Strictly SW7 returns with panache

Strictly SW7, the celebrated showcase event hosted by the Science Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and Natural History Museum, returned for its third time last week. Companies such as Ralph Lauren, Warner Brothers and Goldman Sachs were among the 220 guests who attended the exclusive event.

Guests were divided into three groups, each one enjoying the reception, main course and dessert at a different museum, exchanging places at two separate intervals in the evening. Those attending enjoyed a taste of the exceptional food, first-class entertainment and décor within each of the museums’ unique event spaces.

The Science Museum hosted the event in the backdrop of the ‘Making the Modern World’ gallery, with the Natural History Museum’s evening set in the Earth Hall, and the V&A celebrating its design-lead offering in the Raphael Gallery. The Science Museum’s caterer “rhubarb” had a surprise in store for diners with the arrival of special guest chef Heston Blumenthal, who joined the team in the production of such innovative delights as vodka, confit lime and pink peppercorn cured organic salmon, with a horseradish granite; and loin of lamb, with pea and sweetbread popcorn, followed by an explosion of colourful flavours at the neon pudding stall.

Guests at the Natural History Museum were treated to an enticing menu inspired by the sea, the earth and the sand, courtesy of award-winning caterer, Ampersand. Dishes included Forman’s salmon with pistachio crust, served with edible sand and harissa marinated chicken, scratching’s and crispy coated wings.

A canapé menu of “superfoods” was put together by Jackson Gilmour for the V&A, with ingredients packed with immune-boosting antioxidants. Amongst the guilt-free delicacies were quinoa bilinis with mackerel, horseradish cream and pickled beetroot; and caramelised scallops encrusted in chia seeds served with samphire and ginger sauce. A main course of spring lamb with a parmesan, herb and pinenut crust preceded an option of ice cream desserts, served at the glamorous ‘Italian Gelatti Fashion Ice Bar’, intended to compliment the venue’s forthcoming exhibition ‘The Glamour of Italian Fashion’.

For 2014 the museums’ suppliers were inspired by each venue’s own cultural heritage when designing the evening’s entertainment, floral arrangements, lighting, catering and furnishings. The night’s entertainment was provided courtesy of Sternberg Clarke whose acts featured at all three museums. Highlights came from the V&A, where an eight-piece dance troupe disguised as guests burst into a flashmob that fused ballet and contemporary dance. At the Natural History Museum, a quartet of break dancing waiters surprised guests with a hyper kinetic B-Boying routine, whilst the Science Museum wowed crowds with an energetic performance from LED Hula Girls, Marawa and the Majorettes.

Nathalie Glaser, head of corporate events at the V&A, said, “This year, Strictly SW7 has been a truly incredible event. Each museum has really pushed the boat out, showing our guests the fantastic opportunities available in each of our event spaces and the quality of our suppliers. Those attending really enjoyed themselves and the feedback was amazing. We are pleased that once again we have put on a highly memorable night for all involved.”