Coworth Park's tour by chocolate

On the first perfect day of spring in March 2011 several BNC members were lucky enough to spend some time in the glorious sunshine on a tour of the newly opened Coworth Park.

And if visiting one of the hottest properties around wasn't enough of a draw, the visit was wrapped up in something that everyone loves - chocolate.

The deliciously sweet day started with a chocolate themed lunch in the charming barn restaurant which has views over the lake and part of the 240 acre grounds.

The Barn prides itself on being rustic with a contemporary twist and a place where you can get great comfort food. But the menu was distinctively different for the BNC's visit.

The sumptuous 3-course gourmet lunch uniquely featured:
• chicken and mushroom terrine and parfait toasted brioche bitter chocolate dressing
• venison, chou croute and pickled pear with single estate bean chocolate sauce
• followed by a modern take on an old favourite, Black Forrest Gateaux.

Nestled in its own parklands in Ascot, Berkshire, Coworth Park is the newest property from the Dorchester Collection. It has 70 bedrooms and several very sophisticated meetings and event spaces. 

Conveniently located to London, Heathrow and local tourist hotspots such as Windsor - not to mention world class golf clubs such as Wentworth and the famous races at Ascot - the venue has massive appeal. However, there's enough at Coworth to ensure that your delegates are challenged, pampered, engaged or relaxed without ever having to leave the property. Due to all of the outdoor space and activities offered there's no room for boredom. In a secluded, flawless setting everything here is possible including horse riding, polo, and archery.

Event manager Fay from a pharmaceutical firm thought that the venue is ideal for corporate events. "Certainly for our senior management team," she explains. "It's a friendly, warm and welcoming place where the staff, service and a great location combine work and relaxation."

Radhika, an events director from financial firm, shares similar impressions to Fay:

"Coworth Park is a calm, beautiful, inviting property. It would work well for corporate groups and is a must-experience hotel. I would love to use it for a group sooner rather than later."

Due to its "sophisticated, calm, luxurious surroundings and excellent service," Asti, a senior events manager from an investment firm who hasn't stopped "raving about Coworth Park to colleagues," also says the five-star property is great for "couples looking for a romantic getaway." 

The second half of the Tour by Chocolate turned extra sweet when our group got to sample exclusive chocolate facial treatments in the brand new Spa.

Assistant Spa Manager Libby Petschel put together mouth-watering and skin nurturing treatments such as:
Turkish Delight with Hay Chocolate
White Chocolate Mousse with white Chocolate and Coworth Park Orange Spatula
Milk Chocolate with Feuilltine Crunch.

The Spa is one of a kind. Many of its features make it an ‘eco-luxury spa' such as its architecture (where half of the building is submerged in the ground) and its ‘living roof'.

Last but certainly not least on our tour came the hands-on part where BNC members got to take part in something doubly delicious - a chocolate masterclass with the world renowned chef John Campbell.

Creator of the Tour by Chocolate is BNC contact Peter Anderson of the Dorchester Collection. Peter succeeded in bringing together a group under a fun and informal theme and creating a memorable experience at an outstanding property at the same time.

Peter says:
"The Tour by Chocolate event held at Coworth Park in Berkshire was very well received. We put this together as a way for The BNC members to have an informal meeting with our hotels from Paris, Milan and to create a unique way for the group to view the Dorchester Collection's new country house hotel and spa, set in 240 acres of Berkshire parkland and just 45 minutes from London. After all...who doesn't like chocolate?"

Flying in especially for this event were colleagues from other Dorchester Collection properties:
Peter Edholm, Stephanie Lancien, Riccardo Pillati, Bruno Tailly - from the Plaza Athenee, Le Meurice, Principe Di Savoia The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and Coworth Park respectively.

www.dorchestercollection.com

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MORE COMMENTS FROM BNC MEMBERS

"Thank you for the great opportunity to have an event like this during the day to meet other members. "

"Coworth Park has raised the bar on the standard of venues of this calibre. Wow."

"Thank you for the opportunity to visit such a wonderful venue."

"What a way to spend an afternoon. Thanks BNC for introducing me to another great property. Can't wait to use it."

"Thanks for the excellent opportunity to network over lunch."

"The food was fab and the host Peter Anderson and his team were very welcoming."