GORDON RAMSAY’S SAVOY GRILL WITH VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAYS
02/11/2015
Disclaimer: This post features a hell of a lot of gorgeous food that will make you ridiculously hungry, a hotel that is so stunning and truly defines the phrase #InteriorGoals and a word that probably shouldn’t be mentioned as early as November 2nd (but we’re rebels over here on The Elle Next door so YOLO).
Said word – that produces the gag-inducing phrase Yolo, sorry about that – …. Christmas.
So why am I mentioning
the best time of year,
the best thing in existence,
the only thing worth living for Christmas so early? Well, because I was lucky enough to experience a Virgin Experience day recently where I was sent to
Gordon Ramsay’s The Savoy Grill in the pinterest-worthy Savoy Hotel, for a 3 course lunch with champagne and I couldn’t help but think that it would make the most
incredible Christmas gift for somebody. But if going out for a gorgeous meal/afternoon tea/dining experience isn’t your thing – if it isn’t, I’m not
sure we can be friends – Virgin Experience days also offer the most
unreal amount of experiences from Sky diving to spa days, sports stadium tours to dolphin watching… there really is something for everyone.
So, whatever it is that reminds you of Christmas; be it, the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received (that would be my maroon leather jacket that I adore, fyi), your family festive traditions (watching Scrooge every Christmas eve and laughing at my Mum who cries every.single.time), your favourite Christmas movie (err, hello Elf, looking at you!… “SANTA, OH MY GOD SANTA’S COMING, I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM”), or when Christmas officially starts for you (well, that has to be when the first influx of Vlogmas video’s come out doesn’t it?)… when it comes to Christmas gifts, Virgin Experience days might just be your one stop shop this year.
And now that I’ve sorted out your Christmas gift situation 😉 it’s time for me to take you on my experience. Grab a cuppa and a snack, it’s time to experience The Savoy Grill…
The Savoy Grill is set in the stunning 5* Savoy Hotel which really does exude luxury and grandeur. With the most stunning water features – that ever so slightly reminded me of Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets #HPFanGirlForLife – and flower gardens outside, in addition to the most opulent marble and gold accents and flowers to rival the Liberty flower market inside, it’s an experience in itself just looking around at such beauty before you even enter the restaurant.
Time to enter the Savoy Grill…
It’s safe to say that the luxury of the hotel definitely doesn’t end when you step into the Savoy Grill. Filled with glistening chandeliers, rosewood and mirrored walls, it made for the perfect luxurious – but also really cosy, comfortable and completely unpretentious which is so important for me – setting for what was to be a beautiful 3 course meal. Oh, and champagne, can’t forget the champagne…
Before we had a chance to peruse the menu, we were greeted by a huge bread bowl which is quite possibly the worst sight for a coeliac. However after asking for gluten free menu options, my knight in shining armour i.e the waiter brought me out a bowl of gluten free bread which, I can’t lie, completely made my day (it’s the little things like this that really make a difference). After talking through the menu it was clear that with 99% of it being easily adapted to be gluten free, I was in for a treat.
Not much stops me from my bread bowl demolition mission but the lovely waiter – side note: every single staff member was absolutely amazing and treated us like royalty the whole time so thank you so much Claudio, Claudia and Aidan – bringing over our glass of champagne was a welcome interruption.
After spending far too long looking at the menu – forever the girl that takes an hour to decide and then panic chooses something totally different when under pressure – I opted for the spiced sweetcorn soup which was absolutely stunning. Rich, thick, creamy and full of flavour, I loved this and would definitely order if (or realistically, when) I return. The perfect autumnal starter!
My Dad – aka my ultimate partner in crime when it comes to eating out because we both go hard before going rolling home – went for the smoked ham hock and confit chicken and absolutely loved it. He said it was very “gamey” (clearly my lack of descriptive skills is hereditary) and worked perfectly with the piccalilli. And more bread, because it’s pretty much the festive season now which means carbs upon carbs are a necessity, right? Right…
Then it was time for the mains…
Oh, and to top up our drinks of course…
When it came to my main, I decided to go all out with the Steak and game chips and my goodness did I pick well. I can genuinely say, the steak was the best I have ever eaten. The softest, the juiciest, the most full of flavour. I personally gave myself top daughter points for allowing my dad to try the tiniest a piece and he completely agreed that it was incredible. The chips, if I’m being totally honest, were pretty much just crisps. They still tasted absolutely delicious but I guess just not what I was expecting. Mixed with the peppercorn sauce and the side salad (which was so surprisingly tasty for a side salad), this was easily one of the best meals I’ve eaten.
I may have dreamt about it that night. And the night after. And the night after that. [insert heart eye’d emoji’s here].
My Dad went for the Pork belly and judging by the “mmm’s” and “ahhhh’s” and the completely empty plate – oh, and the fact that he said it was absolutely delicious – he really enjoyed it!
Dessert time. The only thing that couldn’t be made gluten free from the dessert menu was the Pear and frangipane tart… which is what my Dad went for (I’m pretty sure this is parent disowning-worthy, right?} [insert laughing/”no but seriously, I want to try everything you eat because I’m a pig” emoji here].
He absolutely loved this, said the pastry was melt in your mouth soft and the tart was just so fruity and tasty. Accompanied by the brandy sweet cream, I think this would be a fab dessert option for the people that I hate non-gluten free people of the world 😉
As much as I would’ve loved to have tried the tart, everything was made OK in the world when I was alerted that the Peanut butter parfait with chocolate butterscotch sauce was gluten free. I am the biggest peanut butter enthusiast – peanut butter is a religion, right? – and oh my goodness gracious me, this did not disappoint. Rich and creamy, the parfait was the perfect mixture of peanut butter and vanilla… ridiculously tasty without being overly sickly. With peanut butter chips and the addition of a pot of chocolate sauce – which came in the most Blogger friendly copper pot – which I definitely didn’t spoon at the end *guilty face*, this dessert will be one that I definitely won’t forget for a very long time.
And because no beautiful meal is complete without a coffee – and the fact that we were definitely minutes away from a full on food coma – we ended with a latte. And the cutest petite fours (that I couldn’t eat but made for the perfect Instagram anyway, so there’s that…)
I have to say a huge Thank You to
Virgin Experience days and The Savoy grill for not only treating us to one of the most luxurious, delicious and unforgettable dining experiences, but also really capturing the idea of Christmas. Because for me, Christmas isn’t about the most expensive gifts (although if you’re offering…), it’s about spending quality time with the people that matter the most to you. And that’s exactly what I got to do this day.
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
*This post is in collaboration with Virgin Experience days. All thoughts, photography and love of peanut butter desserts and Dad and daughter time, my own.
Ohhhhmmy that pork belly and beef looks absolutely tasty
That restaurant really deserves an award
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
It was so tasty lovely, I'd highly recommend!
xx
Everything looks amazing !
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It honestly was. Such a gorgeous experience!
xx
Virgin experience days are definitely brilliant gifts for those who have everything already (most people!). It looks like you had a lovely meal and the food looks amazing 🙂 Such a lovely opportunity xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
So, so true Sam, I'll definitely be buying some experiences for people this year. Such a fab idea!
xx
Brilliant post! Wish I hadn't read it on the train to work, my tummy started grumbling at the thought of that delicious food. 🙂
Haha I totally know that feeling, I feel it even looking back at it!
xx
That peanut butter dessert looks amazing! I'm sat here eating fruit and it's just not cutting it..
Amy xx
Call Me Amy
Haha yep, nothing healthy compares to the peanut butter parfait. Yum!!
xx
My mouth is literally watering over the peanut butter dessert. I do agree that their steak is one of the best there is but it has been ages since the last time I've been. Xx
eLLa
every LiTTLE thing07
It was so incredible Ella, so glad you agree on the steak too… isn't it gorgeous!
xx
AHhhhhhh this all looks divine! I love the Savoy; it's a real gem of a hotel!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
So beautiful isn't it, I can't wait to go back!
xx
I genuinely dismissed your disclaimer and once I had seen all of the food I can safely say it's accurate, my stomach is now rumbling because I've just seen the prettiest/yummiest food ever!
Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue
Haha oh no, sorry about that 😉 It really was incredible though… makes me so hungry thinking about it!
xx
Wow what an amazing day out! Love the fact that you shared this experience with your dad, so cute!
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
Ah thank you lovely, he definitely deserves it!
xx
This looks amazing, the food looks delish! Would love something like this for christmas x
A Life Of A Charlotte
It would be such a lovely present wouldn't it, I'm majorly hinting for Christmas 😉
xx
WOW what a feast, that steak looks STUNNNNING.
Sophie x
It was incredible Soph, drooling over it now!
xx
OMG! It's lunch time now andd I'm eating a sandwich…it's so hard to see that kind of delicious! ciao gloria
Gloriadressup
Haha oh no, it was so amazing I have to admit!
xx
I have just pinned the shizz out of this post, on the aptly named "get in my belly" board. THAT PORK BELLY!!
I may treat the man and I to an experience – purely selflessly of course!
CB x
http://www.theCBlife.blogspot.com
Haha that's so funny hun, so pleased you liked it! Oh of course, it would purely be for you OH 😉
xx
I am totally craving a steak right now! Everything looks delicious! xx
Beautylymin
Ah me too, it was so delicious!!
xx
Oh my god, your photos are amazing and the food looks absolutely incredible!! I'd love to eat there someday, it looks out of this world! Amazing post!
xo Kiki
http://colormekiki.com/
It's such a beautiful place Kiki, I honestly couldn't recommend it enough!
xx
AWWWW THIS IS THE CUTEST – so glad you could treat your dad with all your hard blogging work! I really want to do something similar for my mum, would be amazing
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
Ah thank you my lovely. I just feel so grateful that I get to work with brands that also offer such a nice experience for the family too! Definitely take your Mum, you'd have the best time!
xx
It's so cool you got to eat here! It sounds out of this world! I can't decide what looks most mouthwatering, the soup, or steak or dessert. Thanks for another awesome post!
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks so much lovely, it was seriously delicious, I'm so happy I got to go there!
xx
Your photos always make me crave for all these food! Interior, food… everything looks so good! xx
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Ah thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked the post!
xx
This looks amazing! The Savoy has been on my must do list for ages, I bet this was just right for Christmas. That soup looks soo good too, I will have to try and make an at home version! x
Jasmin Charlotte
It's so beautiful Jasmin, I'd highly highly recommend it!
xx
I had no idea about Virgin Experiences but I'll definitely check it out… You did warn us about photos of delicious food but now I'm actually hungry haha. It all looks & sounds amazing, what a fantastic day out with your dad. David's told me about the Savoy before & it's definitely a place I would like to visit x
Beauty with charm
Ah it's so so lovely Alina, definitely head there with David, it's so beautiful. I'd highly recommend!
xx
Beautiful photos! Looks like a great place! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thanks so much!
xx
Wow I'm so jealous! I've always wanted to eat at a Ramsay restaurant. Gorgeous pictures as usual, and the food looks stunning. Especially the chips and the dessert…
eastofsiam.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Sara, so pleased you liked it. If you're ever in London, I'd highly recommend!
xx
As of today, I am SO ready for Christmas and I literally don't care if it's only just November! This meal looks incredible and the steak… uggghh, this is why the phrase 'food porn' exists! So great that they catered so well for you as a coeliac too! x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com
Haha this is exactly why the phrase food porn exists, so gorgeous right?
xx
Stunning photos, the food looks amazing <3
http://www.abigailalicex.com
Thanks so much Abigail!
xx
Amazing post babe! So many gorgeous photos, you've made me so hungry now! I can only dream of eating here!
Kirstie | http://www.kimamelybeauty.com
Thanks so much hun, so pleased you liked it!
xx
I am truly jealous of your experience! What a luxurious day.
The Savoy is one of the places on my bucket list!
Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Thanks so much lady, so pleased you liked the post!
xx
WOW! GREAT PHOTOS!
NICE BLOG! FOLLOW YOU DEAR!
I hope you like my blog too 😉
xoxo
Thank you!
xx
I think I've walked past this place a few times but have never been lucky enough to actually go in. London hotels in general always look so lovely and posh and it's definitely on my bucket list to stay in at least one hotel in london, might just have to be this one! The food looks heavenly, sounds like such a lovely place! x http://coffeeatmidnight13.blogspot.co.uk/
It's so beautiful hun, I'd even recommend just going for a coffee there because even that is so luxurious!
xx
I've not yet returned to the Savoy since they reopened but it does look gorgeous – I was lucky to win a Virgin Experience Day voucher, so used mine for champagne too…a hot air balloon ride
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Ooh amazing, I've always wanted to do that so I definitely need to check it out!
xx
This looks beyond incredible!! So fun! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2015/11/cake-batter-cinnamon-roll-recipe.html
It really was amazing!
xx
Great photos dear!
Please click on the link on my post
http://helderschicplace.blogspot.com/2015/11/coat-mood.html
Thank you love!
xx
Aw, this The Savoy Grill is stunning, totally agree with you that you had to feel like on Christmas when you was invited to this place! And the food looks so delicious, especially these chips are so interesting 🙂 Btw, I really like Gordon Ramsay's programmes on tv, so I'm sure that everything was perfect, because he takes care about the details so much!
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
So so true, everything was just done so perfectly. I loved it!
xx
What a fabulous experience! I'm so pleased to hear for your sake the majority of the menu was gluten-free, that's brilliant 🙂 I love your snaps of the hotel too – what a beautiful place to visit, dine, stay… anything!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
Thanks so much hun, so pleased you liked them!
xx
Yup, I'm now starving. Amazing food and photos.
Fantastic post.
Jenn | Jennifer Jayne
Haha oh no, sorry love! Thanks so much, so pleased you liked it!
xx
Hello, congratulations on the blog!
If you can visit this blog:
http://www.morgannascimento.blogspot.com.br/
Thank you for your attention
Ha, thank you for your congrats!
It sounds and looks divine! (And yes, I'm totally drooling right now).
Meg | A Little Twist Of…
Haha apologies for that but it was worth it! 😉
xx
Um so that place has made me sufficiently hungry. I love that their menu was so adaptable and that bread looks so so yummy. I'm not much of a red meat person but bread – bread is practically my soulmate!
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
Oh how fabulous?! Loving your shots girl, this place looks perfect! I often prefer gifts that are days out/experiences…there's something a bit more special about them 🙂
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
I love the decor, everything looks great especially dessert.
http://artadorned.com/
What a meal, love eating out with my folks too! So lovely you got Daddy-daughter time. Loved this post x
The food looks insanely good, especially the steak I'm so jealous!
Lauren Ashleigh xx
The food looks amazing! I hope you had a lovely time with your dad 🙂 xx
It's so funny because I was at the Savoy recently as well and I was chatting with my mum about the Savoy Grill and how great it is! It looks even better here and I definitely want to visit one day!
hellomissjordan.com xx