Condé Nast Traveller's Chefs World Series: Louis Roederer at Raffles London at The OWO

In October, Condé Nast Traveller hosted one of our most anticipated events of the year, the annual reader’s favourite, our Chef’s World Series with Louis Roederer. The dinner took place at one of London’s hottest new openings, Raffles London at The OWO. Less than two weeks after the hotel opened, we welcomed readers to dine in the Lawrance, for an evening sampling some of the finest Louis Roderer champagnes, paired with a menu designed to showcase the champagnes and their versatility.

The evening started with a champagne reception in the aptly named ‘Code’ room, a bunker space located in the heart of the hotel. Named as a tribute to the vital codified communication method that was used when the building operated as The Old War Office in the 20th century. Guests were welcomed with Louis Roederer Collection 244 MV, and a brief introduction to the history of the hotel, from it’s connections to the birth of the modern intelligence services, to the many connections to James Bond.

As guests moved into the Lawrence for dinner, mummers of wonder quickly spread, as the space is arguably one of the most stunning dining spaces in London. The evening was formally introduced by the charming Alexis Deligny, Louis Roederer’s UK Export Manager, who detailed the maison’s history of having an unusually conscientious approach to the production of champagne. Since the 18th century, Louis Roederer vineyards have been neutered, sitting on some of the finest land and with a team who learn the specific characteristics of each parcel. The result is one of the world’s finest wines, a non vintage remarkable in its richness, intensity, depth and superiority over most vintage Champagnes.

The bespoke tasting menu started with a light Brixham Crab, sitting atop spiced mouli, with a chervil emulsion and charcoal cracker. Served with the Louis Roederer Brut Nature 2015, an innovative collaboration between the maison and French designer, Philippe Starck, who led the creative design of Brut Nature label.

The evening continued with an extremely special pairing of Louis Roederer Cristal 2015. With a history as rich as OWO’s, Cristal was launched as the house’s very Cuvée de Prestige, in honour of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The 2015 vintage is sourced from 45 plots, where all vines are over 20 years old, giving a ripe, well-structured flavour crowned by a bold freshness. When paired with Lemon Sole, on top of a Saffron mussel ragout with charred hispi cabbage, it was simply a winning combination.

The evening drew to a close with one of the most surprising pairings, the much adored Louis Roederer Rosé Vintage 2016, with ‘Wild Strawberry’ a red pepper “Pistou”, with fresh strawberry and Crème fraiche ice cream, all finished with a smattering of spicy pink peppercorn. Guests made their way into the cool London night, but not before a quick nightcap at the speakeasy style Spy Bar, to santé one final glass of Louis Roederer.