17 May 2013
Including Riedel, Wedgewood, Aromatherapy Associates, Lavender Green and Nicholas Oakwell
Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel and spa, Coworth Park, has launched a series of monthly dining events introducing experts speaking on a range of fascinating topics from floristry to fashion, and sleep to ceramics.
As part of Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park has access to a unique contact book of experts in the fields of gastronomy, fashion, wine and lifestyle. Once a month, Coworth Park’s informative and enjoyable talks start from midday with welcome refreshments and the opportunity to meet the speaker, followed by lunch or afternoon tea. Events conclude around 3pm, when guests will be able to enjoy the comfort of the Mansion House, take advantage of special rates at The Spa at Coworth Park, or even explore the beautiful grounds Coworth Park has to offer. These talks are the perfect way for those on the hotel’s doorstep to experience a luxurious and informative afternoon, or for those coming from further afield to enjoy a mid-week break in the Berkshire countryside.
Calendar dates:
· Tuesday 4 June – Martin Turner: ‘Riedel Glass Master Class’
Guests will be invited to take their tastebuds on a journey of discovery as Martin Turner guides through a unique comparative tasting. Guests will begin with a water tasting to demonstrate how the taste can be manipulate through the shape of the glass, followed by two white wines tasting before their starter. The guests will then taste two red wines before their main course and finish off the lunch with a chocolate and wine tasting which will show how the glassware shape can also effect the perception of taste for food. Martin will also demonstrate how to correctly decant wine. Guests attending will receive a 20% discount off purchase made at www.riedel.co.uk with a special code.
· Tuesday 9 July - Jenny McLaughlin: ‘Teatime Stories: Wedgewood, Fine Bone China and the English Tradition of Afternoon’
Jenny, historian and tea-drinker explores the most English of traditions and the impact it has on our lives and culture. From the evolution of the English pottery industry 250 years ago, to scandalous tea-dances at the turn of the twentieth century, tea has been a driving force in English industry, economics and society. Sharing insights from the Wedgwood Archive, Wedgwood Tea Stories will enlighten, entertain and inspire guests to always take tea in a beautiful fine-bone china cup. (Note this is a tea event, not lunch)
· Tuesday 6 August – Geraldine Howard Aromatherapy Associates: ‘Stress & Sleep – how aromatherapy really can help'
President and co-founder of Aromatherapy Associated Geraldine Howard has built up a prestigious and loyal clientele, offering specialist aromatherapy products and luxury treatments at spas worldwide. Using her extensive experience and expertise, Geraldine will be revealing easy ways to relax and re-energise using the natural healing powers of essential oils in order to enhance physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
· Tuesday 25 September – Mike Herrick ‘ Mt Difficulty: Learn and taste some key wines from Mt Difficulty’s range from New Zealand’
Mt Difficulty is a renowned, pioneer wine estate in Central Otago, on New Zealand’s rugged South Island. Michael Herrick has been Mt Difficulty’s key ambassador since 2003 and will conduct a tasting of Mt Difficulty’s key wines, including a celebrated Pinot Noir and a comparison of two different vintages of Single Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Tuesday 1 October – Sue Barnes Founder of Lavender Green: ‘Choosing festive florals to decorate your home’
Sue Barnes has an enviable reputation as being one of the very best florist in London, with over 18 years’ experience in the industry. During this event, she will share her in-depth knowledge with guests and give tips on creating the most spectacular flowers, from weddings and events to individual bouquets.
· Tuesday 12 November – Nicholas Oakwell Couture: ‘Modern British Couture and why couture still exists in today’s environment.’
Having worked in fashion for over 20 years, Nicholas Oakwell has built a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and an eye for elegant design. He has become regarded as one of the most respected designers working in international couture, dressing many elite couture clients and recently, the top names at this year’s BAFTAs, including Dame Helen Mirren. Nicholas’ talk on Modern British Couture will touch on why couture still exists in today's environment, and how Britain has been intrinsically involved in the seemingly continental industry from its birth.
Lunch events are priced at £50 including VAT per person for a three course lunch including one glass of champagne, a glass of wine, coffee and petit fours. Exceptions include the Riedel Glass Master Class priced at £85 to include a set of glasses, and the Wedgewood event which takes place at afternoon tea, arriving 2 for 2.30pm price at £45. To book call 01344 756 784 or email cpcountrylife@dorchestercollection.com and quote the name of the event.
Editor’s Notes
Coworth Park
Coworth Park is a 70-room luxury country house hotel and spa set in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland just 45 minutes from central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow airport. Its location, unrivalled in the UK for the ease and convenience of its transport links, is also enhanced by its own helipad. The estate includes an eco-luxury Spa with indoor pool and three restaurants including the Spatisserie, relaxed dining in The Barn and fine-dining in the Mansion House. The only UK hotel to feature its own polo fields as well as an exceptional equestrian centre, current facilities include stabling for 30 horses together with self-contained accommodation for grooms and a full programme of polo tournaments.
High resolution images can be downloaded from: leonardo.com/dorchestercollection
Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company’s mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.
The current portfolio includes the following hotels (in order of them joining the group): The Dorchester, London; The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills; Le Meurice, Paris; Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris; Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan; Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles; Coworth Park, Ascot, UK; 45 Park Lane, London; and Le Richemond, Geneva.
For further information on Dorchester Collection hotels please contact:
Olivia Johnson or Arabella Wentworth Waites at Peretti Communications
Telephone: 020 7244 1930
Email: olivia.j@peretti.com arabella.w@peretti.com