On a starry evening of 12th September 2023, The Royal Hospital Chelsea's Great Hall became a panorama of luxe, history, and haute couture. In celebration of Dunhill's monumental 130-year anniversary, the iconic brand hosted an evening of sumptuous dinner, drinks, and decadence. Overseeing the grand soirée were Laurent Malecaze, the diligent CEO, and Simon Holloway, the imaginative Creative Director of dunhill. The illustrious event saw a medley of high-profile attendees, many of whom donned Dunhill's signature ensembles. The list gleamed with names like James McAvoy, David Harewood OBE, Russell Tovey, and many more.
Musical Prelude
As guests poured in, the melodious strains of the Chineke! Orchestra floated through the air, setting a sophisticated tone for the evening. Attendees were welcomed with a cascade of drinks and canapes, serving as the perfect prelude to the lavish dinner that lay ahead.
A Culinary Ode to British Heritage
The night's gastronomical delights were helmed by renowned British chef Johnnie Collins. Crafting a menu that's a testament to hyper-seasonal British offerings, Collins featured a mélange of dishes, each telling a story of native produce. Noteworthy mentions were the glazed Yorkshire chicken, richly flavored with Wiltshire truffle and complemented by British grilled corn and handpicked girolles. A dreamy concoction of vanilla miso ice cream, wild damson, and meringue pudding marked a sweet conclusion.
Cocktails with a Legacy
For the ardent lovers of classic cocktails, the evening took an even more spirited turn. Peter Dorelli, who regaled The Savoy as its Head Barman for over three decades, rolled out a drinks trolley, expertly mixing Vesper Martinis for the guests, encapsulating the essence of British class.
Soulful Strings
The zenith of the evening was undoubtedly the soulful performance by the acclaimed cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE. His melodies evoked an aura of nostalgia, seamlessly blending with the evening's theme of heritage and hedonism.
Dancing into the Dawn
As the night approached its curtain call, DJ Liberty Joy took over, spinning a medley of disco, funk, and soul, ensuring that the celebrations resonated well into the early hours.
The grandeur of Dunhill's 130-year celebration in London is only the beginning. The brand has also earmarked a series of events, set to dazzle China and Japan later this year. Truly, as the hashtag suggests, #dunhill130 is more than a celebration – it's an epoch. dunhill.com
dunhill130 Guests
