The Disney+ Rivals Revival Retreat at Coombe End Manor
We were tasked with helping to launch the new Disney+ Rivals series, the highly anticipated adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles novel, by hosting a four-day 1980s-inspired retreat at Coombe End Manor in Elkstone. Catering to 20 guests per day, including celebrities, stakeholders, influencers and press, the retreat featured breakfast, lunch, dinner and a roly-poly masterclass. We curated a bespoke 1980s-inspired menu, including vol-au-vents, a posh cheese and pineapple hedgehog, and beef wellington presented on an original Swan hostess trolley. Guests enjoyed Rivals-themed piña coladas and blue lagoon cocktails. A standout feature was the roly-poly decorating masterclasses in the Manor’s dining room, reflecting elements from the TV show The event successfully delivered an immersive and nostalgic experience tailored to the series’ theme.
The Menu
Reception
Baby Yorkshire, rare roast ‘Rutshire’ sirloin, watercress, horseradish cream
Devilled eggs, curried mayonnaise, chives
Chargrilled pineapple, vintage cheddar, Served on a pineapple hedgehog
Selection of puff pastry vol-au-vents to include:
Coronation chicken
Prawn Marie rose, gem lettuce chiffonade
Wild garlic mushrooms, garlic cream
80’s quiche Lorraine
Gourmet sausage rolls with cranberry sauce
Pre-dinner canapes
Beef stroganoff tart
Devils on horseback, marmalade glaze
Baby broccoli and asparagus tartlet
DINNER MENU
Starter
Individual cheese fondue set with melted Swiss cheese, chargrilled root veg medley and crusty bread for dipping
Main Course
Lake District fillet of beef wellington served to the table with Bordeaux jus
Wild salmon en-croute served to the table with parsley sauce
Butternut squash, spinach mousse and mushroom duxelles Wellington
All served with a selection of 80’s inspired side
dishes including duchess potatoes and vegetable medley with sauces served in vintage gravy boats
Palate cleanser
Advocaat, lemonade and lime sorbet served in a coupe
Dessert
Individual trio of 80’s desserts to include pavlova,
pineapple upside down cake and black forest
gateaux bomb
Drinks:
Mateus rosé fizz cocktail
Declan O’Hara’s Delight (Tequila Sunrise)
Lord Baddingham’s Blue Lagoon
Corinium Pina coladas
“This was an incredibly fun project to work on that took all of our creative and logistical skills to pull off! Staying true to our values, we spent weeks sourcing upcycled and used 1980s canapé platters, serving dishes and even a Swan hostess trolley. We then relocated our office to the Cotswolds for a full week to deliver breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon food activities across four days to 80 of the country’s top influencers, media personalities and stakeholders, bringing them a true Jilly Cooper Rivals experience. It involved long days and hard work, but the team absolutely pulled off an exceptional brand campaign for one of the world’s leading entertainment companies.”
– Jay Burgesson-Carter, Founder of The Ripe Avocado
What the client said:
“Just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you and the team. Everyone was delighted with your services – from the impressive menu to the variety of drinks on offer, to your amazing wait staff. I’d like to give a special shout-out to yourself and Lucy – you really did go above and beyond. Not only were you always both super welcoming and accommodating to last minute changes, but the Roly Poly class ended up being the surprise hit of the guest’s experience (who knew!). We genuinely loved working with you and can’t wait to be reunited on the next project.”
– Gemma Sharp, Associate Director, Organic