The Grove, a luxury spa hotel in Hertfordshire, partnered with Feast on Cloud 9 to provide a magical pop-up dining experience within its grounds whereby guests can enjoy their meal sitting in a hand-crafted hot air balloon in the Formal Gardens.
To make this whimsical balloon dining experience idea come to life, Glow Inflatables collaborated with Storyhouse, a company who specialise in manufacturing props and scenery for events and functions. They contacted Glow for the inflatable element of this mixed-media project. As well as utilising wicker for the baskets, wood for the table, seats and a central pole, they needed a gravity-defying hot-air balloon centrepiece. Unlike most conventional inflatable installations that operate using a constantly running fan, these balloons needed to be silent to create the appropriate, peaceful ambiance for fine dining.
Glow also provided the venue with a giant inflatable Earth which was displayed in a covered seating area so guests could continue enjoying their fantastical adventure whatever the weather.
With the impressive backdrop of the elegantly landscaped gardens, the unique seating arrangement of the brightly coloured balloons was a dream for Instagrammers and selfie-lovers. This helped to attract customers of all ages as their experience could be shared widely on social media.
Visitors reported the spectacle to be ‘stunning’ and ‘the most spectacular place to have afternoon tea in our little hot air balloon’. Wildflower Magazine said it was ‘one of the most innovative dining experiences we’ve ever been to.’
Once again, the highly skilled team at Glow Inflatables has risen to the occasion and made a flight of fancy a reality.