The Langham, Auckland Salutes its British Cousin with Special Events for June
Saturday 6 June 2009, 9:49AM
By The Langham
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The Langham, Auckland will salute the re-launch of its British cousin, The Langham, London with a series of special events in June starting with a ‘Hats Off to London’ afternoon tea party.
The flagship UK property of Langham Hotels International (LHI) is due to officially re-open on 10 June after an 80 million pound refurbishment and extensive five year renovation project. The five-star London hotel has continued to operate throughout but has now been returned to its full glory with a significant restoration and sumptuous new interior design.
Jeffrey van Vorsselen, Managing Director of The Langham, Auckland says that LHI as a group is very excited about London’s re-launch, and that with the many links between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Auckland hotel wanted to especially acknowledge this event.
“I am delighted to start June with an afternoon tea party at The Langham, Auckland whereby all invited guests will be asked to don a hat for the event and make a 20 cent donation. In 1865 when The Langham was the first hotel in London to host afternoon tea, the tariff was one shilling and sixpence, so we will be turning back the clock to 1865 with our price for afternoon tea on that day,” says Mr van Vorsselen.
The Langham, Auckland will be the first hotel to start the global Langham tea party on 10 June, whereby all Langham hotels around the world will pay homage to the original grand hotel with one of the most British traditions – afternoon tea. Langham hotels from around the world, will ‘doff’ their hat as a mark of respect to The Langham, London.
“In addition to this event, our signature eateries at the hotel will feature UK inspired cuisine and beverages which will be served in SBF Brasserie and The Winery. A hearty roast beef meal complete with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings will be served with a Boddingtons Pub Ale for $31.o0 per person and will no doubt prove popular winter fare,” says Mr van Vorsselen.
“Our elegant Winery lobby bar will feature a Pimms cocktail for the month of June and other options such as a Hats Off To London tasting plate of black pudding served with apple compote and handmade potato crisp, cod roe dip with toasts and an Isle of Mull cheddar fritter. Our chefs have also looked north of the border and have a delectable Scottish inspired Cranachan on offer for dessert. Our signature Langham afternoon tea will of course continue to be served daily from noon – 4pm,” says Mr van Vorsselen.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce this month long promotion as we support The Langham, London and acknowledge the significance of the London hotel as the source of our brand heritage,” concludes Mr van Vorsselen.
Salute to The Langham, London
June menu at The Langham, Auckland
SBF Brasserie
British Roast Special
Slices of the finest New Zealand Black Angus roast beef, served with potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, a red onion roasted with garlic butter and brussel sprouts with almonds. Served with beef jus and/or horseradish cream and accompanied by a Boddingtons Pub Ale Draught.
Available daily for lunch and dinner.
$31.oo
Sunday Brunch Buffet Roast
Slices of New Zealand Black Angus roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower mornay, horseradish cream and hearty gravy
$37.oo for the full Sunday Brunch Buffet menu including roast beef option.
Please note that for the month of June download a ‘Better Half Dines Free’ voucher at www.langhamhotels.co.nz to dine for half price at SBF Brasserie’s Buffet. Please not this does not include a’la carte menu items or beverages.
The Winery
Hats Off To London - Tasting Plate
- Black pudding with apple compote and handmade potato crisp
- Cod roe dip served with toasts
- Isle of Mull cheddar fritter
$15.00
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert layered with delicious raspberries, whipped cream, Manuka honey, oatmeal and whisky.
$15.00
Cheese Plate
Shropshire Blue, Quickes English Cheddar and Red Double Gloucester served with quince paste, grapes and oat cakes.
$15.00
Pimms with Poise
A fruity blend of traditional Pimms with Cointreau, mixed with apple and pineapple juice and with a slight hint of lime and mint.
$15.00
ENDS
Notes:
Today, The Langham offers enchanting hospitality in Auckland, Boston, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Pasadena and Shanghai.
As the first proponent of afternoon tea in a luxury European hotel, The Langham continues to offer an authentic afternoon tea that is as much about the stately ritual as the luxurious dining experience.
Brett Butcher, Chief Executive for Langham Hotels International says: “The Langham, London has undergone a major transformation to make an enchanting debut as one of the finest hotels in London again. While most would serve a glass of Champagne to toast its rebirth – we’re going back to our timeless roots and as the only global hospitality brand with a European heritage, doff our hats in respect and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea.”
Now acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, the first afternoon tea at The Langham, London was served in the Salle a Manger (now the Palm Court) for ladies and gentlemen for the princely sum of one shilling sixpence. Billed as Teas, Plain – the first afternoon tea consisted of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, bread and butter and of course, tea.