1. The backdrop

If you’re looking for a dining experience that causes jaws to drop and eyes to widen to saucer-like proportions, Feast On Cloud 9 is it! The hot air balloons are back at The Grove in the rolling Hertfordshire countryside, offering tables for two (new for 2024), four or six people. Dine in one of the vintage-style wicker dining baskets, with its own jaunty red and white balloon. They’ll be symmetrically set (pleasing to our OCD eye) around The Grove’s Formal Garden, the elegantly landscaped space just beyond The Glasshouse terrace, with its iconic ornamental canal and artwork-lined paths. And don’t worry if you’ve got a touch of vertigo, these balloons stay firmly on the ground.

Rows of hot air balloons in a garden with pond

2. The nosh

They offer a nine-course tasting menu for groups of 4-6 (£125pp), but for more glam for your buck, the afternoon tea (for 2-6) is great value at £65pp or £75pp with Champagne (is it really an option?). What can you expect from this smorgasbord of precision finger sarnies and posh pastries? Pinkies aloft for your choice of tea, and a spread akin to last year’s selection of sandwich fillings made from locally sourced produce – coronation chicken, oak-smoked salmon with dill, Clarence Court egg mayo and ham and mustard. All the classics, but done with flair. The Feast on Cloud 9 2024 menus will be announced shortly so keep an eye on their website.

Moving on, you’ll be served customary warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserve, a selection of cakes and the crowd-pleasing ‘edible clouds’. Cocktails that complement the menu can be whipped up at the bar and a Champagne add-on is an option.

3. Spot the celeb

Put on your sunnies and keep a watchful side-eye as you’re likely to spot a celeb or two. This pad’s a fave hangout for the likes of the Beckhams, Kylie, and Hugh Grant, while Barack Obama and David Cameron have been spotted enjoying the odd round of golf. And those red and white balloon tables are catnip to the Insta savvy crowd, Coach and Broadcaster Katy Hill and actor Ryan Thomas and half the Muddy team have all been spotted at this unique pop up.

4. Rain won’t stop play

If the English weather doesn’t play ball? Feast on Cloud 9 has got it nailed with a back-up secret covered dining area that’s equally magical, so you’ll be carefree and comfy come rain or shine.

5. Gift it

Close up of red and white striped hot air balloons cloud 9

Maximum gifting brownie points, but (whisper it) minimum effort. Add a Feast On Cloud 9 afternoon tea gift voucher to basket and that’s your Mother’s Day, birthday or ‘just because’ pressie sorted. Your lucky person can choose their desired date to visit during the (fingers crossed) balmy months between May and Sept. Thoughtful, memorable, luxurious and just a couple of clicks away.

THE NITTY GRITTY

Feast on Cloud 9 afternoon tea will be served daily (12pm – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm). Sat 25 May- Sun 1 Sep 2024.

Table bookings from min 2 and max 6 people. Afternoon Tea is offered at £65 per guest with a Champagne Afternoon Tea offered at £75 per guest. Pre-book vouchers for gifting. For more details and to book a table click here.

Feast on Cloud 9! The ultimate experience to gift for Mother’s Day

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