We’re just back from the most stunning evening at Seaham Hall’s very first Taittinger event, a dreamy collaboration to create an exquisite five course dinner pairing the most carefully crafted dishes with their perfect Taittinger match.
Founded in 1734, Taittinger stands as one of France’s most esteemed champagne producers. Nestled in the heart of the Champagne region, it’s one of the few Champagne houses still owned and actively managed by the family themselves.
We arrived at the spectacular, award winning hotel, sitting high above the cliffs on the Durham Heritage Coastline with the sea breeze gently rustling through the trees and the scent of the sea drifting in the air. What a way to end the week and welcome a long weekend! We were greeted by the most wonderful staff who made us feel at home right away and welcomed us into their hotel.
Our evening began on the terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens swathed in wildflowers. The sun shone gloriously on what seemed to be the hottest evening of the year so far.
We sampled a glass of Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée NV, the first collaboration with The Kent Winery here in the UK and the house of Taittinger. The bubbles were coupled with artistically created canapes and gentle conversation between guests, there was a calm but exciting atmosphere in the stunning surroundings.
Shortly after we were whisked into the exquisite dining room, where huge, gold plated chandeliers hung sumptuously, creating the softest lighting. The tables were placed between lush olive trees, bringing a sense of calm and beauty, a timeless elegance nudging towards Seaham Hall’s fascinating history. The huge Georgian windows allowed the evening light to spill into the room perfectly complementing the chandeliers.
We immersed ourselves in the most striking setting to enjoy an extraordinary dining experience, a meticulously planned five course dinner, expertly pairing an exquisite tasting menu with a glass of the finest Taittinger Champagne.
Throughout the night, Sandy Greetham, Taittinger’s UK executive, introduced each Champagne, explaining its history, taste and why it had been chosen for the pairing. We loved these small interludes throughout the night and learnt so much about each champagne.
Here are some of our favourite dishes from the evening.
To begin we were served the most divine Lindisfarne Oysters, alongside Umai aged heritage caviar, the flavours danced alongside the most stunning Comtes De Champagne 2013. A limited wine, aged for 10 years and noted as the ultimate Chardonnay, this was a joy to taste and perfectly complemented the seafood offerings. Such a great start to the evening, drinks were flowing as was the conversation and the room began to fill with an excited atmosphere, friendly and warm.
We were left wanting more, waiting for the next course to arrive.
Soon after came the Raviolo of Michael Wilkinson’s Organic Herb Fed Chicken with Wiltshire truffles and a three year aged chicken consomme. A flavour explosion and a room full of satisfied nods could be seen. We adored this dish, the delicate flavour of the chicken perfectly complemented by the delicate note of the Prelude Grand Cru NV.
To complete the savoury offerings we were served a stunning dry aged Cumbrian ‘Boeuf ala Ficelle’, this time its partner was the famous Gate Pinot Noir, Napa USA 2022, a delicious red which accompanied the beef flawlessly.
The final and most scrumptious dish served was strawberries, raspberries and cultured ice cream, with just enough biscuit crunch delicately placed to provide a sweet kick. This was a dish I could have eaten over and over. The tang of the raspberries with the creaminess of the ice cream was heavenly. And what a partner the delicate Taittinger Nocturne Rosé NV was, a vibrant rosé with a hint of red summer fruits, stylish and elegant with enticing fruity flavours. What a delight!
The perfect way to round off the most spectacular summer evening. A journey for the tastebuds and senses that did not disappoint.
The sun was beginning to set and the heat of the day had left as
we floated up to our heavenly suite, full to the brim with the most delicious food, Champagne and the memories of an unforgettable evening.
This fabulous collaboration is set to return later in the year, it is a celebration not to be missed, details to follow on the website.
Seaham Hall, Lord Byrons Walk, Seaham,SR7 7AG
Review and images by Maria Davison @girlabout_thenortheast
Some images supplied
