Dining with a dinosaur
When you need to give your guests an awe-inspiring experience, it’s hard to beat dining with a dinosaur.
The Lapworth Museum of Geology is a treat for the visitor: a phenomenal collection of geological treasures, from fossils to volcanic rocks to historic maps, all telling the story of how the planet came to be. It’s also an enticing venue for receptions, launches, speeches – and now, new for 2018, premium dining.
A dinner to remember
The Chamberlain Circle Dinner pictured here took place on May 1st 2018. Hosted by the Vice-Chancellor Sir David Eastwood, diners were special guests of University Chancellor Lord Karan Bilimoria, and enjoyed a delicious handpicked menu with some highly unusual company – including the museum’s famous Allosaurus, Roary.
Behind the scenes
Of course, events like this take time, care and experience to achieve.
This dinner had a three-month advance planning schedule, to allow for the event co-ordinator to meet with stakeholders regularly.
Since this is a museum, there’s no kitchen in situ. Fortunately, the team are used to finding creative solutions, and are able to transport their own kitchen facilities to the site. That meant a complete hot dinner service of exceptional quality could still be provided amongst the pterosaurs and gemstones. The executive chef created a unique tailored menu for the occasion, fitting for this unusual setting: an amuse bouche of beetroot and goat’s curd; lobster with heritage carrots and buttermilk; herb-roasted lamb with aubergine, sweetbreads and cumin; and a trio of desserts followed by cheeses.
Special touches make all the difference at a special event: those small details that pull an event together.
For his welcome speech, the Vice-Chancellor’s lectern was detailed with the University’s crest.
In the day, the museum’s exhibits are lit simply in white; for the evening, the uplighting of the exhibits lent a celebratory yet intimate atmosphere.
Every table had its own distinctive centrepiece. Each of these was a real artefact, sourced from the University’s Special Collections: a monkey tree from the Amazon rainforest; an amethyst; rocks salvaged from ancient volcanic eruptions.
Your premium dinner experience
Give your guests plenty to talk about with a special dinner of your own at the Lapworth.
The premium venue dinner package is ideal for groups of up to 40, and will typically offer a menu similar to the Great Hall. If you prefer, talk to the chef about bespoke options. Your package will include everything you need for a memorable occasion, including uplighting in your choice of colour, the PA system, and all tables, chairs and linens. You can even request a knowledgeable geologist to be on hand, to chat informally with your guests about the exhibits and displays.
If you’d like to know more about pricing for the premium venue dinner package, contact Conferences & events today.
