Magic moments

The Dorchester is channelling the Christmas spirit with festivities and events throughout the hotel embracing a ‘Gift of Giving’ theme for charitable causes

Words: Will Moffitt

Long known for impeccable five star service, The Dorchester will be serving others this Christmas. Mayfair’s much-loved hotel launched its Christmas festivities earlier this month, embracing a ‘Gift of Giving' theme throughout the hotel.

Park Lane’s grand dame hosted a special Christmas concert with esteemed composer, pianist & producer Chloe Flower for the first time with proceeds of ticket sales donated to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Continuing its longstanding relationship with the charity – who help babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and their families – the concert took place in Artists’ Bar and The Promenade with Chloe playing festive songs on the hotel’s glittering Liberace piano. Tables were ticketed on the night and included a set menu designed by culinary director, Martyn Nail with a special festive welcome cocktail, ‘Sugar Plum’, named after the lead song from her new Christmas album: ‘Chloe Hearts Christmas’ on Sony Music.

The Dorchester’s sparkling seasonal decorations, overseen by in-house designer florist Philip Hammond, feature throughout the hotel, including the iconic 15ft UK grown Nordmann spruce, which stands proud in the lobby to welcome guests. There is also a special grotto where children can pen a letter to Father Christmas and use The Dorchester’s post-box which has a direct link to the North Pole. It’s one of an array of activities throughout the season of goodwill to inject a little Christmas spirit…

At The Grill by Tom Booton, festive traditions start with an a la carte Christmas Eve lunch menu that includes an array of ‘snacks’ (think chicken liver parfait tartlet), a starter of langoustine scampi, middle dish of roasted turbot and main of beef fillet with crispy sweetbreads. Special festive menus by the chef are available throughout the holiday period and conclude with a New Year’s Day roast.

Elsewhere, at three Michelin-star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, executive chef Jean-Philippe Blondet presents a contemporary reinterpretation of festive cuisine. Indulge in multi-course festive menus for Christmas Eve (dishes include fillet of Cornish line-caught sea bass with black truffle and duck breast with orange and fermented shallots), Christmas Day (wild boar consomme and duck foie gras terrine among the six-courses) and New Year’s Eve (native lobster, beef tenderloin).

Afternoon Tea and a seasonal tipple
Executive pastry chef Michael Kwan showcases a beautifully crafted festive-inspired menu of delicate sweets and savouries. Paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne, NV, and live music. Experience Afternoon Tea on the weekends throughout the season as The Dorchester welcomes a talented choir who perform traditional carols as guests dine. Festive Afternoon tea is priced at £125 per person on weekdays and £135 per person at weekends.

Festive cocktail: This year, The Dorchester will offer a spectacular cherry and chocolate festive cocktail, The Three Wise Cherries. This signature cocktail has been blended with a mix of Morello cherry rum, Oloroso sherry, Fusetti Academia, chai tea syrup, lemon and Peychaud's Bitters. The cocktail is served straight up in a martini glass in Vesper Bar, with champagne in Artists’ Bar and then with Zen pale ale in The Grill by Tom Booton.