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The best holiday destinations for 2025

Posted on by Harry Howes

The recent hot weather has got us all dreaming of summer, with the whole country desperate to turn on their β€˜out of office’ and swap their laptops for sun, sea and cocktails.

Whether you’re planning on going away with your friends and family, have a work trip to organise or simply fancy a solo adventure, we’ve put together some of our favourite holiday destinations.

Barcelona

For those looking to combine a city break with a relaxing beach trip, destinations don’t get much more ideal than Barcelona. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in Spain, with so much to do – and it’s just a stone’s throw from some of the best beaches Europe has to offer.

Barcelona’s a city steeped in history and culture – visit the Sagrada FamΓ­lia, take a stroll down La Rambla and enjoy a sangria or two on the beach. And if you’re in a sporty mood, why not combine your trip with some live action?

Head to the Nou Camp to see Barcelona continue their quest for the La Liga title or head to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May. As part of Engage’s ROAM package, we’ll do the hard work for you by arranging accommodation, transfers and luxury hospitality at the iconic Formula One event.

Join us for a three night stay from Friday 30th May until Sunday 1st June – enquire today to reserve your place.

Paris

Just like Barcelona, Paris is perfect for a city break, although the weather is slightly more unpredictable. Known as the city of love, the French capital is ideal for a romantic weekend away with your other half – but don’t worry, there’s plenty to do once you’re bored of each other’s company.

If you can handle heights, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower is always worth it for unrivalled views of the city. Plus, a river cruise down the Seine is the best way to see Paris’ essential landmarks, including the Louvre and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

It’s the home of football giants Paris Saint-Germain so sports fans can enjoy an evening of Ligue 1 or Champions League action. And for tennis lovers, why not time your trip to coincide with the French Open at Roland-Garros, which gets underway at the end of May?

Milan

Versatile holiday destinations don’t get much better than Milan. By using the Italian city as a base, you’ll be able to have multiple holidays in one. Explore the city to enjoy the shopping scene and historical landmarks including the stunning Duomo di Milano.

Then if you fancy something a bit different from the city culture, you can hop on a train to the stunning lakes. Both Lake Como and Lake Garda are just a short train ride away and offer picturesque views, with countless beautiful little towns to spend the day getting lost in, including Como and Bellagio.

Plus, if you time your trip right, you can make the most of the other ROAM holiday package we have to offer. This September, we’re offering Engage customers the chance to join us for three nights in Lake Como to enjoy the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Enquire today to reserve your place.

New York

If you fancy getting out of Europe, why not consider New York? You can get to the Big Apple in around seven hours from the UK, meaning a short trip is just about manageable with minimal jet lag. It’s one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a reason, with plenty to see, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square.

As well as all the local landmarks, there’s also plenty of sport to enjoy. There’s something for everyone, whether you fancy watching the US Open at Flushing Meadows in August, taking in some baseball watching the New York Yankees, enjoying some hoops with the New York Knicks or getting your NFL fix with the New York Giants.

Singapore

As we continue on the theme of combining holiday destinations with sporting events, there are so many to choose from on the Formula One calendar, including Las Vegas, Brazil, Mexico and Monaco. If you’re in the mood for somewhere a bit different, why not consider Singapore?

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place in October, which will give you some much-needed sun when the UK summer heat has well and truly disappeared. A trip to Singapore will open you up to a brand-new culture, offer incredible new food opportunities and can be used as a springboard for a wider Asian trip, with Malaysia and Indonesia close by.

The Michelin-Starred Chefs at Engage Events

Posted on by Harry Howes

If you’ve ever joined us in one of our hospitality facilities, you’ll know that the food is always second to none. That’s because we work with some of the best chefs around, offering delicious bespoke menus.

This summer, we’re heading back to the Henley Royal Regatta and we’re delighted to be working with two of the finest chefs on the planet. Both Angela Hartnett and Tommy Banks will be providing the meals in our hospitality suites during the iconic event.

So, as we look forward to yet another unforgettable week in Oxfordshire, we thought we’d take a closer look at our two guest chefs.

Angela Hartnett

A protege of Gordon Ramsay, Angela has become a household name in British cuisine and can often be found cooking up a storm on our television screens. She was previously Chef-Patron at Angela Hartnett at the Connaught in London and is now Chef-Patron in several places, including Murano in Mayfair and CafΓ© Murano in St James’s, Covent Garden and Bermondsey, as well as at Cucina Angelina in France.

She earned her first Michelin star way back in 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Angela’s first TV appearance came during the maiden series of Hell’s Kitchen on ITV. Since then, she’s been on countless shows, including MasterChef, Kitchen Criminals, Take on the Takeaway, Tomorrow’s Food and Best Home Cook.

Angela is also an OBE and hosts the Waitrose podcast Dish alongside legendary radio DJ Nick Grimshaw. An incredible chef and even better personality, she’ll be joining us at the Royal Henley Regatta and you’ll be able to sample her food by joining us in our ICON facility on days two and three of the event.

She’s designed a bespoke four-course lunch menu that will ensure the food matches the views and atmosphere of the day. As well as the delicious meal and exciting rowing action, by joining us in our ICON facility you’ll also be able to enjoy all of this:

●    Complimentary bar including wines, champagne, spirits, beers and soft drinks
●    Champagne and canapΓ© reception
●    Traditional afternoon tea
●    Riverside Boat Cruise
●    Live DJ and saxophonist
●    Complimentary race programme
●    Car parking passes
●    ICON ambassadors
●    Private garden area
●    Barista service

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Tommy Banks

As well as Angela Hartnett, we’ll also be working with another Michelin-starred chef at the Henley Royal Regatta. We’re delighted that Tommy Banks will be joining us on Saturday 5th July to offer a five-course tasting experience.

Having first come from a farming background, Tommy learned to cook at the age of 17 when his parents bought The Black Swan pub and restaurant in Oldstead, North Yorkshire, that he still owns. He learned his trade by volunteering in several Michelin-starred restaurants and The Black Swan earned its first star in 2012.

A year later, he took over as head chef and aged 24 he became the youngest chef to hold a Michelin star when the restaurant retained its status. He’s made plenty of TV appearances and he won the BBC show Great British Menu in 2016.

Like Angela, he’s a regular guest on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch. Tommy was also the co-host of The Big Family Cooking Showdown, while he’s also since returned to Great British Menu as a judge.

The multi-award winning-winning chef will be hosting an unmissable experience, talking guests through his illustrious career and innovative cooking techniques before serving a delicious five-course feast alongside paired wines. Plus, by taking advantage of our hospitality offering, you’ll also be able to enjoy all this:

●    Champagne reception
●    Complimentary bar including paired wines, champagne, spirits, beers and soft drinks
●    Tommy Banks afternoon tea
●    Live DJ and saxophonist throughout the day
●    Complimentary race programme
●    Car parking passes
●    Private garden area
●    Barista service

The Henley Royal Regatta is set to be an incredible week and as well as our Angela Hartnett and Tommy Banks experiences, we’re also offering private chalets, river cruises and tables in our Temple Island restaurant.

Get in touch today to reserve your place.

The ultimate guide to the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show

Posted on by Harry Howes

Spring is officially here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the organisers of the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show are working around the clock to bring us yet another showpiece event.

Once again, the Royal Horticultural Society is putting on a five-day flower extravaganza, celebrating the best gardeners, flower arrangers and all round green-fingered experts on the planet.

The event has been a British tradition since the 1860s, before it was officially named the Chelsea Flower Show back in 1912. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with thousands of people flocking to Kensington each year and even more enjoying it on TV.

As well as showing off incredible displays of horticultural excellence, the show also offers tips to budding gardeners, with demonstrations on how to make the most from your outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony or a smaller garden.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a gardener with 50 years of experience or you’ve never even picked up a pair of gardening gloves, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at the Chelsea Flower Show.

There are plenty of awards to be handed out across the week. Gardeners putting on displays can be awarded Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver or Bronze in each of the categories. Apart from feature gardens, all gardens at the show are judged, including exhibits in the Great Pavilion.

As well as the judged categories, there are also the People’s Choice Awards each year. Visitors can vote for their favourite gardens as they wander round the event, with three categories for the public to vote in.

When is the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show?

This year’s event gets underway on Tuesday 20th May, running for five days until the weekend. The first two days are only for RHS members, with the public allowed to buy tickets from day three.

●    Day 1 – Tuesday 20th May
●    Day 2 – Wednesday 21st May
●    Day 3 – Thursday 22nd May
●    Day 4 – Friday 23rd May
●    Day 5 – Saturday 24th May

Hospitality at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show

As the Chelsea Flower Show is such a glamorous, high-profile event, we’re proud to offer a range of hospitality packages that allow our guests to enjoy the festivities in style. You’ll be able to enjoy a day of taking in the stunning displays before indulging in delicious food, complimentary drinks and plenty more.

We offer two different hospitality options, one of which is in the morning, with the other available in the afternoon and evening.

Spring Meridian

Our daytime package is for guests arriving first thing in the morning and keeps you entertained throughout the day. As well as access to the Chelsea Flower Show, you’ll be able to enjoy all of this:

●    Light breakfast with brunch cocktails
●    Four-course lunch
●    Afternoon tea with Spanish small plates in the garden
●    Garden bar including Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails
●    Barista coffee
●    Live entertainment including pianist and live band
●    Live event artist and flower crown experiences
●    Show programme
●    Private cloakroom

Spring Nocturne

For those arriving a little bit later, our Spring Nocturne facility is open until late in the evening and you’ll be able to make the most of all this:

●    Champagne and canapΓ© reception
●    Four-course dinner
●    Bar snacks
●    Garden fromagerie station with paired wines
●    Garden bar including Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails
●    Live entertainment from roaming band
●    Live event artist and flower crown experiences
●    Show programme
●    Private cloakroom

Chelsea Flower Show dress code

With lots of walking around expected, the dress code isn’t overly formal in order to keep guests comfortable. A smart-casual look with a combination of polished garments and casual elements is ideal.

With guests often treading across grass, we’d recommend ladies don’t wear stiletto heels to avoid getting caught in the ground.

How to get there

The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, right next to the banks of the River Thames. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in London, with Sloane Square the closest underground station. It’s on the Circle and District lines and is around a 10 minute walk away.

Victoria is the closest mainline train station and is just a short bus journey away. If you’re planning on driving, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot in Battersea Park, which is just the other side of the Thames. You’ll then be able to take the shuttle bus that runs all day. The bus is also open to those not using the car park.

And if you’re planning on dressing to impress, why not go full James Bond and arrive by boat? Uber Boat and Thames Clipper services run throughout the day, with drop-offs at Cadogan Pier and Battersea Power Station.


RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

After a wonderful event in 2024, showcasing some of the best nature that Britain has to offer, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be back in 2025. The world-renowned flower show is back for another year with beautiful flowers on show and delicious food and drink produced in an environmentally friendly way.

This Spring, Engage will be hosting some fantastic hospitality options for you to enjoy Chelsea Flower Show and in this blog we talk you through what to expect, when it is and the brilliant hospitality packages available.

What is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a Spring flower show held every May taking place across five days. Beginning in 1862, it originally took place at venues including Kensington and Temple Gardens before moving to Chelsea in 1912. Since then, this wonderful show of nature, often named as the Great Spring Show, has taken place every year in the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds.

The Flower Show is attended by 157,000 visitors every year and is presented on national television while new plants are displayed as well as varieties of old ones. It is also renowned for its visits from the Royal Family with the Queen having been a big supporter of the event throughout her lifetime, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited in 2024.

Designers and Gardeners will battle it out each year in an attempt to win awards for their displays including competitions from floral exhibits to exhibits of scientific interest . They are graded in four ways: gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze.

When does it take place?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place every Spring in the month of May with five days of stunning nature in store. In 2025 the show will take place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May with something for everyone to enjoy. From Tuesday to Thursday the show will open from 8am-8pm, 8am-10:30pm on Friday with Saturday rounding off the event from 8am-5:30pm.

Although the flower show doesn’t have a strict dress code, there is a smart casual approach to the event. Consider wearing smart clothing that is comfortable such as a collared shirt for men or a day-dress for women, being mindful of the fluctuating British weather!

If you’re a vegetable gardener, revel in the Knightian award category for exhibits of vegetables and herbs. Perhaps you’re a fan of floral arrangements and want to immerse yourself in the Grenfell award for exhibits of pictures, floristry and photographs! With something that all gardening fans can get involved in, you don’t want to miss this!

Hospitality on Offer at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Fancy being there to see the action while finding yourself in the presence of royalty? Look no further than Engage and check out our fantastic hospitality options to keep you entertained throughout the five-day event!

Engage are providing two hospitality packages across the five days: the Spring Meridian and the Spring Nocturne. The Spring Meridian is for those who plan to spend the day at the event from 8am until 5pm. Taking place in the Spring Garden, this wonderful hospitality venue has partnered up with chefs Skye Gyngell and JosΓ© Pizarro to provide a brilliant β€˜farm-to-fork’ menu focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients taken straight from the earth with minimal disruption to the environment.

We have an action-packed day planned out for you as well, from a light breakfast at 9am, delicious hand-crafted cocktails at 11:30, lunch at 12pm and afternoon tea, a day with us at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 doesn’t get much better!

Can’t make the daytime celebrations? Don’t worry, we are offering an exciting hospitality package with the Spring Nocturne option too! This involves an evening package with the Spring Garden opening at 6pm. Champagne and canapΓ©s are served just before a luscious dinner dished up by some of the best chefs in the country, before the Fromagerie station opens, offering a magnificent selection of cheese and wine.

Enjoy either of these hospitality packages in our private chalets or shared tables to make your visit to RHS Chelsea Flower Show perfect! What better way to spend your day than with Engage Hospitality at this iconic event!

Everything you need to know about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

Posted on by Harry Howes

If you’re a fan of beautiful gardens, stunning flower displays and vibrant events with a relaxed atmosphere, we’ve got some good news – it’s almost time for the Chelsea Flower Show!

The iconic event put on by the Royal Horticultural Society is a British tradition and ahead of the five-day celebration, here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Chelsea Flower Show?

Simply put, the Chelsea Flower Show is a celebration of all things horticulture, offering the best flower and gardening displays the world has to offer. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a flower expert, a budding gardener, or you simply just enjoy strolling through beautiful nature displays.

One of the most prestigious events in British culture, the Chelsea Flower Show was first held more than 100 years ago way back in 1912. It had previously been known as the Great Spring Show, starting out in Kensington 1862 before moving to the Temple Gardens.

Since the move to Chelsea, it’s established itself as a staple in the calendar for all gardening and flower enthusiasts, with the royal family among the show’s admirers. Royal members regularly attend the event, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, who last visited two years ago.

The Chelsea Flower show attracts more than 157,000 visitors every single year as enthusiastic attendees travel from all over the country. While the first two days are strictly for RHS members, the remainder of the event is open to anybody.

When is the Chelsea Flower Show?

The prettiest event of the year takes place over five days and truly marks the end of spring. The Chelsea Flower Show gets underway on Tuesday 21st May and comes to a close on Saturday 25th May.

Gardeners from all over the world will present their displays in a number of different categories. Judges will cast their eyes over the offerings, awarding their favourites with gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze medals.

As well as these winners, there will also be plenty of special awards handed out across the week. Visitors can enjoy a number of different areas throughout the show, with the main attraction being the Floral Marquee, housing gardens designed by some of the biggest names in horticulture.

Hospitality packages

If you fancy heading to the Chelsea Flower Show this year, why not treat yourself and enjoy the event in style?

Chef Patron Skye Gyngell, who is one of Britain’s most renowned chefs, has put together a delicious bespoke menu, with food served throughout the private chalets. You can take a seat at shared tables or entertain guests from the comfort of a private area.

The hospitality areas are located in the Spring Garden, with three different packages on offer.

Spring Meridian: A daytime package that offers a light breakfast, four-course lunch and afternoon tea. Refresh yourself in the garden bar with champagne and hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy entertainment from the pianist and live band.

Spring Nocture Dinner: An evening package that provides you with a champagne and canape reception, as well as a four-course dinner and access to the garden bar. A roaming band will provide the evening entertainment as guests can visit the fromagerie station.

Spring Nocture Tasting Dishes: This package is similar to the dining experience, except with delicious tasting dishes in place of the evening meal. Guests will receive champagne and canapes, as well as the chance to access the garden bar and fromagerie station.

Chelsea Flower Show dress code

While the Chelsea Flower Show is traditionally a classy affair, its relaxed atmosphere means there isn’t a hugely strict dress code. Visitors are encouraged to adopt a smart casual look, combining polished and refined garments with casual elements.

With members of the royal family often in attendance, guests often use the opportunity to dress to impress with smart attire.

How to get there

The event takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is easily accessible by tube. The closest underground station is Sloane Square, which is on the Circle and District lines and is just a 10 minute walk away.

Meanwhile, the nearest main train station is Victoria which offers several bus routes to the venue. For those wishing to drive, it is recommended that you pre-book a parking spot in nearby Battersea Park. From there you’ll be able to take a shuttle bus (which is also open to those not using the car park), with services running throughout the day.

As the Royal Hospital Chelsea is just a stone’s throw from the River Thames, you might fancy arriving by boat. Uber Boat and Thames Clipper services run all day and can drop you off at both Cadogan Pier and Battersea Power Station.

To see what else we have to offer, click here to download a PDF of all our major events in 2024.

We’re Official Hospitality Partners for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Posted on by Andrew Morgan

2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show | Secure Hospitality Today

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We’re delighted to confirm our Official Hospitality Partner status for the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the most quintessentially British hospitality event on the yearly calendar.

With huge thanks and gratitude we say goodbye to the Raymond Blanc / Jardin Blanc era at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and we’re extremely excited to welcome and introduce ‘Spring Garden’.

Spring Garden is a haven away from the everyday, nestled in the heart of the world’s most renowned flower show. Explore , forage and discover food and drink served straight from the earth, with minimum disruption to the natural world.

Chef Patron Skye Gyngell, of Spring, Heckfield Place and formerly of Petersham Nurseries, has become one of Britain’s most respected and acclaimed chefs. Renowned for her signature style of seasonal and elegant cooking, she has created an ingredient led bespoke menu for Spring Garden. This exciting new restaurant will be a true collaboration between Skye and London’s foremost luxe caterer Alison Price & Company.

We can’t wait to be back in 2023 at The Royal Hospital Chelsea for another wonderful spring / summer edition of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Spring Garden Design Chelsea Flower Show
Spring Garden Design Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea History

The first Chelsea Flower Show was 109 years ago in 1913 on May 20th and has been held on a similar weekend ever since. The event lasted three days and was held within a single marquee, so the development of the Chelsea Flower Show has been astronomical. Royal visits over time became more traditional as the King and Queen did not attend in 1913, but the King’s Mother, Queen Alexandra was in attendance.

The first ever Gold medal was given in the inaugural year before World War 1 began and took it’s toll on the format. John Wood of Boston Spa was awarded the sought after prize for his rock garden.

The show really started to develop commercially in the 1980s and 1990s, which included the creation of a subsequent flower show at Hampton Court Palace Festival, taken over by the RHS in 1993. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show expanded it’s capacity alongside the demand for tickets, with a requirement for more elaborate package and hospitality options occurring in the 2010’s.

In 2016, Jardin Blanc was unveiled at Chelsea, with Raymond Blanc spearheading a revolution in the show’s catering options. Leading us to the present where hospitality has been designed to cater for a modern audience, alongside the traditional elements and heritage of the Flower Show.

Spring Garden Hospitality

Join us in our private chalets for an exclusive experience, available for only one week of the year. All of our chalets and experiences marry together the natural world and London’s fine dining scene.

From the excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, enter an abundant garden filled with herbs and vegetables, ready to be discovered and bring your culinary journey to life.

Elevate your next special occasion or bring together your team for corporate
hospitality. Whether you are enjoying one of our shared tables or have hired a full chalet just for your chosen guests, we look forward to welcoming you to Spring Garden.

2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Hospitality Options

From a hospitality perspective, the show will once again be across five days with the 2023 theme focused on earthy ingredients that are used to put the finishing touches on incredible dishes.

Lovage:- An aromatic perennial herb of the carrot family. In summer, umbels of yellow flowers appear

Sorrel:- A forged herb renowned for it’s tangy, citrusy leaves. Always harvest the youngest, tender leaves for notes of yuzu.

Fennel:- An ornamental culinary herb, found across English borders. Use the bulb sparingly or harvest the leaves for pesto.

Angelica:- A Eurasian biennial whose roots and seeds yield a flavouring oil. Gather and candy the young stems.

Verbena:- A garden vervain of hybrid origin. Widely known for their showy spikes of white, pink, red or blue flowers which are borne in profusion over a long season.

Sage:- A culinary herb with silvery evergreen leaves, and flowers fading from intense blue to magenta. Pick in the early evening when the aromatic oils are concentrated.

Hyssop:– A highly aromatic plant, with linear and lance shaped bright green leaves. Distill to create a vibrant oil used for flavouring.

Enquire Today

Secure your RHS Chelsea Flower Show Hospitality Today!

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Spring Garden Logo
Spring Garden Logo
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