This summer The Berkeley, the five star hotel in Knightsbridge, and British table linen institution, Summerill & Bishop, have collaborated to elevate the art of in-suite dining to a new level of luxury. The Art of Entertaining at The Berkeley allows guests to summon a whole dinner party tablescape to their suite – not just food, but atmosphere – transforming their private suite into the best table in the house.
Inspired by the hotel and its surroundings, Summerill & Bishop have curated a tablescape ‘menu’ with the tablecloth as the star of the show – featuring five seasonal designs exclusively for guests staying in The Berkeley suites. Designs celebrate the Knightbridge neighbourhood, from bold green and white stripes which speak to nearby Royal Parks, to floral illustrations including mimosa and lily of the valley motifs, nodding to the hotel’s love of floristry. In true convivial hosting spirit, which is a shared passion between both brands, The Berkeley and Summerill & Bishop have every entertaining occasion covered, from jovial tables of eight, to alfresco private terrace dining, to romantic tables for two.
This partnership has hospitality and togetherness at its heart and is a joyful reimagining of the traditional idea of room service – envisaged by so many as just a solo club sandwich. A Berkeley Butler will serve from a specially created menu which includes burrata, broad beans and pistachios; or asparagus with toasted hazelnuts; and centre-of-the-table showstoppers include salt-crusted wild seabass. Chocolate torta caprese, a seasonal fruit tarte and tiramisu are designed to finish the feast. Seasonal cocktails have been carefully concocted, to be served generously in jugs: gin, elderflower, violet and pea, topped with soda and champagne; and Pimm’s laced with whisky, strawberry and cucumber, evoking the heady spirit of Summer dining.
Seb Bishop, CEO and Creative Director of Summerill & Bishop, says ‘A tablecloth, to me, is a canvas for connection, and we believe that setting the table is the ultimate show of love and welcome, in the same way that The Berkeley team go to every length to create the ultimate, warm welcome. These meaningful moments – an invitation to slow down, to gather, and to rediscover the simple pleasure of spending time in a beautiful setting – resonate very deeply.’
The Berkeley x Summerill Bishop ‘The Art of Entertaining’ service is available across all suites in the hotel For more information, please visit The Berkeley Suites & Rooms
