For Bubble, every event is unique. And each of our spectacular accredited venues has its own unique story to share. Held at London’s elegant National Portrait Gallery, Portrait Pairing treated guests to an epicurean tour of some of the Gallery’s most popular paintings, conducted with commentary from one of the Gallery’s fascinating curators.
Following a welcome reception in the Entrance Hall, the tour began in the Tudor Gallery with a portrait of King Henry VIII, accompanied by new canapé, ‘The Peacock’ – game bird rillettes in a purple potato veil and our Tudor Rose cocktail – Rose water, honey mead, spice, rose petals.
Next, the group learnt more about Queen Elizabeth I alongside an installation of ‘Smoking charcoal’ – Seaweed briquettes, smoked salmon mousse, served from a glowing brazier, accompanied by sounds and lighting to represent a blazing fire.
Moving onto the Weldon Galleries, the curator regaled scintillating tales of the colourful life of Lord Byron, whilst guests sampled a ‘Don Juan’ edible poem topped with spiced seabass and micro chips, served on the poet’s desk with a goblet of wine.
The last stop on the tour, a portrait of Handel was accompanied by a Water Music arrangement and our canapé, Raindrop – Cured rose shrimp, seawater gel, almond milk, shrimp croutons.
After the Portrait Pairing tour, guests sat for a sumptuous dinner in the picturesque Victorian Galleries (pictured). Starter of ‘Tinned salmon’ – slow cooked organic salmon, beets, buckwheat, Croxton Manor crème fraiche was presented in a burnished gold tin, which also acted as a place name.
Main of Roast lamb loin, truffle purple potato, black garlic ketchup, curd, pea pod emulsion was followed by intriguing dessert, Hidden – Opulent jewelled mango yoghurt and pistachio kulfi bowl, which encouraged curiosity and interactivity as guests had to break a white sugar sheet with the back of their spoons to reveal the spectacular dessert lying underneath.
“It was a truly memorable evening for everyone involved, and the feedback today has been incredible! Everyone was blown away by the creativity and quality of your food.”