Calling all fans of betrayal, bubbly and brilliant food! I was lucky enough to experience an early preview of the The Traitors-inspired Imposters Dinner Experience, which is not to be missed.
Launching in London for Christmas parties this December, the event combines three-course fine dining, interactive performances and a plethora of team challenges. So get ready don those cloaks, tune in to your ‘gut feelings’ and work out who among you is the imposter, all while enjoying fizz, the very best in fine dining, and making some new friends.
The Venue
The experience took place at the incredible Brighton Pavilion Gatehouse, a self-catering house in the heart of the city, Located just minutes from the beach, and directly opposite the Royal Pavilion, it is the perfect base from which to explore Brighton, whatever the occasion. Brighton Pavilion Gatehouse offers a long dining area and split-level living room, making a comfortable base from which to explore the wonder of Brighton. And since it sleeps up to 32 guests in single beds, it is well suited to larger-scale events too, such as corporate residentials. For this event, it was transformed with mock candelabras, cobwebs and cloaks into a veritable pit of treachery. The large dining table was bedecked with flickering candlesticks, fairy lights and greenery, while the beautifully-set crockery and glassware maintained that fine-dining feel. Beware, the dining room is narrow, making it feel a little cosy for comfort when at full capacity. With that said, it was manageable, and would feel even more spacious with fewer guests.
The Vibe
Hosted by Office Christmas (the UK’s leading Christmas party agency) and Adventure Connections (an established Brighton-based events agency) we were taken impeccable care of from start to finish. The communication before was clear and detailed, we knew exactly what to expect (with just enough mystery) and we were made to feel totally at ease. With a welcome drink on arrival, we had some time to mingle and suss out the other guests, already imagining the subtle scent of deception in the air. Then, the entertainment began, with professionals from West End Events summoning us one at a time to the dining room, where we received, from a sinister, cloaked figure, our personalised and intriguing scrolls, tied with raven-black ribbon and containing our roles for the night.
From there, our fate was sealed. Each team contained at least one imposter, for whom the faithful would vote to banish in between the delectable courses created by Dine Indulge. The food was stunning, and the team diligently catered for allergens and dietary needs where requested.
For starters, we could choose between garlic mushrooms or prawns, served in a pepper and paprika cream sauce, alongside crisp rosemary ciabatta, garnished with fresh watercress and parsley. The main course was feta and walnut stuffed hasselback butternut squash and grilled red pepper, or chicken breast and pulled thigh and a pancetta chipolata served with a mustard and lemon gravy. Both options were served with roast new potatoes, sugar snap peas and a carrot and orange puree. Dessert was a crisp treacle tart with a caramelised pecan crust, served with clotted cream, or a vegan option of decadent dark chocolate mousse served with fresh raspberries.
In between the delicious courses, the amazing West End Events team kept us entertained, chatting and deciphering clues, with a range of activities designed to help us get to know each other more deeply, and start to form our alliances or suspicions. They struck the perfect balance between structured activities and free socialisation, leaving us feeling comfortable, relaxed and supported at all times. There were murders, carried out by the menacing grim reaper; there were banishments complete with misspelled names, and there was a lot of good-natured yet heated discussion comprising accusations, interrogations and defences. And most importantly, there was a whole lot of fun.
The Verdict
For me, the Imposters Dining Experience was a brilliant way to enjoy spending time with people I knew and getting to know those I didn’t. As the nights continue to darken and a wintry chill creeps across the country, the Imposters Christmas Parties in December will make for a truly unforgettable night for fans of the show, foodies and groups of friends, family or colleagues. Get it in your calendar, and get ready to come together over top-quality food. Just remember to keep one eye over your shoulder; you never know who the Imposters may be…
Imposters Christmas Dining packages available here.
