Ok, so we are not your typical Henley Royal Regatta goers. BUT, when we heard that roaming restaurant specialists Chateau Marmot would be hosting two days of spectacular dining, drinking, music and general good times – we cleared our diaries.
We ADORED what they did at Beehive Place so we’re sure their Regatta debut in the beautiful Culden Faw meadows overlooking Temple Island and the start line of the race from across the river will live up to all expectations!
There they will create a boutique, intimate enclosure with a full restaurant and bar serving a stunning four course tasting lunch of locally grown produce. The bar will feature beautifully crafted cocktails, small batch spirits, champagne, craft beer and more from 10am to 5pm on Thursday 30th June and Friday 1st July 2016.
Chateau Marmot’s owner, Henley-born Theo Cooper, said: “I’ve been coming to the Regatta for years so I know there are plenty of options out there for enjoying a day by the river – but none quite like what we have in mind. Our enclosure has a great view and position, but sits across the river from the main course so enjoys a different kind of atmosphere; relaxed and unpretentious but still a great place to dress up and have some fun. Myself and the team are working hard to bring a beautifully decorated space full of the finest things to eat, the best drinks to be drunk and some great live music. We’re offering visitors and locals something different, simply a perfect summer day by the river free from overly commercialised crush on the other side. If you’re serious about food, drinks and having a damn good time, this is the place to be. We can’t wait”
Chateau Marmot’s enclosure will open all day but central to the occasion will be a sumptuous four course meal, a resolutely seasonal menu by chef Tim ‘Tonto’ Yates. Australian Yates is one of London’s most exciting chefs, Henley locals will know him as the architect of Chateau Marmot’s recent winter Hunting Lodge feast but those further afield will know him from The Mondrian Hotel, 100 Hoxton or for his event work with Ottolenghi’s Ramael Scully and Bompas & Parr, for whom he cooked part of their recent 24hr menu (look it up!). Tim will work his magic on some of the finest truly local produce, including custom-grown organic vegetables, leaves and flowers from Henley’s Bosley Patch, pork from the Chiltern Black Pig Company, dairy from Laceys’ Farm and many others. He’ll use a palette of Modern European and more exotic flavours to create a stunning meal for watching the world drift past on the river.
The cocktail bar will be manned by a team of the best London bartenders using infusions, bitters and shrubs of their creation. You can forget what you know about Pimms, Bathtub Gin’s Summer Fruit Cup is exclusive to Chateau Marmot and made with only the finest ingredients. Only spirits from premium or craft distillers will be used including GreyGoose, Bathtub Gin and East London Liquor Company.
Draft beer will be exciting and thoroughly drinkable, direct from the best small breweries. Wines and champagnes will be from independent growers with great stories and standards of craft, with the selection ably assisted by Henley author and ex-Decanter editor Rosalind Cooper.
The revelry will take place right on the banks of the Thames in a beautifully decorated custom designed marquee from Lulu’s Marquees.
They’re also excited to be collaborating with local floral stylist Jane McFarlane Duckworth and The Flower Union whose clients include Valention, McQueen, Chanel and many others. Together they’ll dress the space with the finest British flowers, many from the estate itself and surrounding area. Live music will be provided by a mixture of local artists and those from further afield, with Regatta Radio and Wimbledon filling the gaps for the true enthusiasts.
Tickets are available for purchase from http://chateaumarmot.co.uk/chateau-marmot-at-henley-regatta-2016/
