Join the summer elite

01-May-07

As Eliza Doolittle so eloquently demonstrated while cheering on the horses at the races in My Fair Lady, there's a certain decorum that needs to be adhered to when attending an archetypal, upmarket English summer social. Both Henley Royal Regatta and the Wimbledon Championships started out as garden parties in the 1800s - events that would not go amiss in a Jane Austen novel. It's where belles and beaux courted and attendance signified membership of the upper echelons of society.

The theatre of yesteryear is still played out today. Each year, England plays host to a series of swish festivals, lavish regattas and nail-biting tournaments.

The events have grown into international status, but the traditions remain. The strict dress codes are a rare excuse to don morning dress or the obligatory hat - the more flamboyant the better. Champagne is the summer tipple and splashed over the society pages of Vogue, Harpers & Queen and Tatler et al, these events are still very much the places at which to be seen. It's a busy season for the Royal Family, while celebrities - Orlando Bloom, Sienna Miller, and Lenny Kravitz are just some of the regulars at the Cartier International Polo - come out in force.

"There's nothing to beat the summer social and events season in England," says Emily Hickson, marketing director for Keith Prowse Hospitality. "It is the busiest time of the year for people looking for that extra special occasion."

According to Sodexho Prestige - the main event hospitality player, alongside Keith Prowse Hospitality - the repeat visitor figure is high and it's not unusual to have the same client attending several social events in the same season. "We have to continually come up with ways to vary our catering and hospitality so that the repeat experience is different," says Judi Oliver, Sodexho Prestige's national account manager hospitality.

"Each year the standard of hospitality continues to improve - clients love the prestige of these events. As well as dressing up in their finery, they want to really pamper themselves. Beautiful surroundings, fabulous food and champagne are part of the whole experience," she says.

June events are listed here, followed by July and August events in LT June issue.

MAY

GLYNDEBOURNE

Why: Since its inauguration in 1934, Glyndebourne is now one of the world's finest annual opera festivals. In the impressive Opera House within exquisite gardens, the 2007 festival includes performances of Tristan und Isolde, Macbeth and St Matthew Passion.

Where: 54 miles south of London, 11 miles from Brighton and four miles from Lewes, East Sussex. Helicopters may land by prior permission only. Call 01273 812321.

When: From 19 May to 26 August 2007.

How to get tickets: Glyndebourne Box Office - 01273 813813.

Best seats: Middle of the front row of the foyer circle. Top tickets cost £165, except for Tristan und Isolde, which cost £185.

Where to stay: The grandiose five-star De Vere Grand (www.grandbrighton.co.uk) commands centre stage on Brighton seafront. This Victorian landmark offers 200 rooms. However, vying for attention is Lansdowne Place (www.lansdowneplace.co.uk), a trendy Brighton outpost - and even more stylish following its recent revamp. The property's period features have been combined with crushed velvet sofas, leopard-print chairs, tasselled lamp shades and beautiful chinoiserie wallpaper. Of its 84 rooms, the best is the Lansdowne Suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a bathtub in the bedroom and a walk-in shower/wet room.

Where to dine: Lavish picnics can be had in the beautiful grounds during the interval, or meals are served in the Opera House's three restaurants. However, in nearby Brighton is one of the country's top vegetarian restaurants, Terre a Terre (www.terreaterre.co.uk). Fashionable decor and a vibrant atmosphere are matched by a wildly inventive menu. Expect sweet potato fritters, halloumi kebabs and goat's cheese crostini. Best tables in the summer are on the terrace. Alternatively, try Mirabelle within The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne (www.grandeastbourne.co.uk), an Elite Hotels property. Accolades include two red AA rosettes and four RAC dining awards, as well as being included in the BBC's Olive Magazine's top 100 restaurants. Best table is number three in the alcove overlooking the putting green.

Best social event: The picnic during the interval - perfect for people-spotting.

Client fit: Opera lovers who want to soak up their passion in a majestic setting.

Evening dress is customary.

Recommendations by Emma Menniss, communications manager, Glyndebourne

MAY/JUNE

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Why: Some 600 exhibitors and around 50 gardens are on display at this, the world's most renowned, cutting-edge and prestigious flower show. The top garden designers create impressive displays admired by a total of 157,000 garden-lovers.

Where: Within the grounds of London's Royal Hospital Chelsea, a 10-minute stroll from Sloane Square underground station.

When: 22-26 May (members only on 22 May).

How to get tickets: Hospitality packages are available via Sodexho Prestige (www.prestigehospitality.co.uk). Tickets to the show can be purchased via Keith Prowse Ticketing (www.keithprowse.com), the box office on 0870 247 1226, or online at www.rhs.org.uk. Prices start from £40 for non-members for a full day.

Best seats: The Hospitality Village. The Chairman's Hospitality Package includes entrance to the show, a four-course lunch, champagne reception and complimentary bar. Prices start from £229.50.

Where to stay: myhotel Chelsea (www.myhotels.co.uk) described as "Sex and the city meets Brideshead Revisited". The signature Thai Suite has its own kitchen, bathroom, steam room and hot tub.

Another convenient option for flower show attendees is Number 16 (www.firmdale.com). This Firmdale Hotel in the heart of South Kensington has 42 individually designed bedrooms.

Where to dine: The Capital hotel in Knightsbridge has the only London restaurant situated within a hotel to hold two coveted Michelin stars. A superlative, three-course lunch starts at just £29.50 per person. Best tables are either six or 10, by the window overlooking the whole restaurant.

Bluebird (020 7559 1000) on the King's Road serves a British menu of pies, lobster and traditional puddings. Diners can admire the restaurant's garden - specially designed for the Show.

Best social event: Lloyds TSB Charity Gala Preview is a fixture on the blue-chip society calendar. This takes place on the Monday evening before the show opens to members.

Client fit: Garden and horticultural enthusiasts.

Recommended by Andrew Gould, sales and marketing director, Keith Prowse Ticketing

ROYAL ASCOT

Why: It's the pomp and ceremony that marks this as Europe's most popular horse race meeting. The statistics speak for themselves - more than 310,000 people attend and consume 170,000 bottles of champagne, 10,000 lobsters, four tonnes of beef and 100,000 scones. And clients will be in good company: the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family attend every day. This year sees the final amends to the complex's massive £230m overhaul and marks the 200th anniversary of the Gold Cup - the week's feature race.

Where: Adjoining Windsor Great Park and about 50 minutes drive or train journey from London. Located close to the motorways and to London Heathrow. It's worth noting that guests of nearby Cliveden hotel are offered return transfers to Ascot by twin squirrel helicopter or Rolls-Royce Phantom.

When: 19 June to 23 June 2007.

How to get tickets: Via the racecourse's hospitality box office (0870 727 4321). Ambro Events (01923 710970) or Grandstand Hospitality (020 7355 5046).

Best seats: The Parade Ring Restaurant in the new Grandstand. Guests can enjoy a five-course lunch, vintage wines and champagne, afternoon tea and complimentary bar. Reservations include access to a viewing area adjacent to the Royal Box and, for the first time in 2007, a Royal Enclosure Day Badge. Prices range from £650 to £1,200 per person.

Where to stay: Cliveden, most blue-blooded of English country house hotels, has 38 bedrooms heavily decked with antiques (www.clivedenhouse.co.uk). Meanwhile, the 123-room Pennyhill Park (www.exclusivehotels.co.uk) is a Surrey bolt-hole for the well-heeled.

Where to dine: The 'best restaurant in the world' (according to Restaurant magazine in 2005) is in the village of Bray - just over 10 miles from Ascot. The Fat Duck (www.fatduck.co.uk) boasts three Michelin stars and serves up memorable mixes such as 'nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream'.

Alternatively, try Stoke Park Club (www.stokeparkclub.com), some 12 miles from Ascot in Stoke Poges. For an intimate meal for two, book The Wyatt private dining room.

Best social event: Movida - the hip London nightclub is taking over the Trackside Marquee on Saturday, 23 June with the party continuing until midnight. Call Movida on 0207 734 3603 for tickets.

Client fit: For those with a grand taste in millinery, plus anyone who fancies a fun flutter on a filly. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. Dress code is strict - morning dress for men and hats a must for ladies - the more flamboyant the better.

Anything else: New for 2007 is the Royal Ascot Fashion Show, presenting the latest fashions from the catwalks of London, Paris, Milan and New York in the Bessborough Restaurant.

Recommended by Judi Oliver, national accounts manager hospitality, Sodexho Prestige

WIMBLEDON

Why: For two weeks each summer - since 1877 - all eyes are on the action taking place on the grass courts of the All England Club. This very English tournament may have grown from a sedate garden party to a massive tennis championships, attracting up to 500,000 spectators, but it has lost none of its prestige and traditional touches. Strawberries and Pimm's are de rigueur and players have to adhere to strict rules of dress and decorum.

Where: Closest rail stations are Wimbledon or Southfields. Official hospitality packages include limousine transfers as an optional extra.

When: 25 June to 8 July 2007.

How to get tickets: Available via the box office by queuing on the day. (Public ballot closed mid-December.) Official tour operators are Keith Prowse Hospitality (www.keithprowse.co.uk) and Sportsworld Group (www.sportsworld.co.uk). Hospitality packages for the Men's Final via Sportsworld cost £2,850 per person. This includes access to the hospitality complex, Fairway Village. Packages include a four-course lunch, full afternoon tea, including strawberries and cream, and champagne throughout the day.

Best seats: Front row opposite the umpire's chair on Court Number One and Centre Court.

Where to stay: Cannizaro House (www.cannizarohouse.com) is one of London's most prestigious country house hotels. The 45-room mansion sits in stunning gardens and is a short walk from the All England Club. Alternatively, in nearby Richmond-upon-Thames is Richmond Gate Hotel (www.foliohotels.com/richmondhill). Sitting atop Richmond Hill, it has fabulous views of the winding River Thames.

Where to dine: Chez Bruce in Wandsworth for a Michelin-starred experience (www.chezbruce.co.uk). Classical French dishes include roast cod with artichokes barigoule. The three larger window tables offer most room. Alternatively, sister restaurant The Glasshouse in Kew (020 8940 6777) is another culinary hotspot of south-west London. It serves European dishes.

Best social event: The Champions Dinner is held at London's Savoy hotel on the last Sunday of the tournament. It's for players only, so clients will need to practise their serve before they get invited.

Client fit: Tennis lovers of all ages wanting to soak up every game, set and match. Children must be over five years old to attend.

Recommended by Jeff Hunter, operations director, Sportsworld

VODAFONE DERBY FESTIVAL

Why: The Vodafone Derby is the greatest flat horse race in the world, held over the challenging Epsom Downs. This year will be the 228th running of The Derby. More than 100,000 people come to watch this iconic race.

Where: The course is one mile from Epsom Downs train station, 23 miles from both London Gatwick and Heathrow airports and just off the M25.

When: 1-2 June 2007.

How to get tickets: Online at www.epsomdowns.co.uk or call 01372 470047. Hospitality packages are available via Sodexho Prestige (www.prestige hospitality.co.uk).

Best seats: The Queen's Stand, situated opposite the winning post. Alongside the champagne and seafood bar is the stylish Blue Riband Restaurant. Queen's Stand racegoers have access to the Paddock and Winner's Circle. Membership to the Queen's stand costs £160.

Where to stay: Nutfield Priory Hotel, in Redhill (www.handpicked.co.uk/nutfieldpriory), some 14 miles from the racecourse, dates back to 1872 and is an idyllic country mansion with 60 rooms.

Alternatively, Ockenden Manor (www.hshotels.co.uk/o-manor/ockenden-main.htm) is an Elizabethan mansion in West Sussex. Each of the 22 rooms have their own character - Merrick, for example, has its own dining room, while Charles has a four-poster bed.

Where to dine: The Spread Eagle Hotel and Health Spa, Midhurst, West Sussex (www.hshotels.co.uk/spread/spreadeagle-main.htm) is a 15th century coaching inn. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes. Be sure to try the Welsh Rarebit Souffle with Apple and Cider Chutney. In the summer, request a table in the Inner Courtyard, a hideaway for al fresco dining. The Oak Room restaurant at Woodlands Park Hotel just outside Cobham (www.handpicked.co.uk/WoodlandsPark) has two AA rosettes. For intimacy the best tables are in one of the nine private dining rooms, or soak up the sun at a table on the terrace.

Best social event: No separate public party, although with 100,000 spectators watching the actual Derby race, the party atmosphere is tense.

Client fit: All ages who enjoy the fun of the races. Dress code is strict for Queen's Stand, particularly on Derby Day.

Anything else: This year's Style on the Downs competition winner - awarded to the best-dressed lady on Ladies' Day - will drive away in a brand new Jeep Compass.

Recommended by Judi Oliver, national account manager hospitality, Sodhexo Prestige.