When May approaches and thus, the summer, a whirlwind of social events inevitably sweeps in. This season is no different, with luxurious sporting events taking place and our calendars steadily bursting with the need to wear big hats, drink lots of champagne and pray for sunshine.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one such summer soiree, with 2013 marking its 100th anniversary and celebratory events popping up all over the Capital accordingly. Whether you’re in search of a quaint cocktail or a floral feast, you won’t be hard pressed to find something you’ll love; foodies, spa-lovers and those looking to put their floristry skills to the test will all be pleasantly surprised. All perfectly indulgent in their own right, we’ve compiled a guide detailing the best ways to relax and enjoy the best of Flower Show influenced events.
1. Lunch in Bloom by Tom Aikens Restaurant and Wild at Heart Florists
An unusual combination of bouquet construction and fine dining collide with this delectable feast for the senses. Spend some time with Nikki Tibbles of celebrated florists, Wild at Heart, creating your own personalised bouquet. The floristry master class encourages guests to take a hands-on approach and offers great tips, new skills and the chance to take your creations home.
Once the master class has finished (and you’re so exhausted!) Michelin star chef Tom Aikens will prepare an incredible, floral-inspired three course meal for you to enjoy. The floral theme translates into each course, which incorporates refreshing and light ingredients including confit of Loch Duart salmon with viola, violet flowers and pickled endive and poached chicken with marigolds, lemon puree and vanilla oil. An exquisite dessert ends the meal beautifully with a delicate array of rose infused strawberries and sorbet finished with a mint syrup.
The entire experience will surprise you and hopefully tease out skills you weren’t aware you owned. However, if the floristry master class does not tempt you as much as the meal, it is worth noting that the lunch can be enjoyed separately and is just as thrilling an experience on its own!
Tom Aikens Restaurant, 43 Elystan St, London SW3 3NT
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7584 2003
Website: www.TomAikens.co.uk
2. The Dorchester Hotel’s Laurent Perrier Floral Themed Afternoon Tea
Another intrinsically British delight which will meet a floral reinterpretation this summer is the undeniably indulgent afternoon tea. In respect of grand tradition, The Dorchester hotel will be hosting its annual champagne afternoon tea in celebration of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 20th to 26th May.
This year marks an interesting variety of collaborations, namely Ulf Nordfjell (the designer behind Laurent-Perrier’s show garden) the British Perfumer Roja Dove and Phil Hammond and his pop-up Florist Corner. As well as this, unique accommodation experiences, which will include tickets to the much-loved flower show, will also be available.
The edible counterpart to The Dorchester’s homage to the flower show comes in the form of the Laurent-Perrier Floral Afternoon Tea. Fixed with the staple sandwiches and scones, the offerings will also include some floral additions, including: a lemon-shaped sponge cake filled with lemon crémeux; a red fruit mousse flavoured with violet on a crunchy short bread and a dark chocolate tartlet infused with lavender scent. All of course will be complimented by Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
A true feast for the senses, The Dorchester experience will welcome guests and visitors to an olfactory delight as the delicate aroma of lavender emanates from bouquets, scented candles and lavender gift bags.
The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7319 7102
Website: www.TheDorchester.com
3. The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Cocoon at Brown’s Hotel
When one finds them self with a particularly full schedule, the importance of looking after oneself should always be remembered. With this in mind, The Spa at Brown’s Hotel is inviting guests to indulge in a 60 minute hydrating treatment to refresh and energise you and your social spirit.
The rose will enhance and restore your natural radiance with Damask Rose essential oils working to boost circulation and renew the skin and the calming aroma working magic on your psyche. Guest will enjoy the treatment from start to finish with a gentle olive grain exfoliation, nourishing oils and hydrating rose gel encapsulating utter indulgence and calm. The final stages of the treatment include a heat wrap with a sumptuous combination of oil and cream left to deeply penetrate your skin.
Once the treatment is over, allow yourself to yield to a delectable rose and lychee martini. Utter bliss!
Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7493 6020
Website: www.RoccoForteHotels.com
4. Alain Ducasse themed lunch at The Dorchester
The second lunch addition to our list of extravagance is the stunning floral influenced lunch menu devised by three Michelin star chef, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester Hotel. Offering a dining experience which is set to unite the finesse of French cuisine with modern design and natural beauty, the edible creations will no doubt be a vibrant feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Placing more of an emphasis on the herbal contributions of many British gardens, the three course meal includes delicate French inspiration with each plate’s presentation alluding to garden landscapes and outdoor settings. Flavours include basil, parsley, artichokes, mushrooms and seasonal vegetables before dessert presents delicate rose and raspberry.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7629 8866
Website: www.AlainDucasse-Dorchester.com
5. The Laurent Perrier Cocktail at The Berkeley Hotel
If time does not permit a full afternoon tea experience, simply skip it and enjoy the best part – the champagne!
To celebrate the Laurent- Perrier Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel has developed a floral cocktail embracing the flavours of nature with a Nordic twist in honour of Swedish garden designer Ulf Nordfjell.
The irresistible cocktail will comprise the essence of a lavender garden fortified with Acquavit, Crème de Violet, apple liquor and apple juice, before Laurent-Perrier champagne is introduced to fuse the flavours and deliver its signature refinement and sparkle. The result is an incredibly refreshing cocktail which encapsulates the elegance of Laurent-Perrier and enhances it with delicate floral flavours.
The Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge SW1X 7RL
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7235 6000
Website: www.The-Berkeley.co.uk
Written by Jodie Jones
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