This week Massimo bar in Galway’s westend has gotten into the festive season in a big way with the unveiling of their Winter Wonderland.
The entire venue at Massimo has undergone a metamorphosis into a cosy Scandinavian lodge complete with oak beams, a roaring wood-log fire, gingerbread house and a forest of up-cycled trees under the creative direction of artist and designer Pete Casby.
The Massimo Winter Wonderland encompasses a beer garden where magic elves will make it snow at different times throughout the day when Dean Martin is heard singing ‘Let It Snow’.
It also houses a special ‘wishing well’, the funds from which will go to the Galway Samaritans, a not-for-profit mental health support organisation.
The Winter Wonderland is more than just a change of decorations, there’s plenty of festive drinks on offer to wet the tongue and warm the heart.
Like the ‘Terry’s Irish Coffee’ made with orange liqueur, chocolate & cream, the ‘Hot Buttered Rum’ made with Havana especial, ginger & cinnamon butter and dark brown sugar as well as a ‘Hot Pink Gin’ made with Beefeater Pink gin, rosehip tea, lemon and honey, all served in bespoke festive mugs.
A special collaboration with The White Hag Brewery sees a brand new seasonal ale, which is exclusive to the William Street West bar, added to the menu.
The team at Massimo have also been busy working on a special new Massimo Winter Wonderland themed cocktail menu.
This features options such as ‘Brandy Snap’ made with brandy, amaretto, ginger preserve, honey and lemon as well as a ‘Kandy Kane’ cocktail made with vanilla vodka, Crème de Menthe, milk and white chocolate.
“A haven for those who are tired of navigating their way through overflowing ‘steins’ to get to the bar”, says bar owner Malachy Duggan.
“This Christmas, we are pulling out all the stops to provide the adults of Galway with a ‘temple of festive spirit’ to worship in across the bridge.”
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to escape the Christmas shopping madness in the evenings, are fed up with the unruly crowds dominating that bars of the city centre, or are simply looking for a place to spend a night on the dance floor, Massimo Winter Wonderland is going to be your saviour.
Malachy added that they have been working on their ‘grown-up’ Christmas pub with Peter for the past several months and everyone is excited to see it come to life.
As part of Massimo Winter Wonderland, there will be a full calendar of events lined up, the first of which includes a Christmas Lights Table Quiz next Monday.
Other events include craft workshops on how to make mini-Christmas jumpers, handmade cards, wreaths and even a masterclass on styling your table all taking place throughout the months of the festive season.
All of these can be viewed on the Advent Calender available on the Massimo website.
