This Easter, we attended Baileys one-night-only, immersive dining experience held exclusively at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge.
An extraordinary adults-only theatrical adventure and Easter egg hunt, the 21st century setting of the store was transported back in time to the elegance and artistry of the 18th century Rococo movement.
Half a year since I attended my first Baileys Chocolate Luxe event at the Bar Chocolat pop-up in Covent Garden, I was eagerly looking forward to what they had in store for us this time.
Running a couple of minutes late after a slight confusion over the meeting point, we registered ourselves at the entrance on Sloane Street - each of us handed a delicate golden feather and a safety pin.
Upon entering the doors, the actors dressed as royalty, courtiers and subjects, jumped straight into action, leading us through to the main store in search of a Baileys Chocolat Luxe Easter Egg and the true meaning of true chocolate indulgence.
An extraordinary adults-only theatrical adventure and Easter egg hunt, the 21st century setting of the store was transported back in time to the elegance and artistry of the 18th century Rococo movement.
Half a year since I attended my first Baileys Chocolate Luxe event at the Bar Chocolat pop-up in Covent Garden, I was eagerly looking forward to what they had in store for us this time.
Running a couple of minutes late after a slight confusion over the meeting point, we registered ourselves at the entrance on Sloane Street - each of us handed a delicate golden feather and a safety pin.
Upon entering the doors, the actors dressed as royalty, courtiers and subjects, jumped straight into action, leading us through to the main store in search of a Baileys Chocolat Luxe Easter Egg and the true meaning of true chocolate indulgence.
To get us more involved, we were taught about 'mannequin etiquette' (sounds much more sophisticated when you say it with a French accent!) - each of us flaunting our most elegant poses as we received amused glances from other intrigued customers shopping in store.
We then entered through a chamber where we were split into two groups. In the first half we were brought into individual changing rooms. I was faced with a Cinderella-esque situation where I was requested to put (ram) shoes onto her feet to see which fit best - whilst she kept coaxing me to push 'harder'. Trying on shoes would definitely not be what I would have visualized if I was on the other side of that curtain.
In the second half, we played a game of musical chairs, where I was the first to be kicked out - my big derrière clearly let me down.
And after that, we all regrouped under the 'tent' to play a game of charades...
Mannequin Etiquette!
We were then finally brought up to the Fifth Floor Terrace to indulge in our six-course Easter feast created by the Chiappa Sisters.
Saffron & pistachio mozzarella croquette, pistachio crumble, cherry consome, rosemary crostini, raspberry balsamic vinegar puree, green roquette.
Crushed fennel seed, lemon & black pepper tuna, pickled red onion, shaved fennel, pink grapefruit gel, black olive tapenade, watercress puree, mint cress.
Roasted Chicken Marsala poached figs, roasted porcini mushrooms and a prosciutto crisp with patata dolce puree, virgin olive oil and rucola.
Baked Charlotte Potato & Truffle Gnocchi Smoked potato puree, chestnut gel and parmesan cream with shaved chestnuts and micro parsley.
Chocolate & Venison Ragout Potato cream with juniper berry crumble and truffle toast.
Sweet Lemon & Vanilla Pannacotta Italian amaretti crumble, sweet basil puree, strawberry & mint relish with basil cress.
| Baileys Chocolat Luxe Easter Egg by Lucie Bennett |
A rich Belgian chocolate equivalent to egg and soldiers, served with a glass of Baileys CHocolat Luxe. Created in partnership with Baileys Chocolat Luxe and young British chocolatier and Cake of the Year 2013 winner, Lucie Bennett.
I very much enjoyed most of the courses, with the exception of the pannacotta that had too much gelatin in it.
The Baileys and the chocolate egg were undoubtedly extremely rich and indulgent, I don't think any of us at the table actually managed to finish it - maybe I should have wrapped up the remains and stuffed it in my bag...
On the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable experience - I do love a mix of theatre and food to get me in the Easter mood.
I just realized that I didn't buy any Easter eggs this year...looks like a trip to the shops for (reduced) Easter eggs will be on the to-do list tomorrow!
Hope everyone is having a lovely Easter weekend - that time of the year where eating chocolate for breakfast is not frowned upon...
Happy Easter!
The Cheekster (nibbling on chocolate hot cross buns), signing off x
