Bespoke Sommelier's Table Experience at The Connaught

The Sommelier’s Table represents the next generation of private dining at London’s legendary Mayfair address. Wine aficionados will have the opportunity to consult with Hugues Lepin to select an exclusive wine menu from over 6,000 bottles in The Connaught’s vast cellar, before celebrated chef Hélène Darroze creates an enviable menu to match.

The Connaught is also pleased to announce a unique partnership with renowned crystal glassware manufacturer Baccarat, providing guests at the Sommelier’s Table exclusive Chateau Baccarat crystal for the chosen wines. The Connaught is the first establishment to use this recently launched collection.

Located in the hotel’s new wing, the Sommelier’s Table is a hidden gem, discreetly tucked away in the wine cellar. Guests dine around a solid oak table, large enough to accommodate up to eight guests, surrounded by carefully selected art work creating a warm and moody contrast to the cool white of the wine cellar’s limestone walls and flooring.

Should any guest prefer a wine not found on the menu, The Connaught’s team of wine experts can arrange for exclusive bottles to be brought in for the occasion. Hélène Darroze takes inspiration from the wine list and creates a bespoke tasting menu, selecting ingredients and dishes that highlight the flavours, tasting notes and subtleties of the wines. Guests have the option to share their culinary preferences with the chef, or open their palates to Hélène Darroze’s selections.

“We have created an innovative culinary approach with the Sommelier’s Table”, stated Hugues Lepin, Head Sommelier at The Connaught. “This is a new take on private dining which cannot be found elsewhere as it is truly one of a kind and custom-made for each guest. The unexpected combination of wines and Helene Darroze’s cuisine will offer an unparalleled culinary experience”.

“When creating the unique tasting menus, my goal is to challenge the taste buds, present unusual and unexpected pairings and truly highlight the wines”, commented Hélène Darroze.

The Sommelier’s Table experience begins with a champagne toast lead by Hugues Lepin within the wine cellar. Guests have the opportunity to wander through the rows of bottles, catching glimpses of rare Château Latour 1st Grand Cru Classé from 1959 or the 1964 Pétrus, to name a couple. Afterwards, Hugues will present guests with the selected list of wines they will taste, before leading them into a private room built at the centre of the cellar, which houses the Sommelier’s Table. After an extensive explanation of the wines, Hélène Darroze or her Executive Chef will greet guests in the room, to present the tasting menu. Darroze will highlight each course, making note of special ingredients and flavours which have been chosen to enhance each wine.

Great attention has been paid to sourcing the table settings, with crisp white linens beautifully complemented by frosted lines of Baccarat water tumblers, platinum gilded Ord’azur Bernadaud presentation plates, vibrant Hermès Balcon Du Guadalquivir coffee cups and saucers, and delicate silver cutlery by Christofle. Befitting a hotel renowned for its intuitive style and service, The Connaught offers guests of The Sommelier’s Table the unique opportunity to work with celebrated stationers Mount Street Printers to create personalized invitations, which can be printed or hand- calligraphered.

The Sommelier’s Table at The Connaught may be reserved every day, for either the entire afternoon or evening, at a cost of £1200, inclusive of room reservation, the chef’s tasting menu, and full service. Wines are charged at an additional cost, and begin at £40 per bottle.

For reservations, please contact: +44 (0) 20 7499 7070

About: The Connaught