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13 March 2024
Private houses for vacations? Find your own Eden
15 March 2024Ports in a storm
The City's most original private dining experience lies within Sandeman’s historic port cellars
T The Sandeman Quarter, comprising the newly refurbished The Don Restaurant and Bar 1790 has opened The City’s most unique private dining rooms in the listed cellars of what was the home of Sandeman Port on St Swithins Lane.
The barrel cellar, the original Sandeman vault where George Sandeman branded the first ever cask, is perfect for lunches or dinners seating 26 and up to 50 standing.
The Sandeman Room is a characterful dining space with a fully stocked wine rack. It can host up to 16 guests and is ideal for private wine tastings, lunches or dinners – portraits of the Sandeman family and an original 18th century barrel hoist are remarkable feature pieces to augment the experience.
The most exclusive private dining experience is available within the mediaeval cellar, which dates back to 1580 and is where casks of port were once rolled from ships to the cellars. Now that it has been converted into a unique tasting environ, it may be hired for exclusive tastings.
Menus for private dining are created from either the kitchen of The Don or Bar 1790 and have been overseen by head chef Toby Lever, formerly head chef at Lutyens. The menu of Bar 1790 has a strong Portuguese influence, while The Don serves a modern European menu focusing on seasonal ingredients.
There is an extensive wine and port list available, compiled by head sommelier Max Cohn and David Gleave, MW (chairman and founder of Liberty Wines), along with a range of the finest Scottish whiskies and port-based cocktails developed by the current George Sandeman in Oporto. There is also an eclectic champagne list devised by expert Simon Stockton of Charles Heidsieck Champagne.
To find out more about private dining opportunities email the events team.