A Gourmet Evening At The Sanctuary

On Friday February 22nd, Leith’s played host to the Compass Group UK Academy Awards Dinner. 300 guests arrived outside the venue in their evening wear and strolled up the red carpet surrounded by papparazzi.

The photographers were trying to get the latest gossip about the Nominees. Guests were then escorted to the 5th floor of the venue where Leith’s staff dressed in black japanese-style Nero jackets offered them champagne cocktails and a selection of delectable canape bites.

It was a special occasion which was reflected by the surroundings as guests chatted and mingled to a spectacular London backdrop of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the BA London Eye.

Guests were then invited through to dinner in the Elizabeth Windsor Room. The room was starclothed and washed with a purple, lilac and magenta theme. The table cloths, napkins and chair covers were deep purple, also complimenting the theme. There were 2 alternative table centres pink orchids. Some were delicately hung from the ceiling and the rest sat on the table in a chrome vase with night lights. The differing heights off set the room perfectly.

Dinner itself was a 3 course plated A La Carte Menu. The presentation and service of all 3 courses was to a very high standard as all 3 courses had been plated by the chefs and not silver served as is sometimes the case. The first course was a Salmon and Cucumber Salad with a Lemon and Chili Dressing, followed by Fillet of Beef with a Thyme Mousseline and then a Trio of Puddings, consisting of Warm Rice Pudding wih a Papaya, Mango and Strawberry Salsa, a Leith’s Winter Fruit Pudding and a Vanilla Pannacotta with a Raspberry Coulis.

Just before the awards ceremony began guests were treated to assorted cheese canape bites instead of a normal cheeseboard and Laurent Perrier Rose. Once the Awards were over guests partied the night away on the dancefloor and indulged themselves at the Pulp ‘n’ Gulp Fresh Juice Cocktail Bar and Casino in the Anticci Lounge.

As far as the unlucky nominees. Everybody went away winners on the night!!