London Celebrates the Society’s 85^th Anniversary

85 years ago, Andre Simon held the Society’s inaugural meal at the Café Royal.  It had an Alsace theme, and IWFS branches are being encouraged to organise an event during the anniversary week in celebration of our foundation. 

The London and St. James’s Branches will be marking this event with a black tie dinner at the Livery Hall of the Worshipful Company of Innholders in the City on Tuesday 13^th November.  We will be joined by David Ling former Grand Master of the Confrérie de St. Etienne d’Alsace and Alsace Wine Advisor to the IWFS Wines Committee.  This will be a very special event, so please do come if you possibly can.  Members of all IWFS Branches are very welcome to join us for this event.

The menu and matched wines will honour the theme of the Society’s inaugural meal, but with a 21^st century twist.  We are very fortunate that some of the wines are being sponsored by Alsace producers.

The Hall is housed in a Grade II listed building on College Street the site of which has been in the possession of the Innholders’ Livery Company since 1473.  The original hall was destroyed in the Great Fire but has been rebuilt several times since, most recently in the late 1980’s.  It became a Grade II listed building in 1952.

The Hall is also home to Herbert Berger and his talented team.  Herbert Berger is the past winner of 3 Michelin Stars, notably at 1 Lombard Street, and at the Café Royal where he was Executive Chef.  He has been at the Innholders’ since 2012 and has established the Hall as the City venue for fine dining.  Herbert is very familiar with Alsace cuisine, and has embraced this project with enthusiasm. He has provided several memorable meals for London Branch in previous years, and is the holder of a society award.  He is looking forward to helping us celebrate our anniversary.

The menu will be as follows: 

Aperitif:  Dopff au Moulin Cuvée Julien, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut NV

Canapés: Alsace specialities; foie gras, tart flambe, mini choucroute

First course: Fillet of zander or perch with salsify; Riesling, crayfish and mushroom sauce
Riesling, Trimbach, Alsace 2014

Main course: Roast partridge with braised savoy cabbage and black forest ham, Pinot Noir jus, mash and root vegetable fondants
Pinot Noir Reserve, Trimbach, Alsace 2016

Cheese Course:  Munster cheese dish

Dessert: Quetsche and almond tart with cinnamon, prune and vanilla ice cream~
Gewurztraminer 2013, Sélection de Grains Nobles, Confrérie Saint-Etienne collection

Coffee and Gugelhopf cake

We do hope that you will be able to join us.

Michelin starred Northcote will be one venue for an 85th Anniversary Dinner where Lisa Goodwin-Allen  – of The Great British Menu fame - will prepare, and talk through, a dinner based on the original Society Alsace Luncheon in 1933 hosted by Andre Simon, but with a modern twist. Matched Alsace wines chosen by Nothcote’s MD, Craig Bancroft and Ron Barker will accompany the meal, and David Ling from the Confrerie Saint Etienne d’Alsace (the Society’s Alsace Consultant) will talk to the wines along with Northcote Sommelier Tamas Czinki.

The evening will start with a Sparkling Wine and Canape reception at 7 pm followed by Dinner at 7.30pm in the Louis Roederer Room at Northcote. Main features of the menu will be

Sparkling Wine Reception with Canapes
Classic Hors D’oeurve and Charcuterie Inspired by Alsace
Red Leg Partridge, Roasted Cabbage Heart, Alsace Sausage, Alliums
Munster Fromage Souffle
Orchard Apple “Kugelhopf”, Spiced Raisin, Vanilla Ice Cream
Tea, Coffee & Mirabelle Chocolates

The charge for the meal will be £140, including reception, all wines, water and service.

The invitation is open to all members of the Society and their guests, but will particularly suit members from the North of England. Dress code will be Black Tie with Medals, or lounge suit. Bookings should be made to Ron Barker (ronbarker@hotmail.co.uk). Please mention any allergies of which the kitchen should be aware. 

Northcote are offering overnight accommodation in a twin room including the famous ‘Northcote Breakfast’ for £140 per couple (£120 single) in the main house or £200 per couple (£180 single) in the Garden Lodge Superior or Deluxe. Mention IWFS when booking. Northcote, Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 8BE.  Web: www.northcote.com

Other nearby accommodation can be found for ~£70 (eg. Mytton Fold Hotel & Golf Club £71)
Please book accommodation direct with your chosen hotel.