The Grand Expedition: Gingerline’s latest immersive dining event transports us into a storybook of otherworldly delights
Fusing together adventurous theatrics with creative culinary feasts is synonymous with the immersive dining events from Gingerline. Born from a collaboration between Suzannah Montfort and Kerry Adamson eight years ago, the company’s latest venture The Grand Expedition promises and delivers an ethereal, dreamy experience taking budding aeronauts above the clouds and around the world.
The event is shrouded in secrecy, guests receive their directions via text. Pooled together outside the venue, intrepid adventurers are warmly greeted with a welcome drink before being transported into a storybook of otherworldly delights. Flickering oil lamps cast ghostly long shadows, huge installations indulge the theme and a mesmerising 360-degree multimedia screen immerses each diner from every angle.
Guests are loosely encouraged to dress to the theme but it’s not a constraint and moments of performance interaction do well to get groups mingling and evoke a party atmosphere. Interjections of gentle storytelling and poetic prose follow the travels of the aeronauts and lead us to food pairings from the various continents we visit.
Swathes of elaborate tiny individual morsels merge perfectly with the larger sharing dishes that frame this five-course dining experience from the flavourology team. Rather surprisingly, the attention to detail is never lost despite the large-scale event and each course is accompanied by beautiful postcards that catalogue each dish. Personalised Asahi beer and red or white wine are served through the evening but a separate paying bar allows you to indulge in any cocktails or spirits.
The Grand Expedition evokes childhood memories of storybooks and dreams. It’s a beautiful escape for those looking for an adventure. Hints of the misconceived balloon rides of Phileas Fogg with a touch of Disney-like energy bring together a rather fabulous and original experience, perfect for groups or a giggly first date.
Ezelle Alblas
Photos: Rob Greig
The Grand Expedition is at a secret London location from 1st February until 25th May 2019. For further information or to book visit the event’s website here.
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