The 8 December is nearly upon us. Traditionally, this Christmas shopping day saw people arrive to the “big smoke” to get their bags packed for Christmas. Of course, now with shopping centres across the country, many are supporting local.However, a Dublin shopping day is still a real treat, and is as much about the atmosphere, carollers and festive lights as it is about the shopping. Enjoying great grub is part and parcel of the experience, so whether you are looking for a bowl of soup to savour, or a glass of bubbles to sip, we’ve picked some top spots. CL

Bewleys

Bewleys is a Dublin institution, the shopping stop where generations have indulged in oozing cream buns. We’ve missed it over the last three years, but its doors are open again following a multi-million euro refurbishment, re-establishing itself as one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. We couldn’t resist popping in for a cup of its Fairtrade special blend tea and an intense vanilla éclair, as we watched the world go by. Be aware that prices are steep, with the sweet combo costing us €8, but the food was delicious and the atmosphere enchanting. It also serves lovely soups and sandwiches for lunch. www.bewleys.com

Trinity City Hotel

Looking for a shopping experience with an overnight stay? Prices can be steep in the city centre, but Trinity City Hotel has luxury at an affordable price. Its shop and drop package includes overnight bed and breakfast for two people, along with 10% off in-store at Kilkenny on Nassau Street, for €175 per room per night. Compared with other hotels in the area, that is a pretty good deal. Given that the hotel is located at the bottom of Grafton Street, you are in the middle of shopping heaven and afterwards, you can chill in in the chic Brunswick Bar on comfy leather seats and be treated to the evening menu that has everything from Irish Angus steak sandwiches (€15.95), to charcuterie boards (€22) and Moroccan style Irish lamb burgers (€14.95) www.trinitycityhotel.com

Avoca

Sometimes you just want a soup and sandwich before heading back to the busy streets and Avoca on Suffolk Street is on our must-stop list. Word of advice, head up on the lift. Take the stairs and you’ll be so distracted by their gorgeous array of blankets and gift ideas, you’ll never make it to lunch. For a real taste of Christmas, try the creamy celeriac and white truffle soup with parsley and hazelnut pesto (€6.45), or for more of a main course, warm your bones with beef bourguignon with potato and parmesan gratin (€15.95). It’s not uncommon to encounter a queue, so don’t wait until you are falling down hungry. www.avoca.com

Lemon & Duke

Lemon & Duke is owned by four Irish rugby players, so it comes complete with a very trendy vibe. Sandwiches are one of the specialities and they really come with a twist. We’re still drooling over the confit duck on Asian flatbread that comes complete with pomegranates, plum sauce and coriander yoghurt (€11) but if you are more in the mood for a festive dish, try the roast turkey and avocado sourdough served with crisp smoked bacon (€11). www.lemonandduke.ie

Clodagh’s Kitchen

Moving across the Liffey, Clodagh’s Kitchen in Arnotts is a combination of healthy and homely. Clodagh’s farmer’s market chicken paté with pickled cucumber and sourdough bread (€8.50) is a delicious, moreish starter, but if you are in the mood for a salad that packs a punch, try the sweet potato and herby couscous salad with feta, pomegranates, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds with smoked paprika hummus (€12.50). www.clodaghmckenna.com

Balfes

Another fabulous place to enjoy some lunch is at Balfes, situated next to the Westbury. Chic and trendy, if Carrie Bradshaw was in Dublin this is where you would find her enjoying the alluring cocktail list. Christmas is a time for giving, so order a sharing plate from Balfes’ exclusive winter menu, and get a taste of the sea with the fresh seafood platter boasting grilled gambas, cured organic salmon and local Castletownbere crab (€23.50). Finish off by satisfying your sweet tooth with a rustic pecan torte with salted caramel (€8). www.balfes.ie

The Garden Room, Merrion Hotel

There are some Dublin hotels that are a real treat, a memory to treasure, the epitome of class. One of these is the Merrion Hotel and it has recently opened its new restaurant, the Garden Room. Tucked within a private garden, if you have had enough of the hectic crowds and crazy queues, this is an oasis of calm. The all-day restaurant fits into your day, rather than the other way around. It’s somewhere to meet for brunch, a light snack, a convivial lunch with friends, a speedy salad or a relaxed dinner. The menu focuses on modern Irish food, celebrating Ireland’s larder of ingredients from the land and is a unique place to celebrate Christmas 2017. www.merrionhotel.com

Ely CHQ

Ely wine bar at CHQ is just beside George’s Dock Luas stop and has a really cool underground dining room with real ambience. The new menu is all about juicy meat from the Burren, with our top picks including the Burren double pork chop (€27), or if you fancy something a little more tender the 6oz fillet (€26) straight from the grill. Pair with a gorgeous wine chosen by Ely’s wine manager, Ian Brosnan. www.elywinebar.ie