsp Ground Turmeric

2 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder

1 tsp Kasoori Methi

½ tsp Garam Masala

1 tbsp Lime Juice

½ tsp Ginger Paste

½ tsp Garlic Paste

3 tbsp Unsalted Melted Butter

1½ tsp Salt

For the Green Chutney:

30g Fresh Coriander

15g Fresh Mint

1 Green Chilli

¼ tsp Cumin Seeds

10g Fresh Ginger

2 Garlic Cloves

1 tbsp Lime Juice

1 tsp Sugar

3 tbsp Yoghurt

For the Beetroot Purée:

5 - 6 small cooked beets (about 8 - 10 ounces)

1 garlic clove

2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt or to taste

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp cumin

Add all the ingredients into a high powered blender and blend until smooth.

Method

Heat the oven to 190°C. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl, reserving 2 tbsp melted butter to brush the cauliflower while it cooks.

Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, then place the whole head into the marinade bowl. Make sure the cauliflower is thoroughly coated with the marinade, especially in the crevices.

Place the marinated cauliflower on a baking tray, lined with baking parchment. Roast in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and nicely charred on the outside. Raise the temperature to the highest your oven will go for the last 10 mins of cooking time and keep brushing with melted butter every 5 minutes. Check to see if the cauliflower is done by inserting a knife into its core – it should go through easily.

While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the green chutney. Put all the ingredients, except the yoghurt, into a blender and blend until you have a smooth, thick green paste. Add a splash of water if required. Add salt to taste (start with ½ tsp then add more, if you like).

Put the yoghurt into a bowl and fold the blended chutney mix through it. Check the seasoning and set aside.

Drizzle the cauliflower with extra melted butter, garnish with roast almonds and pomegranate and serve with the chutney on the side.

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Thomas and Joanna met in London back in 2014 when working in the Savoy Theatre. Thomas was passing through in the middle of a midlife crisis, and Joanna was hard at work minding her own business, little did we know then but the show we were working on would influence the wedding venue we would get married at 8 years later. After a what could be described as a summer fling, and Thomas moving away to work somewhere else, we kept in touch and spent the best part of 5 years long distance before settling in Northern Ireland, so it was a good while before the proposal (in Joanna's opinion) but after a lovely snowy walk in Hillsborough Forest Park, Thomas had the ring in his pocket, bearing in mind at this point he had chickened out of asking the parents for permission. Turns out he would also chicken out on asking Joanna to marry him on the walk too, so he asked her later on that evening in bed, before the clock struck midnight, so he didn't have to ask Joanna on her birthday. 

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

Karen the celebrant was our celebrant for a humanist ceremony on site at The Rabbit. Karen gave us the most wonderful personal experience and shared our story to family and friends before a hand fastening where we literally tied the knot. A fun highlight was when the best man left the vows in the car and had to make a dash to the car park. 

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We saw The Loft as it was just starting to be a venue for weddings. We were shown around by Jemma and the venue was beautiful. From the moment we entered the doors we could feel it was a place we wanted our special day, but what sealed the deal was when we saw a painting of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it was the show we met on when working in the Savoy Theatre, we took that as a sign this was the venue for us. 

Favourite memory of your Wedding 

To pick a favourite moment from the wedding is a difficult choice and I'm sure it'll be diferent for the both of us. For Thomas, it was the food and getting a bloody good ripping into by the best man with his speech, oh and obviously getting to marry Joanna. For Joanna, apart from finally getting to marry Tom, was having all our friends and family together after covid and the moment we entered the reception room as a married couple, feeling all the love and joy throughout the whole room and feeling like a bit of a celeb. 

Shout Out To The Dream Team 

Cake

Hands Bakery

Flowers

Sage & Meadow

Entertainment

The Reilly's - Drinks Reception

Dave Martin & the Casino Cats - Evening Entertainment

Photographer

Lifting The Veil

Videography

Wheatfield Films

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Jill Jones Bridal - Wedding Dress

Silk Purse Sow's Ear - Accessories

Bridesmaids Dresses

Online

Groomswear

The Belfast Bow Company

Vintage Suit Hire Company

The Glam Squad

Makeup

Tara Doran

Hair

Hair Matters NI

At The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, we know that life’s all about finding balance between the quirky and the calm—and what better time to explore this than World Wellness Weekend? With mindfulness and serenity at the heart, it’s your perfect excuse to hit pause and reconnect with the present moment. Let’s face it, modern life can be a whirlwind, but finding time for mindfulness doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how to seamlessly weave it into your routine, with a little help from our luxurious but laid-back approach.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about being fully present, truly engaging with your thoughts, surroundings, and feelings. We all know how easy it is to be physically present but mentally miles away, especially when we’re with family or friends. The beauty of mindfulness is that it brings you back to the here and now, so you can enjoy life in all its quirky, glorious detail.

The Benefits of Mindfulness:

• A calmer mind and body, leaving you refreshed.
• A more balanced way of reacting to life’s little ups and downs.
• Better decision-making, because you’re focused on the moment, not the noise.

Bringing Mindfulness into a Busy Lifestyle

Even if your calendar’s bursting at the seams, you can still embrace mindfulness. Here are some simple, laid-back ways to introduce mindfulness into your life—no stress, just small moments of calm.

1. Get Outside

Take a stroll, and even better, invite someone along. A walk-and-talk in the fresh air can be the perfect way to catch up, clear your mind, or even hold a meeting. It’s all about blending the practical with the peaceful.

2. Quiet Time

Carve out a moment of silence each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Switching off can be tough, but there are some brilliant apps to help you tune into the quiet and away from the chaos.

3. Indulge Mindfully

If you’re going to treat yourself, make it count. Whether it’s a cheeky bun or your favourite cocktail, savour every mouthful. Enjoy it to the fullest - just don’t go for seconds. It’s about balance, not deprivation.

 4. Pen to Paper

Writing down your thoughts might seem old-fashioned, but there’s something wonderfully freeing about it. Seeing your thoughts laid out on paper clears your head and gives you a fresh perspective.

5. Do What You Love

Find an activity that makes your heart sing, whether it’s a dance class, yoga, or even a bit of gardening. When you’re doing something you genuinely enjoy, it stops feeling like an obligation and starts feeling like joy.

6. Create a Relaxing Space

At The Rabbit, we’re big believers in creating sanctuaries, and your bedroom should be no different. Light some candles, run a bath, and ditch the phone. Whether it’s a midweek escape or just a night off, prioritise your own chill time. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

This World Wellness Weekend, make the most of the quirky calm. Embrace mindfulness and serenity the way we do - laid-back, luxurious, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle. By making these little shifts, you’ll find that serenity comes naturally, and life feels a whole lot richer.

The Happy Couple

How did you meet and how did the proposal go?

Our friend Rachael match made us! She knew Scotty from school and set us up. Scott text me first, took me a few months to consider (ha!). Rachael knew Scotty and I would be a good match and she was right, funny enough not long after we got a job with a dating agency! The proposal was really cute, under a floral arch at our house, my mum and Scotty had worked hard to put lights and flowers on it a few weeks after my birthday. No photo evidence though as it was 9pm just after I got home from a 13 hour shift!

Your Day, Your Way

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

There really wasn’t a question for me, I had seen The Loft online and I just knew it was perfect for us, luckily for me Scotty agreed upon viewing the venue. I loved everything about it, the décor, staff, absolutely everything was fantastic.

Favourite memory of your wedding

I would say when the ceremony doors opened and I could see everyone I love sitting together, and Scotty at the top of the aisle it was so magical. Scotty’s would be the moment his speech was over! He loved everything and would struggle to pick a favourite, but the food is high up there though!

Shout out to the dream team

Cake 

Cakes by Corri

Flowers

Rose Hip and Berry

Entertainment

Hit machine drummers and Drawmyguests NI

Photographer

Hammond photography

Videographer

Gerard Creighton Films

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Verona Bridal

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Oh Hello Clothing

Groomswear

Freddie Hatchet Belfast

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Rebecca Saulters Make up

Hair

HairbyLaura

Galgorm Collection are celebrating World Wellness Weekend this September, which aims to inspire and empower people to make healthier choices and enjoy an active lifestyle with family & friends. The Rabbit Executive Chef Donna Hughes has shared a delicious and nutritional Açai Bowl recipe for you to enjoy making at home.

Ingredients

1 cup frozen berries

1 cup of frozen Açai purée

1 large ripe banana

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or fruit juice

1 tbsp of nut butter

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until you get a smooth texture, add more liquid if needed

For the Granola

175g of mixed nuts

1 Cup of dried berries

450g of rolled oats

50g sunflower seeds

125ml sunflower oil

100ml vegan honey

50g pumpkin seeds

Method

Pre heat the oven to 190 degrees

Chop up the nuts and leave some whole

Mix with the oats, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl

Pour in your honey & oil mixing it all together breaking up any clumps

Once complete place onto a baking tray and bake for 20 - 25 mins until golden

Let the mix cool and mix in the dried berries

Layer the açai mix and granola in a bowl and add your favourite dried or fresh fruit, nuts or seeds to garnish

Switch to off mode this Summer at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat

Venture deeper into the heart of County Antrim and discover The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, just a short 10-minute drive from Belfast International Airport. Named by The Times and Sunday Times, as ‘2024 Northern Ireland Hotel of the Year’ in its prestigious roundup of ‘Best Places to Stay’, The Rabbit is nestled in the charming village of Templepatrick and overlooking a picturesque lake, this sanctuary offers the perfect vantage point to admire the vibrant blooms of summer. Boasting premier spa facilities, including the island of Ireland's only man-made heated beach, guests—whether staying overnight or visiting for a day of relaxation—can fully embrace the essence of the season while lounging by the outdoor pool, adorned with a captivating overhanging disco ball, and soaking in the tranquil ambience that surrounds The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

Hop to it this summer | From £190 per room

Discover the very best The Rabbit has to offer with the seasonal 'Hop to It' stay and immerse yourself in the joys of summer. Relax and unwind with a visit to the spa, where you can luxuriate in its magnificent outdoor facilities and lounge in the Roman bath. Treat yourself to a Duo Clay Ritual to cleanse both body and mind or opt for the brand-new Botanical Bath private bathing experience for an extra touch of indulgence. After a day of pampering, retreat to your snug and cosy guestroom for a restful night's sleep. With access to The Spa from midday on your day of check-in until you check out, continue your relaxation into day two — but don't forget to enjoy your breakfast. This summer escape, starting from just £190 per room, promises pure bliss and rejuvenation.

Experience ‘The Full Works’ this summer | From £495 per room

Truly indulge with The Full Works package at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and emerge refreshed and rejuvenated for the summer season. Enjoy full access to The Spa's luxurious amenities, including the Roman bath, heated pebble beach, and hot tub, allowing you to unwind in ultimate comfort. Elevate your experience with a private Duo Clay Ritual and indulge in a 60-minute spa treatment of your choice. Delight your taste buds with a fabulous seasonal three-course evening meal at The Rabbit Restaurant, followed by a night of pure relaxation in the hotel’s exquisite accommodation. Wake up and refuel with a delicious breakfast before immersing yourself in another day of bliss at The Spa. With prices starting from £495 per room, this Summer Getaway promises to be an unforgettable retreat. Additionally, guests can enhance their stay or day spa package with a 60-minute lakeside botanical bathing experience. For those who wish to treat themselves to a mid-week getaway, The Rabbit’s Midweek Moments Summer Package is not to be missed. From £280 based on two people sharing, enjoy an overnight stay in a Scandi-inspired guestroom, full access to the spa, as well as a private 60-minute Botanical Baths experience and a summer cocktail to cheers to a fabulous evening.

Day Spa in style this summer | From £79 per person

Experience a blissful summer day spa retreat at The Rabbit for the ultimate seasonal refresh. With a number of special packages on offer to meet your needs, these grant full access to the spa facilities, with treatment and dining options also available. The Lakeside Zen experience, starting from £79pp, offers visitors spa access from 8am, for a slow and relaxing start to the morning, before enjoying lunch in the Palm House. For those who prefer to catch the sun set over the Co Antrim hills, indulge in dinner in The Rabbit Restaurant before making your way to the spa at 6:00pm with the Sunset Spa Package, from £79pp. Experience the ultimate summer indulgence and leave feeling ready to embrace the busy summer season ahead. If you've booked some time off this summer and want to fill your diary with a little relaxation, treat yourself to a mid-week spa day from £125pp. Sure to leave you feeling refreshed, enjoy our hot outdoor spa along with a treatment designed to give you a lovely glow with a full body exfoliation followed by a tranquil facial massage infused with rosehip oil giving that plump to the skin. 

EXPLORE SUMMER

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

We initially started chatting on a dating app (the modern love story) but didn’t get together until months later when we both happened to be at the same bar – it was meant to be! On Boxing Day 2020, we went to our special place Finn Lough in Enniskillen. We had a lovely time at the spa and then when we got back to the relaxation room, there were rose petals and candles everywhere and our song was playing – this is where Les popped the question with the most beautiful ring and Megan of course said yes!

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

We had our ceremony in the Fern Room on 08.10.2022 – the beautiful Boathouse wasn’t quite ready yet but we did manage to get some photos in there afterwards. Megan’s dad walked her down the aisle to Emily-Rose Edgar singing “All About You” by McFly, and he then forgot to “give her away” and just sat down so that provided a few laughs for everyone! Our ceremony was beautiful – short and sweet with a reading of “Carrie’s Poem” by Megan’s niece, Eva. We signed the register to “Always Remember Us This Way” and then walked out to the most brilliant confetti throw with all of our guests – some of our favourite photos from the day!

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We knew The Loft was where we wanted to get married before we were even engaged. We went for a viewing with Jemma soon after Les had popped the question and booked that same day. It was everything we wanted and more for our special day.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

Honestly there are so many – it sounds cliché but it was truly the best day of both of our lives. We had booked a singing waiter as a surprise for our guests and almost everyone says this was their favourite part of the day – such a brilliant idea to wake everyone up again after the meal. We also loved the speeches with our loved ones and of course dancing the night away with DJ Magiggs – he definitely knew how to get everybody on to the dance floor. We also had the lovely S’mores and Snaps s’mores bar out on the terrace which was a big hit with everybody.

Shout Out To The Dream Team 

Wedding Stationery

Dusty Rose Designs

Cake

Debbie (Megan's mum)

Flowers

Floral Earth

Entertainment

Emily-Rose Edgar, Joe Rocks, Singers Secreto, DJ Magiggs, Northern Lights Event Hire, S'mores & Snaps, Memory Phone NI

Photographer

Bethany Chisholm

Videographer

Minford Media

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Peony Bridal

Bridesmaid's Dresses

Maya Deluxe

Groomswear

Freddie Hatchet

The Glam Squad 

Makeup 

Natalie McNab

Hair

Gemma Weir