07 Nov 2016
'The House of Charbonnel is one of the oldest ministrants to the taste for sweets,
and upon their counters will be found the latest dainties….'
Oscar Wilde quote written in 1890 when he worked for the Women's Journal
There will be absolutely nothing dainty about the stunning Charbonnel Christmas Tree which will form the centrepiece of the festive celebrations this December at Cliveden House. The magnificent Nordmann Fir will rise majestically to its full height of over fifteen feet and be totally bedecked with sparkling lights and exquisite Charbonnel et Walker gift boxes containing chocolate selections. The tree will be completed with luxurious satin ribbons creating a delicious festive triumph.
The decoration of the immense tree will begin in the Great Hall on the morning of 2nd December when the tree will be erected and Cliveden's housekeeping team will place garlands of lights on the vast branches; stylists from Charbonnel et Walker will then work their magic, transforming one of nature's evergreen symbols of Christmas celebration into a dazzling vision ready for the official switching on the Christmas Tree lights by our mystery celebrity!
Jo Humphris, a spokesman for Charbonnel et Walker said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Cliveden, one of Britain's most iconic and beautiful stately homes, with a spectacular Christmas tree to be found amongst the splendour of the Great Hall. With a history steeped in great British tradition, it is an honour to create such a magical ambience at this special time of year with Cliveden. Miniature heart shaped presentation boxes will include Sea Salt Caramel Truffles with liquid caramel centres and Milk Marc de Champagne Truffles with their intense sensation of Marc de Champagne, in a velvety milk chocolate heart, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.”
With the lights ablaze, guests visiting this 5-red star luxury country house hotel can then start their festive celebrations with a delicious afternoon tea created by Executive Head Chef, André Garrett who has taken for his inspiration a selection of the fabulous flavours of Charbonnel et Walker's chocolates, including rose and violet from 'The Grand Ballroom' collection, this classic combination will flavour Andre's Almond Cake and the Sea Salt Caramel that will provide a little extra magic to the Florentines.
To keep the winter chills at bay, we will also be serving delicious Charbonnel et Walker Hot Chocolate, and a slightly 'boozy' version for the adults. The chocolate theme will also be followed into 'Cocktail Hour' with a delicious Chocolate Martini.
ENDS
For further press information, please contact:
Angela Day
Head of Public Relations, Cliveden & Chewton Glen
Mobile: 07785 619294
Telephone: 01304 617755
E-mail: aday@clivedenhouse.co.uk
Cliveden House is a five-star luxury hotel; the building is owned by the National Trust and operated under a long lease arrangement by the owners of Chewton Glen. Less than 45 minutes west of London and 20 minutes from London Heathrow Airport, the hotel has 47 rooms, including 9 spacious suites, a summerhouse by the Thames, together with boathouse and boats, heated pool, spa and a range of sporting and leisure facilities. The André Garrett Restaurant is complemented by the relaxed informality of The Astor Grill, together with a range of private dining, banqueting and meeting facilities. Cliveden is unique, the setting, architecture and interiors all speak eloquently of extraordinary extravagance and remarkable refinement. There is a palpable sense of history for this is a house that for over 350 years has been dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure, power and politics.
Charbonnel et Walker was founded in 1875 and is Britain's first and finest chocolatier. Encouraged by Edward VII, (then the Prince of Wales), Charbonnel et Walker formed as a partnership between Mrs Walker and Mme Charbonnel, the latter from the esteemed Maison Boissier chocolate house in Paris. Their original shop opened at 173 New Bond Street in Mayfair and has remained in Bond Street ever since. It is housed in one of London's most elegant arcades, the Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street. We feel proud and privileged to be endorsed by the Royal Warrant as one of the few chocolatiers to Her Majesty The Queen.
The rich heritage of Charbonnel et Walker weaves together a magnificent patronage of colourful characters from Royalty and Aristocracy to Socialites and Screen Legends. Our iconic customers have included Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, Wallis Simpson, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Alec Guinness, Lauren Bacall, Noel Coward (who requested a box of our finest selections to be delivered to his home every fortnight ) and Prince Francis of Teck (who once bequeathed the Teck Emeralds to his mistress) after courting her with Charbonnel et Walker chocolates.
Charbonnel et Walker chocolates are hand-made to the traditional recipes of Madame Charbonnel. We are particularly renowned for our dark chocolate, made from the finest dark couverture. The result is a decadently rich taste and an unforgettable experience.
