Heads up, your summer dining plans are about to take flight. Beaverbrook’s beloved Reach For The Sky hot air balloon dining experience is back for 2025, and this time, it’s not just staying grounded in Surrey.

Yes, the whimsical alfresco event that has taken over Instagram feeds and Italian gardens alike is returning to Beaverbrook Hotel from Wednesday, 11th June, complete with six glorious ruby-and-rose-striped hot air balloons nestled in the estate’s picturesque grounds. Designed in collaboration with the stylish tastemakers at Summerill & Bishop, each balloon comes complete with authentic wicker baskets and dreamy tablescapes worthy of their own photoshoot.

But this year, there’s a twist: Beaverbrook is going trackside. For the first time since the experience launched five years ago, the iconic balloon dining pods are leaving the Surrey hills and heading to Royal Ascot, in what might just be the most elegant collision of food and fashion all summer.

Diners will be seated in authentic wooden and wicker ‘baskets’ to get the feel of a real hot air balloon and get to tuck into a three-course Japanese menu.

From Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June 2025, Beaverbrook is popping up in The Royal Enclosure’s Lavender Courtyard, bringing their striped beauties to the races in partnership with Ascot Racecourse. Think: six balloons, perfect views of the track, and an alfresco feast curated by Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd and pastry icon Benoit Blin.

Racegoers can book private balloon baskets for a two-hour dining experience, with brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea each taking centre stage:

• Brunch (10:45am–12:45pm) and Lunch (1:15pm–3:15pm) come courtesy of Tom Shepherd, who’s reimagining British classics with seasonal flair. Highlights include Native Lobster Cocktail Crumpet and Smoked Salmon with Potato Terrine, Cream Cheese & Caviar.

• Afternoon Tea (3:45pm–5:45pm) is where Benoit Blin works his magic — expect French finesse, English elegance, and some of the most exquisite pâtisserie this side of Paris.

Pricing? £250 per person for brunch or lunch, and £225 per person for tea — all in a private balloon for six, with dedicated waiting staff and free-flowing champagne and drinks delivered straight to your basket.

Meanwhile, back at Beaverbrook HQ, the classic three-course Japanese balloon menu returns — sashimi platter, Yakiniku BBQ, and a theatrical Baked Alaska finish, for £85 to £195 per person. The experience runs from Wednesday to Sunday throughout summer, and while the balloons may be tethered, your spirits will soar.


Each balloon can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Royal Ascot Royal Enclosure bookings: ascot.com/royal-enclosure or call 0344 346 3636
www.beaverbrook.co.uk

Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Pop Ups, Restaurants, Weekend Guide

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