Following its recent refurbishment, Cubitt House’s Belgravia outpost, The Alfred Tennyson, recently launched a new craft series with a poetry evening on National Poetry Day, in honour of its namesake Poet Laureate who lived nearby.
I have always considered myself to be a reasonably creative person despite my science education background, and every now and then I reveal a bit of my poetic side to the world of social media. Like some, I occasionally have those “I’m a poet, and I didn’t even know it” moments, sometimes light-hearted, sometimes pretty deep and emotional – I’m a Pisces, I can’t help it.
We were warmly welcomed and seated in the intimate first floor dining room where we dined on a three-course meal of fine British food. I started with the vibrant and refreshing cured chalk stream trout with beetroot, apple and hay mayonnaise, followed by a wholesome dish of delicate cod with puy lentils and grilled aubergine. My dining partner who went for the meatier options, also kindly offered me some of his middle white pork Scotch egg (I love a good Scotch egg with a crispy exterior and gooey yolk centre …) and tender Castlemead chicken with salt baked celeriac, artichokes, drizzled with an almond jus – both of which were very flavoursome and appetizing. Sharing is caring, and good friends of mine are thankfully well-acquainted with the drill of ordering different dishes on the menu in restaurants. Did I also mention the assistance with lighting? – I may have to leave that for another post …
We finished with a comforting Bramley apple pie with salted caramel, pecans, topped with vanilla ice cream, and a baked lemon cheesecake with passion fruit puree and a raspberry sorbet. Both desserts were indulgently good, and devoured within a matter of minutes. An empty plate at the end is always a positive sign.
In between each course, we were entertained by poet Eley Williams, former recipient of the Christopher Tower poetry prize, who recited a selection of her amusing contemporary poems. I was particularly partial towards her poem about the underground – something that all Londoners can probably relate to! Everyday life can truly be an inspirational source for creative writing. I may have been inspired to write a few poems of my own in the next few weeks … watch this space.
Overall, it was an enjoyable evening, filled with light-hearted entertainment alongside delicious food. The next in the series is Christmas Wreath making in late November – who doesn’t LOVE all things Christmas?
The Alfred Tennyson is one of Cubitt House’s fine collection of public houses and hotels, and I look forward to discovering their other exquisite venues soon and sharing them with you – in the meantime, you check out their website for more information.
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The Cheekster, signing out x
- I was invited to review, but views remain my own.
