Following a sold-out weekend at Feast by Lidl, which saw more than 500 diners indulge their naughty and nice sides with a tasting menu curated by Michelin starred chef Oliver Dunne, Lidl has left a lasting impression on food lovers, inspiring a renewed appreciation for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, culinary creativity and a modern approach to festive dining.
Feedback from the event revealed that over half of attendees are now planning to experiment with their own Christmas menus this year, inspired by the dishes, ingredients and ideas experienced at Feast by Lidl. The event reignited curiosity around seasonal Irish produce, proving that festive food can be both nostalgic and new.
The success of the event also highlights how experiential dining is transforming the way people connect with food, moving beyond the plate to celebrate creativity and a deeper appreciation of where ingredients are sourced.
Curated by Michelin-starred chef Oliver Dunne, and inspired by the nation’s loves and loathes, the pop-up invited guests to explore two imaginative tasting menus. Both Naughty and Nice menus celebrated Irish ingredients in unexpected ways. From time-honoured favourites like turkey and ham, to bold reinterpretations featuring pâté, duck, and Brussels sprouts, diners were encouraged to rediscover familiar flavours in new and surprising ways.
Topping the list of standout dishes, as voted by diners, was the Irish Duck Breast (€6.49) supplied by Silverhill Duck, County Cavan. Served with braised red cabbage, chestnuts, cauliflower purée, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and J.D. Gross dark chocolate gravy, the showstopping dish from the ‘Naughty’ menu captured the essence of contemporary festive indulgence – elegant, unexpected, and deeply satisfying.
A survey of the general public carried out by Lidl in October revealed that nearly a quarter (23%) of people considering a change to their festive menu this year would be open to featuring duck as the centrepiece. After rave reviews at the pop-up, 2025 could well be the year shoppers decide to ruffle a few feathers and switch up the Christmas menu.
For many though, turkey and ham reigns supreme, coming in at a close second place in the list of best dishes, featuring on the ‘Nice’ menu. Lidl’s Irish Free-Range Deluxe Turkey (€24.99) and Unsmoked Brown Sugar Glazed Deluxe Irish Ham (€24.99), sourced from Monaghan-based supplier McCaghey Turkeys, were highly rated on the Nice menu. Dishes such as Lidl’s Deluxe Irish Smoked Salmon Infused with Whiskey (€4.19) and West Cork Lobster (€11.99) and Wild Atlantic Prawns (€4.99) creating the iconic Prawn Cocktail, showcased Lidl’s long standing partnerships with Irish producers including Keohane’s of Bantry.
Finishing up the line-up of best traditional grub, Lidl’s Deluxe Brandy Crumble Irish Mince Pies (€3.79) rounded off the most loved. Sweet-toothed diners rated Lidl’s Jewel Topped Deluxe Irish Christmas Pudding infused with Armagnac Brandy (€12.99) and served with Dundalgan Irish Whiskey Ice Cream (€2.99) as the standout dish.
According to research conducted by Red C on behalf of Lidl Ireland in advance of Feast by Lidl, 81% of households across the country said they plan to stick to a traditional menu this Christmas, yet 52% of diners surveyed at Feast by Lidl said they would be likely to experiment with the Christmas meal this year following their experience, proving that taste can often trump tradition.
No matter the preference, Irish consumers are united on what really matters – quality and value. 91% of people surveyed by Red C said that high quality ingredients are essential to their Christmas meal and 90% prioritise reasonable pricing. Nearly three quarters (70%) say Irish sourced food is important to them.
Following Feast by Lidl, a massive 92% of pop-up restaurant diners rated the quality of Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe range as five-star and 95% of diners said that they are more likely to shop at Lidl for their Christmas fayre this year as a result of their Feast by Lidl experience. Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe Christmas range was awarded Own-Label Range of the Year at the 2025 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards.
Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said:
“Feast by Lidl set out to celebrate what is the most special meal of the year for many and to challenge consumer’s perceptions on quality, taste and tradition. Our Deluxe range is designed to bring together exceptional festive food made with trusted Irish ingredients at unbeatable value. This Christmas, we’re proud to celebrate Irish producers, local flavour, and the simple pleasure of great food shared.”
Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe Christmas range is available in all 188 stores across Ireland with additional items being added on a weekly basis. Discover the full Deluxe range in store or visit www.lidl.ie for festive inspiration.
For further information, interviews or imagery please contact: lidl@harrispr.ie
