Food lovers took to Marlow’s streets in force on Tuesday night as eight restaurants opened their doors to Marlow Tastes, the town’s progressive supper.
Four hundred diners enjoyed gourmet menus ranging from traditional British fare to renowned international dishes and raised more than £14,000 for local charities, many of them local.
The exclusive safari supper, organised by Marlow Thames Rotary Club, started with a drinks reception at All Saints Church. None of the 400 diners knew which restaurants they would then visit for each of their three courses.
This mystery tour of some of the town’s finest restaurants was introduced on a limited scale last April and was a resounding success. This year the number of diners was doubled and the event sold out within days.
This years’ lead charities are the Marlow United Charities – which supports struggling families in the town – and Parkinson’s UK. Many other Rotary charities are also supported.
Restaurants taking part were the Compleat Angler Riverside, La Cantina del Vino, Cote Brasserie, The Ivy Marlow Garden, Lavvin, The Marlow Bar and Grill, The Oarsman and Suum Kitchen.
Organising the event has been a challenge with 1,200 journeys planned between restaurants. John Bromwich of Marlow Thames Rotary Club said he was delighted with the funds raised.
He added: “The tremendous interest shown in our second event is proof that Marlow Tastes has become an important feature in the town’s calendar. It is attracting great interest, not just from diners but also from restauranteurs and sponsors, whose contribution helps boost funds. Restaurants welcome Marlow Tastes because it enables them to showcase their offerings and triples their footfall for the evening.
“During a glorious spring evening our diners were guided and hosted by 70 volunteers; they visited 8 restaurants and ate 1200 courses. The town had a real buzz as diners were guided to their next, but secret, restaurant.”
There is already a waiting list for Marlow Tastes 25 and provisional bookings will be taken by email at info@marlowtastes.menu
The event was boosted by local sponsors.
Ben Butler, Managing Director of Macbeth Insurance Brokers, said after the event:
“Macbeth were delighted to secure Lead Sponsor of the Marlow Tastes 2024 event. The evening was a fabulous success, not only for those attending who enjoyed fine dining from the Marlow restaurants involved, but also for the fantastic charities that Marlow Thames Rotary Club are supporting, which makes a difference to so many.”
The BP Collins legal practice sponsored the drinks reception. Their Senior Partner, Simon Deans, congratulated Marlow Thames Rotary and said: “We are proud to be able to help Rotary support the amazing work of Marlow United Charities and Parkinson’s UK. B P Collins has a long-standing relationship with Marlow, from the clients we have advised, to members of our team who live here, plus the charities we have supported in the local area.”
Issued by Marlow Thames Rotary Club.
Photo by John Perry.
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