Feast over Game offers an exquisite 6-course British game menu at Holland & Holland’s shooting ground, blending culinary artistry with autumnal ambience.
From 3rd October to 9th November 2024, the prestigious Holland & Holland shooting ground in Northwood will play host to ‘Feast over Game’, an extraordinary pop-up dining experience that promises to tantalise taste buds and captivate the senses.
A Feast for the Senses: The Culinary Experience
The ‘Feast over Game’ pop-up is the brainchild of Feast Events, a company renowned for its innovative and immersive dining experiences. This autumnal adaptation of their popular ‘Feast over Flame’ concept has been meticulously crafted to showcase the crème de la crème of British game season.
At the centre of this culinary experience is a 6-course menu, each dish showcasing the best of British produce. Guests will be treated to a culinary journey that starts with wild-farmed Douglas Fir Focaccia and a beef dripping candle and ends with a decadent scorched sticky toffee pudding with caramelised figs.
The menu, a symphony of flavours and textures, includes such delights as local pheasant terrine with house pickles and devils on horseback, cedar-smoked Chalk Stream trout paired with salt-baked beetroot and horseradish, and a show-stopping Wormsley venison Wellington served alongside confit potato and pickled red cabbage.
Sarah Dove, the creative force behind Feast Events, shared her excitement about the upcoming event: “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Feast over Game’ to Holland & Holland. Our aim is to create an unforgettable dining experience that not only celebrates the best of British game but also immerses our guests in the beauty of the autumn season.”
A Unique Dining Setting
What sets ‘Feast over Game’ apart is not just its menu, but the entire dining experience. Guests will find themselves in an immersive setting adorned with autumnal leaves and bathed in warm, ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the seasonal fare.
Adding to the spectacle, the dishes will be cooked table-side over Big Green Egg BBQs, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic unfold before their eyes. This interactive element adds a layer of theatre to the meal, engaging all the senses and creating a truly memorable experience.
Neal Dove, the culinary mastermind behind the menu and formerly of prestigious establishments like Cliveden and The Lanesborough, explained the philosophy behind this approach: “We want our guests to feel connected to their food. By cooking table-side, we’re not just serving a meal; we’re telling a story about British game, its seasonality, and the skill involved in preparing it.”
The Perfect Pairing: Drinks and Atmosphere
To complement the exquisite fare, ‘Feast over Game’ offers an expertly paired wine flight, allowing diners to explore a range of vintages that have been carefully selected to enhance each dish. For those seeking something different, a tempting cocktail and drinks menu is also available, featuring seasonal concoctions that capture the essence of autumn.
As the evening draws to a close, guests will be treated to a grand finale that promises to be as spectacular as the meal itself. The dining experience concludes with s’mores and hot chocolate, accompanied by sparklers and a dazzling fireworks display – a fitting end to an evening of culinary brilliance.
A Prestigious Venue: Holland & Holland
The choice of venue for ‘Feast over Game’ is no coincidence. The Holland & Holland shooting grounds, set in 120 acres of picturesque countryside on the outskirts of London, provide a fitting backdrop for this celebration of the British game.
For over a century, Holland & Holland has been synonymous with world-class shooting tuition, maintaining its status as the premier destination for all aspects of shotgun and rifle instruction in England. This rich heritage and connection to British sporting traditions make it the perfect location for an event that honours the game season.
A spokesperson for Holland & Holland commented on the collaboration: “We’re delighted to host ‘Feast over Game’ at our grounds. It’s an event that aligns perfectly with our values and traditions, offering our guests a unique way to experience the best of British game in a setting that truly appreciates its origins.”
Booking and Availability
‘Feast over Game’ at Holland & Holland is available for booking from Thursday to Saturday, with seating from 7:30 pm to midnight. The experience is designed for groups of 6-8 people, making it an ideal option for gatherings of friends, family celebrations, or corporate events.
Priced at £125 per person, the event offers exceptional value considering the quality of the cuisine, the unique setting, and the overall experience. Early booking is advised, as similar events by Feast Events have sold out quickly in the past.
The Minds Behind the Magic: Feast Events
Feast Events, the company behind ‘Feast over Game’, has built a reputation for creating pop-up restaurants that go beyond mere dining to offer truly unforgettable experiences. Founded by Sarah Dove, and described as an ‘eternal creative’, the company’s ethos is centred around pushing the boundaries of what a dining experience can be.
With her husband Neal Dove at the culinary helm, Feast Events has already successfully launched several distinct pop-ups, including ‘The Secret Feast’, ‘Feast over Flame’, and ‘Feast on Cloud 9’. Each concept is unique, designed to transport diners to a different world through a combination of innovative cuisine and immersive settings.
Sarah Dove elaborated on the company’s vision: “At Feast Events, we believe that dining should be an adventure. With each pop-up, we strive to create not just a meal, but a memory that will last a lifetime. ‘Feast over Game’ is the latest expression of this vision, celebrating the rich traditions of British game season in a thoroughly modern and engaging way.”
Looking Ahead: Future Feast Events
While ‘Feast over Game’ is set to be the highlight of this autumn, Feast Events has already set its sights on future culinary adventures. The company has announced the return of their summer sensation, ‘Feast on Cloud 9’, which will be back at The Grove in Hertfordshire from 24th May to 31st August 2025.
This unique experience takes guests on a culinary journey from the comfort of a custom-made hot air balloon, offering a choice of afternoon tea or dinner with panoramic views.
For those eagerly anticipating the next innovation from Feast Events, the company has teased a brand-new winter pop-up set to launch in mid-November 2024. Named ‘Feast off Piste’, this event promises to bring a touch of alpine charm to an iconic central London location, though details remain tantalizingly scarce at present.
The Impact on London’s Culinary Scene
The arrival of ‘Feast over Game’ at Holland & Holland is set to make waves in London’s already vibrant culinary scene. By combining traditional British game with innovative cooking techniques and an immersive dining experience, the event is poised to attract both seasoned foodies and those new to game cuisine.
Food critic and industry expert, Emily Warburton, shared her thoughts on the upcoming event: “What Feast Events is doing with ‘Feast over Game’ is truly exciting. They’re taking a cornerstone of British cuisine – game – and presenting it in a way that’s accessible, innovative, and above all, delicious. It’s events like these that keep London at the forefront of the global culinary stage.”
Conclusion: A Celebration of British Culinary Heritage
As autumn approaches and the game season begins, ‘Feast over Game’ stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of British cuisine and the innovation of modern gastronomy. This pop-up dining experience at Holland & Holland offers more than just a meal; it’s a journey through the flavours, traditions, and landscapes that define British game.
From the first bite of wild-farmed focaccia to the last sparkler of the fireworks display, guests are promised an evening that engages all the senses. It’s an opportunity to savour the best of British produce, expertly prepared and presented in a setting that honours its origins.
As London’s culinary scene continues to evolve, events like ‘Feast over Game’ play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating our gastronomic heritage while pushing the boundaries of what dining can be. For those lucky enough to secure a booking, it promises to be an autumn evening to remember.
