Chocolate lovers will already be familiar with William Curley, the award-winning British chocolatier who now has two shops in ultra-chic corners of London. His wife Suzue is also an exceptionally talented patissier who moved from Osaka to London in 1996 to train at Le Cordon Bleu and work at Claridge’s and The Savoy.
This September, in celebration of Suzue’s Japanese heritage, William Curley’s Belgravia shop will be hosting ten days of Japanese-inspired events, tastings and masterclasses. The regular Sea Salt Caramel and Truffle weekend courses will be replaced by lessons in the art of Japanese influenced chocolates like the Toasted Sesame Couture Chocolate and the Yamazaki Whiskey Truffle. Guests will also have an opportunity to taste and learn about the different Japanese ingredients William uses in his chocolates. (Dates: 25th/26th September, 2nd/3rd October. £75 per person).
On September 29th, William will host a Japanese tea and chocolate pairing event with John Kennedy from Teasmith. Guests will be greeted on arrival with an Oolong Tea Champagne Cocktail and homemade savoury canapes and then sample eight Japanese teas paired with eight Japanese inspired chocolates and a delicious patisserie to end the evening. (£55 per person.)
If you prefer booze to tea, book a place at the sake tasting event on September 30th where sake expert Gilbert Winfield will be matching six different sakes to William’s chocolates. Because of its unique 'umami enhancing' properties, and low acidity, sake is one of best drinks to pair with chocolate, and the distinctive delicate flavours of the chosen sakes are designed to compliment the smooth richness of William's confections. Guests will enjoy a glass of Champagne and Japanese inspired canapés on arrival. To finish there will be another Japanese speciality, Shiraume Umeshu, a plum infused liqueur. (£55 per person.) For bookings and availability, please contact: Caroline@williamcurley.co.uk
If you can’t make the September dates, keep an afternoon free between October 11th and 17th. For one week only – National Chocolate Week, of course – the lovely tea room at Claridge’s will be serving an exclusive William Curley Chocolate Afternoon Tea. There will be plenty of tastings and masterclasses going on as well so stay tuned for more details or sign up to the newsletter via the website.
Comments