Cocktails in the City is proud to announce a rare and delicious collaboration with the world’s most iconic culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu. This exclusive experience brings together two masters of their craft: Jean Vital, Head of Drinks for The Ivy Collection, and Anthony Boyd, Deputy Head of Cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu.
Together, they invite guests on a curated culinary journey across three of France’s most celebrated gastronomic regions – Bordeaux, Cognac and Provence for an immersive exploration of flavour, heritage, and technique. Each region will feature a live demonstration by Jean and Anthony, who will prepare a cocktail and a paired amuse-bouche for every guest.
Key Details: Thursday 19th March. At Le Cordon Bleu, 15 Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2LS. 19:00 – 20:30.
Tasting Tickets are £45 including three cocktails and three pairing dishes. Tasting tickets are limited to 35 people.
A Journey Through France’s Culinary Heartlands
Rather than a “whistlestop” tour, guests will embark on a guided flavour voyage, travelling through the landscapes, traditions, and artisanal producers that define French gastronomy.
Jean Vital will share insights into the provenance and character of France’s most expressive spirits, liqueurs, and regional specialities. Guests will learn to create exceptional drinks at home, including foundational principles for building balanced, beautiful cocktails.
Lillet Aperitif, RinQuinQuin à la Pêche from Domaine De Distillerie De Provence and HINE Cognac have been chosen as the three producers who reflect regional businesses who share history, provenance and beautiful liquids that are admired by the industry and consumers alike.
Three Cocktails, Three Amuse-Bouche, Three Perfect Pairings
Every cocktail on the menu has been thoughtfully paired with a bespoke amuse-bouche created by Anthony Boyd. Anthony previously honed his skills at several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Chez Bruce, The Square, The Glasshouse in Richmond, and La Trompette, before joining Le Cordon Bleu in 2013.
These pairings are designed not only to delight but to demonstrate the harmony between culinary and cocktail craft – flavour echoing flavour, texture meeting texture, aroma enhancing aroma.
Live Demonstrations from Two Masters
Throughout the experience, guests will enjoy live demonstrations from Jean and Anthony showcasing the techniques, processes, and flavour-matching philosophies that define the Le Cordon Bleu approach. From knife work to garnish artistry, from reduction to infusion, from seasoning to balance, each moment offers a window into professional craft made accessible for the home enthusiast.
A Deeper Appreciation of France, Glass by Glass
By the end of the evening, guests will leave with:
- A richer understanding of French Culinary history and regional producers
- Practical knowledge and techniques for producing drinks and dishes at home
- A tasting of three delicious drinks and perfectly paired small bites
- A deeper appreciation for why France remains the undisputed culinary capital of the world
About Le Cordon Bleu
Le Cordon Bleu stands as one of the world’s most respected and influential culinary institutions, renowned for shaping generations of chefs, pâtissiers, and hospitality professionals through its rigorous, technique-driven training.
Founded in Paris in 1895, the school blends classical French culinary foundations with modern innovation, emphasising precision, discipline, and creativity in equal measure. Its global network of campuses continues to uphold the traditions that made French gastronomy a benchmark of excellence, while fostering a new wave of chefs and food?and?drink specialists who carry its philosophy into kitchens, bars, and dining rooms around the world.
Learn more about Le Cordon Bleu HERE
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