’Twas a morn before Christmas, when all through the my house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…’
….this is, perhaps, an exaggeration. It was 9am on a Friday and, whilst most Londoners had braved their commutes and were at their desks already, it was a bleary eyed Lucy that slugged her way up the Strand to the grand Corinthia Hotel. I’d been invited to a very special breakfast held by the hotel with Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Beyond that, I knew very little. I’d been told to expect a whole lot of CHRISTMAS and something about ’12 tips’, but that was it.
It was my first time in the Corinthia Hotel and I was impressed. This is the resplendent London hotel at its best – all white stone, crystal chandeliers and silent, seamless hospitality. Laurent-Perrier I both know all too well and wish I knew more. It’s a wonderful champagne.
I was met there with a lavish spread of breakfast plates and more than a few flutes of champagne. 11 of my fellow bloggers were there and it was nice to have a catch up. We’re a nice bunch really – everyone is eccentric but ultimately passionate about their subject, and you form some great friendships over time. Behind us, in the corner a huge and contemporary ‘christmas tree’ constructed out of stacks of present boxes loomed – hinting at what was to come.My suspicions regarding this tree proved correct. Suddenly we were all summoned there and the true purpose of the breakfast and its ’12 tips’ was announced.
Laurent-Perrier and the Corinthia Hotel have formed a festive partnership this Christmas 2015. Together they selected 12 bloggers, of which I was lucky enough to be one, to bestow 12 gifts upon, each an experience carefully matched to the blogger. Under the Christmas Tree the team handed us each our gifts, temptingly wrapped in a lux looking cardboard box and watched as we tore into them.
My experience was perfect: a chocolate masterclass by Head Pastry Chef Sarah Barber. I’d heard of Sarah before, she’s just released a book on chocolate (Patisserie Perfection) and has some beautiful creations. In short, I WAS PSYCHED.
Others of the 11 included things like…a christmas hair styling class, a canapés class, cigar and champagne pairing, and a festival afternoon tea! Happy Christmas, indeed – thanks LP and Corinthia!
Tune into my next post where I visit Sarah’s pastry kitchen and learn how to make some of her signature Corinthia chocolate creations
|
|
www.corinthia.com/hotels/london/
Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
020 7930 8181
