Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Feast on Cloud 9 hot air ballons" class="wp-image-163359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Up, up and away for an immersive experience that brings together some of the most quintessentially British hospitality experiences. Set in the stunning grounds of <a href="https://www.thegrove.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grove Hotel</a> in Hertfordshire (you may spot the six-pack of a famous footballer or two), <a href="https://www.feast-events.com/feast-on-cloud-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feast on Cloud 9</a> is a fabulous (and unforgettable) way to catch up with your besties over a spot of proper tea, champers and precision pastries. </p>



<p>On arrival, you&#8217;ll hop on board the hot air balloon for your leisurely (and pleasingly indulgent) afternoon tea with all the trimmings. Don&#8217;t panic, it doesn&#8217;t take off, but it&#8217;s a fun and an insta-friendly foodie experience you won’t forget. For those wanting more of everything, Feast on Cloud 9 also offers a lavish nine-course tasting menu in the evenings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Passport Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163355" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our friendly hosts had our attention when a glass of Laurent Perrier was thrust into our hands on arrival. But every detail has been well considered: from the stylish music to the attentive (ahem, attractive) waiters. Then suspend your cynicism as you prepare to be taken (via your senses, imagination and some nifty props) for a balloon ride up into the air and along the coast. Each basket comfortably seats six, and the interactive nature of the afternoon event will give you plenty to talk about. In fact, we couldn&#8217;t shut up about it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Afternoon Tea at Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163357" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Afternoon Tea at Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163358" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Once seated, choose from the Classic, Vegetarian or Vegan Afternoon Tea. I had taken my mother along for a child-free afternoon and we both opted for the Classic, which comprised a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, Madeleines with crème fraiche and chives, and rather fancy-looking whipped cheese ice-cream cones topped by a truffle flake. </p>



<p>There was a good range of loose teas, served by the pot, and coffee was also available for toddler mums like me who struggle from heavy caffeine withdrawal. We enjoyed the Planters Breakfast Rich tea, an award-winning single origin (a classic choice). But I would also have happily enjoyed the Planters Earl Grey or the tangy Feast Bespoke Blend, which is cultivated, grown and manufactured in Sri Lanka&#8217;s Uda Pussellawa region. Tea snobs will rejoice at such a fine selection. Next time I&#8217;d request to try a couple of different options to pair with the range of sweet and savoury flavours in the afternoon tea. </p>



<p>To drink, the menu offers seaside-themed cocktails, which I should have ordered, but was unsure if they were reserved for the evening menu. The staff are super-friendly and very happy to accommodate requests, so just give them a shout if you need anything. They won&#8217;t cut your hot air balloon tether and let you fly away, promise. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-53-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sandwich fingers at Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163418" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-53-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-53-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-53-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-53.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I particularly enjoyed the oak-smoked salmon and caper mayonnaise finger sandwich but would have loved a thicker filling. (What can I say, I&#8217;m a glutton). Both the sweet and savoury scones were soft and fresh (a true test for an afternoon tea), with a generous dollop of both clotted cream and jam. As a nice touch, they came presented on scallop shells. </p>



<p>Continuing with the seaside theme, we enjoyed ice lolly-styled cake-pops on the top tier of the cake stand. Once bitten into, they revealed deep and rich red velvet sponge. The cupcakes, lemon and ginger sponges were all topped with &#8216;cloud-like&#8217; cream and the whole ensemble was playful, evoking childhood memories. Digging into the cheese and chive dip to spread on the Madeleines revealed imitation caviar. This was a meal to keep you guessing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/5-1000x667.jpg" alt="headphones and camera Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163356" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just as things were starting to feel almost Hollywood-like with all the glamour, a camera and pair of headphones were dropped off at our basket. The seashell and headphones play sea sounds to help you imagine you&#8217;re flying over the ocean. I recognised the Polaroid camera from a recent hen-do and showed my mum how it worked (use the mirror on the front to frame your selfie correctly). The idea is, you take a snapshot to pop inside the &#8216;passport&#8217; left for you on your plate as a souvenir. I kept mine and have found I look at the pic of me and my Mum a lot more than I do the 300 photos I took on my phone that day. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Feast on Cloud 9" class="wp-image-163354" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Did I mention you&#8217;re located in the grounds of <a href="https://www.thegrove.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grove Hotel &amp; Spa</a>? You&#8217;re mere feet away from the restaurant, bar and a host of glorious spa treatments just waiting to be booked. (I would definitely make a whole day of it). The Feast Events team can also organise a real-life hot air balloon ride, dynamic driving experiences, and golf. A little further afield you can explore St Albans Cathedral, Wipsnade Zoo and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour. Need a cab to the station (Watford Junction is a short hop) or further afield? No problem &#8211; the concierge can call one to whizz you home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yup, there are kids&#8217; menus available and the grounds are perfect for little ones to enjoy a runaround. This experience is fun for all ages: children (and big kids) will love the retro gumball machine brought out at the end of the tea to serve white chocolates. My two-year-old daughter would have loved it &#8211; and I appreciate a booth she can&#8217;t easily escape from.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Well behaved dogs are welcome on board the hot air balloons. Do note that The Grove allows dogs, just not in all areas. It&#8217;s best to call ahead for more info if you&#8217;d like to bring your beloved pet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>Accessibility is a strong card for Feast on Cloud 9 as the hotel grounds allow easy access from your vehicle to the garden on a flat route. Staff are happy to provide transport right up to the air balloon baskets if required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-he-muddy-verdict"><strong>T</strong>HE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Friend or family get-togethers, birthdays, baby showers, mum-and-daughter days out &#8211; or visitors wanting to sample a quintessential British afternoon tea with all the trimmings. (Last year someone travelled all the way from New York, having spotted the event on TikTok). The distance from other booths provides lovely privacy as you enjoy a good catch-up.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If you&#8217;re carb free, look away now. It&#8217;s in the DNA of all afternoon teas that the treats are to be creamy, sugary and calorific. So if you&#8217;re on a diet, steer clear of this one. It&#8217;s unapologetically scrummy. Foodies might want to check out the evening meal for a more savoury (and boozy) option.</p>



<p><strong>The damage: </strong>The Afternoon Tea is £65pp or £75pp with a glass of champagne.</p>



<p>Words: Miranda Luke</p>



<p><em>At the time of writing, there are still evening spaces for <a href="https://www.feast-events.com/feast-on-cloud-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feast on Cloud 9</a>&nbsp;at The Grove in Herts (<strong>running until 1 Sep</strong>). Sister event <a href="https://www.feast-events.com/feast-over-game" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feast over Game</a>&nbsp;will be held at Holland &amp; Holland’s shooting ground in Northwood, North West London from&nbsp;<strong>3 Oct to 9 Nov</strong></em>.</p>



<p><strong>Get in touch:</strong>&nbsp;info@feast-events.com. Tel: 07772 360119.</p>



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Review: Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove

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