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By Executive Head Chef Mariusz Rojek.
Hello again, and welcome back to the second instalment of our Wedding Menu Inspiration series – where I walk you through the best of what we offer here at Lucan Spa Hotel, dish by dish.
This week, I’m focusing on something often underestimated but so important to your wedding meal flow – soups and sorbets. These courses can really shape the overall dining experience, offering warmth, elegance, or a refreshing palate cleanser between courses. Let’s dive in.
My Top Soup Picks
We offer a variety of soups to suit every couple’s taste, from traditional favourites to more adventurous blends. When helping couples choose, we look at both the season and the menu flow. Here are a few standouts from our kitchen:
Butternut Squash & Coconut Milk with Madras Curry Oil
Why I love it: It’s warming, lightly spiced, and offers a twist on the traditional. The coconut milk gives it a beautiful creaminess without being too rich.
Best for: Autumn and winter weddings, or couples looking for something a little different.
Chef’s Tip: If your main course is classic Irish fare, this soup adds a little global flair to your menu without clashing.
Blue Cheese & Cauliflower topped with Garlic Croutons
Why I love it: This soup is elegant and indulgent – perfect for couples who want their menu to feel elevated. The garlic croutons add texture and a punch of flavour.
Best for: Cooler or winter months. It’s a comforting, luxury option.
Consider this: If you’re serving a rich beef main, this soup might feel a bit heavy – balance is key!
Celeriac & Apple with Parsley Crème Fraîche
Why I love it: Earthy celeriac and tart apple make a surprisingly sophisticated match. The parsley crème fraîche lifts the whole dish with brightness.
Best for: Spring weddings or couples wanting a refined but light start to the meal.
Chef’s Advice: This one pairs beautifully with poultry or pork mains.
Sorbet Course: A Refreshing Interlude
For couples planning a four-course meal, a sorbet can be a lovely addition between the starter and the main. It resets the palate and adds a dash of fun. Here are my top picks from our sorbet menu:
Cosmopolitan Sorbet
Why I love it: It’s fun, it’s flirty, and it brings a bit of cocktail glamour to your meal. Think frozen cranberries with a hint of citrus and vodka.
Perfect for: Modern weddings, younger crowds, or couples who want a little “wow” moment between courses.
Chef’s Tip: Works beautifully after a creamy starter or rich parfait.
Pink Gin & Tonic Sorbet
Why I love it: Light, botanical, and refreshing. This is our most popular sorbet – and no wonder. It feels elegant but playful.
Pairs best with: Any menu, really. It’s a versatile palate cleanser that always delights.
Mango Sorbet
Why I love it: Tropical, sweet, and familiar – a safe bet if you're worried about guests preferring something fruity over alcohol-infused options.
Tip from the kitchen: Great for summer weddings or menus with spicy or bold flavours.
Final Thought
Whether you’re going traditional or modern, soups and sorbets offer a lot of opportunity to personalise your menu. They’re not just filler courses – they’re flavour bridges that help set the tone and pace of your wedding meal.
When you book your wedding at Lucan Spa Hotel, we’ll walk you through each course, including a full menu tasting to help you decide what’s right for you. And don’t worry – I’ll be on hand to guide you with honest feedback, chef-to-couple. If you missed our discussion on wedding starter dishes from a few week's ago, you can read it in full here.
Until next time,
Chef Mariusz Rojek,
Executive Head Chef, Lucan Spa Hotel.