50th Anniversary International Grand Chapitre de Grande Bretagne - Stratford-upon-Avon, 25-27 September 2009

Blue skies and warm sunshine greeted confreres from about 20 countries to this special anniversary which was celebrated in style in Stratford-upon-Avon over a weekend of culture and camaraderie.

Events got off to a great start as guests joined the young sommeliers and judges from the 3rd annual Concours International des Jeunes Sommeliers at dinner in the Welcombe Hotel to celebrate the results of the competition – this year a win for the home country candidate, Yohann Jousselin.

The next day saw a group visiting Warwick Castle, whilst others toured Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s farm and Shakespeare’s tomb in Holy Trinity Church. In the late afternoon a drive through parkland and lakes designed by Capability Brown brought inductees to the beautiful Compton Verney House and Gallery for a very memorable ceremony held in the Adam Hall with Marie Jones, Membre du Conseil d’Administration and Bailli Délégué Honoraire de Grand Bretagne, as the Inducting Officer.

We moved on to the highlight of the weekend, a Gala Dinner prepared by Maître Rotisseur, Simon Haigh, at the Mallory Court Hotel. Guests arrived to a room stunningly decorated in red and gold and were then treated to Michelin-starred cooking at its best, together with impeccable service under the direction of Maître Hôtelier, Mark Chambers.

During the evening the winners’ certificates for the national Young Commis Chef and Young Sommelier Competitions were presented by Uwe Hanneck, CEO of BSH UK (owners of Gaggenau), and Nick Blair, Wine Director of Pernod Ricard UK, our two competition partners. As Marie Jones, Membre du Conseild’Administration and Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué, cut the anniversary cake at the end of the evening, this was a proud moment for all GB members and the Bailliage can look forward with confidence to the next 50 years.

Many members stayed through Sunday to take advantage of the golf and spa facilities at the Welcombe or took a trip to Charlecote House before going on to enjoy a farewell lunch at Baraset Barn. In this most relaxed atmosphere members said their adieus before going their separate ways until next year.

MENUS

Download the Celebratory Dinner menu (.PDF 308KB)

Download the Gala Dinner menu (.PDF 308KB)

Download the Baraset Barn menu (.PDF 304KB)

For more information, please email: events@chaine.co.uk

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Grand Chapitre 2009
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Warwick Castle
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William Shakespeare