Results

Our client chose to host their lunch in the 380-year-old wine cellars below the five-star Stafford Hotel in St James’ for this event It’s a unique venue with a compelling history. Built in the 12th Century and used as an air-raid shelter in World War II, these fascinating cellars house up to 8,000 bottles of the finest wines.

The hotel’s Master Sommelier, Gino Nardella, hosts wine tastings and with over 40 years of experience at The Stafford alone, there isn’t a bottle he hasn’t tried in the Wine Cellar.

With Gino’s recommendation in advance, we selected a glass of the wonderful English Sparkling “Bolney wine” to be served on arrival as an alternative to champagne. He spoke about this choice and then took the guests through to the candlelit wine cellar to teach them about three highly recommended red and a further three white wines. The talk and tour of the cellar was fun and informative and Gino was able to answer all the questions directed at him.

After the wine tasting was complete, the guests were shown through to their dining table in the cellars, decorated with fresh flowers, candles, crackers and fairy lights. They enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch accompanied with more wines personally selected by the Sommelier to accompany their chosen menu.

For a completely different vibe after the lunch had finished, we pre-booked a section in the cocktail bar in the nearby “Quaglinos” restaurant. Guests enjoyed a few more drinks and music before taking return transport home early evening.

Everyone had a thoroughly great afternoon, we received great feedback and even the guests who thought wine tasting might not be for them, found it fun and interesting.