British Pullman - Tom Kerridge's Dinner, Saturday 12th July 2014

Finding my own £10 note folded inside a whole kiwi fruit was not something I'd expected during the excellent dinner on board the British Pullman on Saturday, but the whole evening provided surprise and delight.  One talented magician aside, I was fortunate to be a guest on board for a gourmet evening showcasing Tom Kerridge, the two-star Michelin chef of Hand & Flowers fame.  Following a recent re-branding from Orient-Express to Belmond, the British Pullman is part of a global collection of 45 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises.  Described on their website as "The ultimate travel curator and connoisseur, Belmond creates exceptional experiences worldwide".  They certainly lived up to the expectation on a sultry evening heading out of Victoria station for a 170-mile round trip passing through beautiful English countryside, glimpsing the sea and returning to the spectacle of the London skyline at night.

The black-tie evening began with delicious Laurent-Perrier champagne on the station before taking our seats in the elegant surroundings of Audrey carriage, resplendent with intricate marquetry panels, fine linens and crystal.  English Cucumber Gazpacho, Creme Fraiche and Vodka was the first course in a dainty cup garnished with borage flowers, but packing a punch with the heat of green chilli.  This was served with Jake's Orchard Sparkling Cider and Nettles, Hush Heath Esate, Kent, England - certainly the best cider I've ever tasted:

The fish course was Chilled Cornish Mackerel Escabeche accompanied by a 2011 Morgon Domaine Jean Descombe Beaujolais, France: 

Then we had Braised new season Lamb Shank, Pea and Mint Ragu with Pickled Girolles and Salsa Verdi served with a 2008 Bandol Domaine de la Begude, Provence, wonderfully rich flavours:

A selection of British Isle cheeses came next featuring Beenleigh Blue, Wealdwad Goats, Somerset Brie and my favourite Gubbeens - what a great name, served with Walnut and Raisin Bread and a velvety 20 year old Tawny Port Ferreira Duque de Braganza Portugal.  

Serenaded by a light jazz duo of guitar and saxaphone dessert arrived. - A Summer fruit fool served with innovative Pink peppercorn shortbread which worked really well and accompanied by a light, gently sparkling 2013 Moscato d'Asti, Prunotto, Piedmont, Italy. 

All with incredible balance on a swiftly moving train the service was excellent throughout.  The delightful chef Tom Kerridge came around at the end of the meal and having the chance to talk to him was such a bonus.  His ethos of cultivating a great team spirit and family feel at his restaurant really shone through the experience he created on board The British Pullman.  I am very happy to have a copy of his book as a memento of a very special evening, which I'm glad to see includes the recipe for the pink peppercorn shortbread along with lots of others I'm keen to try too.  With a nod to Tom's West Country roots the Double Gloucester cheese scones with Old Spot bacon and sage butter sound wonderful as does the deep fried 'popcorn' cockles with chilli vinegar and also the Cherry Bakewell tart using puff pastry.

Whether for a birthday, anniversary or in celebration of life, Belmond certainly knows how to pull out all the stops.  An inspiring experience I very highly recommend.