All aboard! Belmond British Pullman to voyage across the Kent countryside in July 2024
Image courtesy of the Belmond British Pullman
The Belmond British Pullman; a train journey like no other, as soon as you step aboard prepare to embark on a journey through the Golden Age of rail travel.
The train's restored art deco carriages carry an ageless refinement as it sits on platform two at Victoria station.
Guests mingle among one another as a three-piece band plays 45-minutes before the train sets off; sparkling wine reception awaits, setting the tone for the impending culinary excursion.
Image courtesy of the Belmond British Pullman
As the name suggests, the British Pullman, a Belmond Train, is the British sibling of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The excursion offers the chance to channel your inner adventurer via a signature day trip featuring decadent contemporary British dishes served aboard.
Prepare for world-class service, unparalleled luxury, and exquisite fine dining, all the while savouring the extraordinary flavours of Kent.
Image courtesy of the Belmond British Pullman
Dishes aboard include a five-course menu proposed by chef Jon Freeman. From delicious asparagus, cherries and apples to Romney Marsh lamb and Whitstable oysters, each delicacy is grown with a devotion to quality by suppliers exclusively chosen by Freeman.
Each wine that accompanies the menu is selected by a Belmond sommelier from local vineyards and wineries, benefitting from the chalky nature of Kent’s soil akin to that found in France’s Champagne region.
Image courtesy of the Belmond British Pullman
Inspired by Kent’s finest quality produce, the menu changes according to what’s in season.
Each wine sampled throughout the travel experience has a connection to well-established vineyards, cementing the bond between the Pullman’s onboard experience and the farmlands it circles past.
All this takes place in the beautifully restored carriages of the train, among its revived marquetry, crystal glass and deep upholstered armchairs.
You’ll loop into the countryside, taking in the fruitful orchards, verdant landscape and historical architecture, and retrace back in to the City.
Image courtesy of the Belmond British Pullman
The journey and ever-changing landscape captivates and invites a sense of calm and serenity, prompting guests to slow down and absorb the beauty of England’s most treasured vistas.
To experience the wonderful synergy between gastronomic experience and stunning surroundings, book the Belmond British Pullman’s ‘Garden of England’ voyage across the Kent countryside on Thursday, 4th July, 2024.
But why not make it a weekend to remember?
If you’re travelling from abroad, from the countryside, or are based in the City, why not make your Belmond excursion last that little bit longer?
We’ve collated a Société luxury list featuring the best hotel to rest your head for the evening, the finest dining experiance to be had in the Ciy, and the most opulent bar to enjoy a night cap after your train journey across the Kentish coast.
REST
The London EDITION
Originally, the Belle Époque building that now houses The London EDITION was a series of five charming townhouses constructed in 1835 and merged into one in 1910.
Formerly the Berners Hotel, the Grade two-listed building has stood tall amid threats of closure, two world wars and endless renovations.
Fast forward to 2013 and the inimitable entrepreneur and hotelier Ian Schrager’s rapidly expanding EDITION brand acquires the hotel.
Safely in the hands of Canadian design firm, Yabu Pushelberg, the redesign integrated Christian Liaigre furniture and contemporary elements while maintaining the Edwardian elegance of the exterior and public areas.
Since then, EDITION hotels have flourished, with 20 locations worldwide and 12 more on the way in cities like Jeddah and Dali.
The EDITION's wood-panelled room designs have set a neo-boutique standard, but this particular hotel stands out, thanks in large part to its outstanding restaurant and lobby.
The beating heart of the hotel, the lobby is a flickering flame for social butterflies in the City.
It attracts City professionals, couples on after-work dates, tourists looking for a taste of British refinement and families in London for the weekend.
Guests sip on cocktails at the Lobby Bar amidst striking emerald velvet sofas.
Towering above is an egg-shaped pendulum designed by Ingo Maurer. The polished Edwardian plasterwork ceiling features graceful faces emerging from turn-of-the-century architecture - look closely enough and you’ll spot one with lipstick on.
Across the hall, a buzz emanates from chef and restauranteur Jason Atherton’s modern European brasserie, Berner’s Tavern.
If London is on the itinerary for a summer getaway, The London EDITION is not to be passed over.
10 Berners Street, London, W1T 3NP
DRINK
Image courtesy of The Delaunay
A decadent 1930s-inspired libation at The Delaunay
Before you settle in for the night after dining at Berner’s Tavern, take a detour (albeit long one) on your way up to your room and drop by The Delaunay.
Ensconced between the iconic Drury Lane and bustling thoroughfare of The Strand, in the heart of London's theatre district, the all-day brasserie and bar count Aldwych Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Novello Theatre as neighbours.
The brasserie has just unveiled an exciting new cocktail menu celebrating the 'golden age' of 1930s stagecraft. Drawing inspiration from the glamour of 1930s theatre and its leading stars, the menu features drinks such as Hay Fever, Rio Rita, and My Fair Lady.
All cocktails on the menu are carefully crafted and showcase a selection of inventive drinks inspired by the glamour of 1930s productions and starlets.
My Fair Lady is adorned with beautiful floral motifs atop egg white foam under a creme de violette liqueur complemented with gin, lemon and strawberry.
If that doesn’t whet the palate, the Rio Rita, named after the play produced by Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld packs a more sour punch with an expert blend of Don Julio Blanco Tequila, a sweet sauternes, jasmine, lime and mint.
The Magic Flute, an homage to Mozart’s enchanting musical comedy, is crafted with Hennessy VS Cognac, Mozart white chocolate, espresso and chocolate bitters.
Image courtesy of The Delaunay
The Hay Fever blends Chase pink grapefruit and pomelo gin with Italicus, Campari, and rose and grapefruit cordial, evoking summer nights, romance, and adventure.
Should you wish to take in a show whilst in London, The Delaunay is the perfect destination for a pre and post-show drink.
55 Aldwych | London | WC2B 4BB | +4420 7499 8558
DINE
Image courtesy of The London EDITION
Berner’s Tavern
A guilded Fitzrovia bolthole, Berner’s Tavern is Atherton’s sixth addition to the UK dining scene and he does not disappoint.
The baroque ballroom features intricately molded ceilings and walls adorned with rich, gold-framed artwork.
Every inch of its truffle-hued surface is occupied, and at its center hangs a grand chandelier gleaming with gilded splendour.
On the menu, Atherton’s quirky British cooking includes dishes like Herdwick lamb rump complemented with smoked baba ghanoush and wild garlic leaf, the Tavern’s famous mac and cheese, and a hearty Sunday roast.
Berners Tavern stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of history and modernity. Its stunning decor, characterised by high ceilings, intricate detailing, and an array of artwork, creates an atmosphere that is both grand and inviting.
The culinary delights crafted by its talented chefs make dining here a truly exceptional experience.
Whether you're savoring a leisurely breakfast, enjoying a sumptuous dinner, or simply soaking in the ambiance, Berners Tavern offers a glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of contemporary dining.
This iconic venue continues to enchant guests, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination in the heart of London.
