Tag Archives: London

All Aboard – London Culinary Adventure

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All aboard for elegant Michelin dining on the exquisite Belmond British Pullman Train. Relive the Golden Age of Travel on a Belmond British Pullman Michelin Dinner Journey!

Sashay down to the private lounge at London Victoria station in your finest black-tie attire. Your evening begins in sparkling style with a champagne reception. Revel in romantic melodies and raise a toast to the host before boarding the train. After, the grand vintage carriages lead the way out of London on an enchanting voyage through the countryside.

Meet this year’s hosts—who will you dine with?

From seasonal ingredients to legendary Michelin starred chefs – Belmond Pullman has announced its 2019 unique ‘pop-up’ dinner series. A highly anticipated part of the luxury train’s annual calendar, these intimate events see just 140 guests invited on board Belmond British Pullman for an exclusive dinner hosted by some of Britain’s most iconic chefs.

As the train passes through the British countryside, guests will be served a bespoke seven course menu by their personal stewards and will have the chance to meet their favorite chef as the train travels on a circular route from London Victoria’s Station.

From seasonal local produce to top Michelin starred French cuisine, this year’s lineup will serve up a storm. Skye Gyngell – A taste of the season June 21, 2019, Skye Gyngell, chef founder of Spring restaurant at Somerset House and culinary director of Heckfield Place, will open the 2019 series with a taste of the summer season. With three cookbooks to her name, and an ethos rooted in sustainability and seasonality, Skye has garnered a reputation for dishes cooked predominantly with the finest quality produce from biodynamic farm Fern Verrow in Herefordshire. Skye’s menu on board will be no exception.

Raymond Blanc OBE – One of Belmond’s own Next to take to the train’s galley kitchen is Belmond’s own Raymond Blanc OBE – Chef Patron of the two Michelin star Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Raymond will take over the train with his world-famous French cuisine on July 20, 2019. He will serve a specially created five course menu taking inspiration from beautiful summer produce and his French roots.

Michel Roux Jr – A legendary two Michelin-starred chef.  Following his debut on the train last year, Michel Roux Jr is back by popular demand. One of Britain’s most highly regarded chefs and TV personalities, Roux Jr has been Chef Patron of the renowned two-Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gavroche, for over 25 years. A culinary legend, Roux Jr will return to the elegant surroundings of Belmond British Pullman on September 20, 2019 bringing his exquisite French cuisine to the train’s guests.

Merlin Labron-Johnson – A young chef on a mission. Passionate about the future of food, Michelin starred Merlin Labron-Johnson is a young British chef on a mission working to create conversation around food and address key issues, both within his community and beyond. Having gained a Michelin-star just nine months after opening Portland at only 24, he joined private member’s club The Conduit as executive chef in October last year. Labron-Johnson will take to the rails on October 25, 2019 where his onboard menu will combine classic French techniques with modern sensibilities whilst striving for zero-waste.

The final ingredient: The 2019 season will see several additional ‘pop-up’ events on board the train including two afternoon teas with the nation’s favorite baker, Mary Berry on May 3 & 4th, 2019.

Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, offers a host of journeys throughout the year from London Victoria Station, visiting some of Britain’s most famous cities, country houses, sporting and social events. Prices for ‘The Dinner’ journey start from £459 per person.

This year’s line-up is the perfect pairing to Belmond British Pullman’s iconic old-world pizzazz!

Belmond British Pullman also offers many day trips to castle, gardens, wine tasting, sightseeing a full year round roster of intriguing elegant events!

Travel Tribe – Follow Me!

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The continent calls with a bevy of reimagined historic estates, buzzy city hotels in London and further afield to Marbella. All in the name of seeking the most luxurious pillow menus, fine dining, and museum offerings. Clients demand it, and I decamp!

Inspired Estate. Heckfield Place is the very latest in countryside lodgings, albeit fairly close to London, but far enough removed, resting amidst 400 acres of secluded Hampshire grounds. A parkland setting of formal garden terraces and provocatively described pleasure grounds. The epitome of Georgian excellence, gently evolving for over 250 years, the property consists of walled landscaped gardens, an organic farm and extensive woods. Dig out your wardrobe for country pursuits: wellies and tweeds, and your herringbone woolen flat cap. Great British countryside at is best, activities include farm and orchard tours, fly fishing, ribbon wrapped posey bouquet class, horseback riding nearby, clay pigeon shooting. Discover the gardens and the hidden historic follies with one of the residential experts.

Heckfield Place, Hampshire heartlands.

Every month a selection of courses is offered in the ancient crafts and pursuits of happiness: create connect to craft this month its rush weaving and papermaking. Upcoming essential oils with too scent creators; master class in wooden spoon carving; oenophiles offered a tutorial tasting with senior sommelier; speaker events, circuit training; for kids: mud and guts outdoor activities. A plush screening room offers a curated program of films.

Heckfield Place soaking tub
Heckfield Place The Long Room offers complete seclusion, unrivaled views across the lakes and grounds, and luxurious spaces for entertaining under a Georgian vaulted ceiling.

Each signature room tells its own story, offering a connection to Heckfield history, a late Georgian Mansion. The rooms are split between the main house and the Corridors, reflecting the flawless design of Ben Thompson, who trained under Ilse Crawford, illustrating the brilliance of British interior design.

The emphasis on self-sustainability has been essential to the reimagining of the estate. From the website description: here it begins with the soil. The kitchen garden, greenhouses, and over 700 apple and plum trees in the ancient orchard on the five-acre farm will supply vegetables, milk, cheese, fruit, honey, and flowers to two on-site restaurants, Hearth and Marle. The restaurants are at the helm of celebrated chef and culinary director Skye Gyngell. Menus will rotate according to the season’s bounty. At the main restaurant, Marle, Gyngell devises a menu of just five daily-changing main dishes. 

The Little Bothy spa offers three spaces for personal training, yoga, and Pilates classes. Offering all-natural products from the Wildsmith Skin range. A perfect place to unwind and invigorate after a day of exploring the arboretum, the lakes and the walled gardens in the Hampshire heartlands.

Heckfield Place Screening Room

When the sun sets, follow me to the Moon Bar. Nestled in the center of the mansion, inspired by the lunar phases, Moon Bar Cocktails are unique to Heckfield in concept, presentation and most importantly in flavor. A unique list of handcrafted cocktails uses liquors, tinctures and infusions created with fresh ingredients from the Home Farm and gardens. The spirits range from exceptional classics to incredibly rare small batch discoveries.

Best sipped after sunset!

Moon Bar, Heckfield Place.

Journey Dispatch in April! Locations on my itinerary, sleeping over at: Heckfield Place, the newly opened Belmond Cadogan, The Dorchester, Cliveden House, and of course, at my little home at The Beaumont. Visiting the Four Seasons at Trinity Place and Firmdale’s Ham Yard. Marbella will include some site inspections, including a splendid Villa, but mostly meetings – but who complains about gatherings in the Costa del Sol? Oh, also winging through New York and slumming it at The Lowell, hopefully the fire will be crackling on my arrival. Yes, it’s work!