Your London Wedding - November/December 2023 (Issue 92)

TIME TO CELEBRATE The Greenhouses promises an unforgettable setting to create cherished memories with tailored upgrades and services to ensure extraordinary experiences. The team is thrilled to now offer the ideal location for receptions and celebrations. Its proximity to The Old Marylebone Town Hall ensures a seamless ceremony-to-reception flow and is open year-round for bookings. The venue provides a captivating floral haven with nine private spaces to curate dream celebrations; couples can indulge in Mediterranean-style sharing plates and wines amidst vibrant foliage. Complimenting the culinary journey is an extensive selection of cocktails and wines, promising a feast that leaves a lasting impression. From cosy gatherings to more elaborate affairs, this property promises an unforgettable experience. Couples can curate their dream wedding reception for eight to 24 guests. Each private room is adaptable to suit individual preferences, creating a personalised experience. Why not enhance celebrations by hiring an additional greenhouse for arrival drinks and canapés? The team offers the option to elevate celebrations with upgrades such as chairs, table linens, crockery, cutlery and glassware. Discover more about the property: www.thegreenhouses.london PRE-WEDDING DATE NIGHT AT THE DORCHESTER Nestled on the doorsteps of Hyde Park, The Dorchester is conveniently located in the heart of London and is home to one of only eight threeMichelin-star restaurants in the UK, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, where refined elegance meets modern French haute cuisine from the talented head chef Jean-Philippe Blondet. I had the fantastic opportunity to dine at this iconic restaurant that highlights the brilliance of Alain Ducasse, who holds 21 Michelin stars and has an international reputation in the culinary world. After being greeted by the professional staff who showed us to our brown-arched booth in the intimate setting, it was time to indulge in some unforgettable dishes with a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings. After enjoying some amuse-bouche and a glass of Dom Pérignon P2 Vintage 2004 champagne, it was time for a hand-dived scallop with citrus beurre blanc and Kristal caviar paired with a Filipa Pato Nossa Calcário Branco 2021. The dish was utterly delicious, thanks to the fresh produce and the smooth, delicate texture that leaves you wanting more! Next, we enjoyed an aubergine with smoked sardine and lemon balm washed down with a glass of Domaine Barmès-Buecher 2018 Rosenberg Sylvaner. With well-balanced flavours and beautifully presented, it didn’t disappoint. My favourite was the restaurant’s signature dish with exquisitely cooked lobster medallion, chicken quelles, earthy Périgord truffles and homemade semolina pasta coated in a delicious sauce – it’s been on the menu since 2007! A Louis Roederer Rose 2016 from France was the perfect addition before being served a Domaine de la Tournelle Terre de Gryphées 2020 from France that was fine yet rich and profound. It was beautifully paired with the Cornish turbot, a sweet but mild fish known as the King of the Sea, and a tender sea thong marinated with green anise and sweet apricot. A first for me was a pigeon from Anjou! Tasty crapaudine beetroot, bottarga and wasabi accompanied the tender meat that was served with a Nestor Cuvee No.2 Cabernet Franc 2020 from Austria, which featured cornelian cherries, blackberries and a nougat note. As a huge cheese lover, I dived into the assortment of French cheeses and Colston Bassett stilton paired with a 10-year-old Dow’s Tawny Port before enjoying a lemon palate cleanser ready for dessert. A fig from Provence was beautifully presented with seaweed, tarragon and fig tree leaf sorbet. I couldn’t recommend Ducasse’s signature rum baba dessert with vanilla cream, an unforgettable heavenly dish! My top beverage of the night was a 2018 Domaine De Montgilet Les Trois Schistes, a sweet wine with marmalade, apricot and notes of honey. We finished the meal with canapé desserts and an assortment of chocolates before meeting the head chef. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester provided an incredible culinary journey with world-class service and innovative dishes with delicious but subtle flavours. Everything was superb from start to finish, thanks to the faultless service provided by the professional waiting staff. With an insightful knowledge of each dish and an evident passion, they made my experience even more outstanding. It’s a showstopping experience to highlight and celebrate special moments in life – I will be returning in the near future. Discover: www.alainducasse-dorchester.com SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND Luxury hotel brand Shangri-La is the first international hospitality brand to partner with Skydiamond, the world’s most sustainable diamond company. Mined from the atmosphere instead of the earth and made to the same quality and carat grading, Skydiamonds are the world’s rarest and first climate-positive diamonds. As part of the collaboration, Shangri-La The Shard has created an exclusive Skydiamond Celebration experience to mark special occasions. Guests who book the package can enjoy exclusive prices for jewellery at Skydiamond and access to the concierge team, who will provide a personalised consultation. They also benefit from private access to a carefully curated collection of rare and dazzling diamonds on the company’s website. Guests can choose between a diamond ring in a setting of their choice or a standalone diamond to personalise later. They can also peruse a selection of earrings, necklaces and other fine jewellery to complement any outfit. Choose from a luxury room or suite overlooking London’s skyline while a dedicated Shangri-La Celebrations Butler takes care of every last detail. Potted plants, sustainable flowers, petals and balloons add a touch of magic to any luxury room or suite. Guests can toast with a bottle of champagne and enjoy a delicious, locally sourced three-course dinner served in the privacy of their room. Rates start from £1,200 per night. Note the diamonds are sold separately. Discover more here: www.shangrilaexperiences.com/skydiamond www.thomasalexanderphotography.co.uk Scan to view video 10

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