Culture

Ricard sponsors Bastille Day with a Pétanque Garden Party

Ricard sponsors Bastille Day with a Pétanque Garden Party

London is France’s sixth biggest city in terms of population – it is no surprise then that Bastille Day (aka “le 14 juillet”) is such a big event in the British capital.

We decided to go and check out Ricard’s Bastille Day celebrations at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Ricard promised sun and holiday atmosphere and we were secretly hoping that a micro climate would operate over the garden to stay in line with the Marseille spirit of the brand and its anise-flavoured liqueur.

As we came in, we were welcome by the Belleville Rendez-Vous Triplets who invited us to a playful sing-along. We then grabbed our Ricard summer hats (which turned out to be very useful under the torrential rain) to explore the venue and discover what the day had to offer.

A pétanque tournament was the star of the day, together with a fantastic BBQ (ah, les merguez!), crèpes and a bar loaded with imaginative Ricard cocktails and even a Ricard-flavoured ice cream.

We decided to leave the tournament to the professionals and spent the afternoon playing crocket and even tried our luck at the giant Jenga.

A few famous faces were spotted under the marquee, with PPQ design duo Amy Molineaux and Percy Parker, Noisettes’ singer Shinghai Shoniwa, girl about town Tallulah Adeyemi and Rocknrolla actor David Leon. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon and the chocolate crèpes: laid back but chic, friendly, fun, and very French.

The Chelsea Physic Garden is a truly gorgeous location we were delighted to discover, and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year.

Alex White
Photos: Adam Imiolo

More in Culture

Barcelona’s Lasarte to host one-night collaboration between chefs Paolo Casagrande and Mauro Uliassi

Food & Travel Desk

Gilroy’s Loft rooftop seafood restaurant opens in Covent Garden for seafood and Guinness pairing

Food & Travel Desk

Honest Greens brings affordable, health-focused dining to Soho with first UK restaurant opening

Food & Travel Desk

Abc Kitchens at The Emory unveils winter courtyard with crullers, cocoa and festive fare in Belgravia

Food & Travel Desk

Cunard and Letters Live to celebrate seafaring letters with one-night event at Queen Elizabeth Hall

Food & Travel Desk

Four London restaurants with special menus and £10 champagne for New Year’s Eve

Food & Travel Desk

Wagamama to host exclusive New Year’s Eve supper club with live music and top fireworks views on the South Bank

Food & Travel Desk

Aurora at Union Chapel for War Child

Talitha Stowell

Ella McCay

Talitha Stowell