As Seen in…London

A trip to Catersource’s home office in London, UK migrated from work into vacation (how could I not extend the stay?!). Combined, the two offered spectacular moments of pure eating delight and incredible site-seeing inspiration. Here is a look at some of my favorite moments with hopes you can use these as a springboard for your next event.

—Kathleen Stoehr

Leek tart with spring greens and Marcona almonds from Coppa near the Tower of London.

With a pool or other water feature in your event property, you can have a roller “zorb” party. Soon your attendees will be master hamsters.

Beetroot tartare with pickled onions, chives, and olive oil caviar at Eneko Basque Kitchen in London’s West End

“Cloud” egg: fluffy baked egg white, runny yolk, crispy kale, micro florals, chorizo, and avocado puree at Dokke Living Room in East Smithfield, London

David Bowie was here. That is all.

As if a Ludwig Bemelmans book came to life.

The modern sculptures of Seattle-based glassblower Dale Chihuly bloomed in juxtaposition with old world beauty at Kew Gardens, about 45 minutes outside of London.

Mushy peas with fish & chips, forever! At Camden Lockside.

While the studio façade remains pristine, next door, fans have marked up every surface in sight with their love of all things Beatles.

A murky Games of Thrones-style area within the Tower of London

The top tier of the three-tiered English “Afternoon Tea”: three mini “tea cakes.” Also included finger sandwiches of egg mayonnaise with cress; cheese, spring onion and rocket; and beetroot falafel, hummus and spinach on the bottom plate; a scone with clotted cream and jam commanded the middle plate. At Kew Gardens.

Ready for tea service at Fortnum & Mason? 

A mural at one of the Borough Market approaches

The beauty bloom and decay of florals at Kew Garden