Sopwell House country hotel in Hertfordshire is hosting a Festival of Lights evening of celebration, culture and culinary delights for a third year. The Diwali event is returns on Saturday 18th October, with a sharing feast of vibrant dishes, live entertainment and firework display.
A reception of expertly crafted Indian canapés and starters will be served from street style vending stations, before seating in the beautifully adorned St Alban Suite, transformed for the occasion with florals, striking chandeliers and table sculptures.
For dinner, guests can expect a lavish spread of authentic feasting dishes including mains of Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani with aubergine masala; Old Delhi style butter chicken; Malabar king fish curry; and aromatic Dal Makhani with 24hr simmered black lentils. There will also be street-style Chaat and Tawa stations from which guests can enjoy South India’s Mysore dosa with toppings of Paneer Bhurji, Potato Masala and Keema Matar.
An immersive celebration of life, love and light, a DJ and energetic Dhol Drummers will set the tempo for the evening with a mix of Bollywood beats and lively tunes. After dinner, guests will head outside to Sopwell’s landscaped garden for a spectacular firework display, with music and dancing continuing until midnight.
Places are available at £139 per person (children from £99). For tables of 10 or more, a VIP price of £129 per head with guaranteed premium seating near the dance floor and two bottles of champagne for the group.
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.