45 Park Lane; 'Too Many Cooks' Dinner & Their Christmas Tree Lighting Party - Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Chef Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand - London

45 Park Lane; 'Too Many Cooks' Dinner & Their Christmas Tree Lighting Party - Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Chef Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand - London - November 2025

23/11/2025

I am spending US Thanksgiving on Thursday at 45 Park Lane. This has made me think I must post something about their 'Too Many Cooks' dinner and meeting Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand at the Christmas Tree Lighting Party.

'Too Many Cooks' Dinner With One Cook Missing

The 'Too Many Cooks' dinner was a legendary evening. Tom Parker Bowles was absent but the horrendous attack on his sweet Jack Russell Maud that afternoon makes that completely understandable.

Before the dinner I met Chef Mitch Tonks & Chef Mark Hix. I have hoped to meet Mark Hix for years and Mitch Tonks (of The Seahorse) was a kindred spirit and we immediately bonded.

The guests (eg Digital Creator Rob Bentley, Social Media Star & TV Personality Henry Southan etc) were as fascinating as the cooks and the food next level.

Must thank 45 Park Lane Bar Manager Enrico for making an emergency batch of the 'SF Martini' special vermouth on the evening.

The 45 Park Lane Christmas Tree Lighting Party; In My 50s But Still One of Floella Benjamin's Playschool Babies

Meeting Cliff Richard was incredible but finding Baroness Floella Benjamin was the guest of honour this year was a dream come true. When Floella held my hand you could feel her warm & positivity. Then realising Jo Brand was a fellow guest blew my mind.

Chef Elliott Grover's light as air Yorkshire Puddings, with mouthwatering beef and horseradish cream; smoked pigs in blankets; & runny Scotch eggs were the foods you hope to find in heaven.

A fabulous speech from GM Lee; magnums of Ruinart champagne served by brilliant staff you could chat with; Tanja as my guest; the Ian Turnock's Christmas trees; connecting with Hormazd Narielwalla again; & meeting Stewart Lee, CEO of Savile Row Gin made is such a memorable evening.

Both of these evenings were '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) events I will be talking about for years to come. 45 Park Lane is such a special Dorchester Collection hotel.

48 Comments

Tanja

23/11/2025 02:05:47 pm

Oh Si, that night @ 45 Park Lane was what hospitality dreams are made of!! And of course, wonderful meeting those I haven’t met yet in the industry, and the most wonderful teams that make it all possible!!
I’ll long be telling everyone of the most magical evening that was 🥰🥰🥰

Si Frew link

23/11/2025 02:22:17 pm

Glad you enjoyed it almost as much as me!

Barbara

23/11/2025 02:47:34 pm

What a wonderful snapshot of two magic evenings at 45 Park Lane. Your description captures the atmosphere perfectly — great food, uplifting energy, and those special moments that stay with you. Sounds absolutely unforgettable!

23/11/2025 02:49:31 pm

Made my afternoon reading these comments. Adore you.

Stewart Lee - CEO, Savile Row Gin

23/11/2025 03:05:14 pm

Thanks Simon. Hope your weekend is going well. You make mine look boring!

23/11/2025 03:10:20 pm

Tanya is surprised we did not talk at the book launch at Hackett. I explained I was too busy talking to Julian & Hormazd but we have had a fun telephone chat since 45 Park Lane. Looking forward to next month's party & talking more.

Tala

23/11/2025 03:08:48 pm

Beautiful trees and such happy times! What a wonderful start to the festive season! Looking forward to your Thanksgiving & Christmas celebrations.

23/11/2025 03:15:33 pm

Thanks for saying that. Love hearing from you.

John

23/11/2025 03:30:36 pm

Really enjoyed reading this — what a wonderfully evocative night at 45 Park Lane. The way you describe the Too Many Cooks dinner followed by the Christmas-tree lighting party really brings the glamour, warmth, and camaraderie of the evening to life.

A few thoughts that jumped out to me:

⸻

🌟 Reflections on the Post
1. Chef Collaboration Magic
What a line-up: Elliott Grover leading alongside Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks. It’s clear this wasn’t just a dinner – it was a celebration of British culinary talent. The joint main of beef cheek with carrot-top pesto sounds like the sort of dish only possible when chefs are genuinely in creative harmony.
2. Elliott Grover’s Role
His pride and passion really come through in your description. Knowing he trained under Mark Hix makes the reunion element of the evening even more heartfelt.
3. A Festive Touch Done Right
The Christmas tree lighting and the Artist’s Tree by Ian Turnock feel like such a perfect way to shift into the season. And the party bites — the “light-as-air” Yorkshire puddings, smoked pigs in blankets, Scotch eggs — sound like pure comfort and celebration.
4. The Play School Moment
Your line about being “in my 50s but still one of Floella Benjamin’s Play School babies” made me smile. There’s something wonderfully grounding about seeing a childhood icon at a glamorous event like this. It adds a layer of nostalgia and warmth that elevates the whole evening.

⸻

❓ A Question for Nick & Rick

Even though you two weren’t there, I’m curious: what do you make of this kind of multi-chef collaboration event?
Does the mix of personalities and culinary styles appeal to you, or do you prefer a more focused, single-chef experience?

Would love to hear your views.

⸻

A beautifully written post about what sounds like a beautifully executed evening.

23/11/2025 03:36:48 pm

Thanks for saying all this. Le Caprice days were part of all the discussions that evening full of chats.

Nick and Rick

23/11/2025 05:08:55 pm

John,

Thank you for the thoughtful question. When a multi-chef night truly comes together, there is something very fun about the variety of personalities and styles. It keeps the evening lively and unpredictable, and based on Simon’s experience, this one looked like it worked exactly as it should.

At the same time, we both enjoy a focused, single-chef dinner where you can follow one clear vision from start to finish. There is a certain confidence in that approach that we always appreciate. It really depends on the setting and the people involved.

Your question also made us think about airlines more than restaurants. You and I know British Airways could never attempt anything like a multi-chef collaboration. They struggle enough with one chef concept in First. Air France, on the other hand, does collaborations like this regularly in La Première and even in the lounge, and they always seem to pull it off effortlessly. In that sense, the evening Simon described felt a little closer to the AF style of doing things.

It is always fun to compare reactions with you especially with hotels, British Airways, and Air France La Première.

Nick and Rick

Adel Al Meer - Qatar

23/11/2025 04:05:07 pm

Wow! Enjoy life man.

23/11/2025 04:08:00 pm

Always great to hear from you. Same back to you.

Bilal

23/11/2025 04:06:08 pm

Loved this write-up, Simon. You captured the atmosphere perfectly — the mix of standout chefs, the festive energy and the familiar 45 Park Lane charm. Felt like I was right there with you. Great piece

23/11/2025 04:10:02 pm

So kind of you to say all that. Hope the rest of your time in New York goes well.

Chef Elliott Grover - Culinary Director CUT @ 45 Park Lane

23/11/2025 04:18:22 pm

Amazing. I love your writing.

23/11/2025 04:23:39 pm

So kind of you to say that. All the talk of Le Caprice that evening had me wishing even more I had been there with Kate Moss, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna & Princess Diana at tables and Mark Hix in the kitchen.

Peter Gong

23/11/2025 04:32:28 pm

The Christmas season is my favourite holidays to indulge in tasty foods. Simon, you certainly started the Christmas cheers with the "Too Many Cooks' dinner at Park Lane was a starter to end all starter party season.

Though, Tom Parker Bowles had to bow out (no pun intended) due his beloved Jack Russell was attacked was a sad event. The event went off with a banger with meeting your fav Chefs Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks. I am delighted that they were kindred spirits and bonded over a world wide passion: food. Yes, I loved that the SF martini were flowing.

The Christmas Tree lighting at Park Lane was even more festive as meeting Cliff Richards, Baroness Flotilla Benjamin. And to boot, Jo Brand was also among the guests must be a hoot.

The light as air Yorkshire pudding with delicious beef and horseradish, smoke pig in a blanket and runny scotch eggs were comfort foods one can hope for. Brilliant speeches, Ruinart champagne flowing as the Ian Turnock's Christmas Tree lit to perfection. What a wonderful way to start this festive season. I wish I was there to wallow in all the Christmas cheers.

Ta. Cheers.

23/11/2025 04:43:02 pm

You are the send person to comment from New York at breakfast time. Really appreciate that. More beautiful comments from you. House of Maybourne are featuring my Instagram 'Story' along with ones from Claridge's and abc kitchens and Chef Wolfgang Puck has 'Liked' my Thanksgiving 'Story'. Ready for tomorrow.

23/11/2025 05:01:42 pm

Simon,

What a fantastic write-up of such a unique evening. The “Too Many Cooks” dinner sounded like a true celebration, not only of food but also of personality, generosity and the spirit of 45 Park Lane. The combination of Elliott Grover, Mark Hix, Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin and Jo Brand is the kind of lineup you only find in London, and your photos made the entire night feel wonderfully alive.

We enjoyed the way you described the energy in the kitchen and how each chef’s individual style came through in the dishes. It looked like one of those experiences where the collaboration itself becomes part of the enjoyment. The Christmas tree lighting added such a warm and seasonal touch, and it felt festive even from this side of the Atlantic.

We also smiled at the return of the SF Martini. The “emergency batch” of special vermouth felt very true to the spirit of the evening. It reminded us of the way La Première always seems to know what we prefer and manages to have it ready at a moment’s notice. Those small but thoughtful touches make a lasting impression.

Your ability to bring evenings like this to life is one of the reasons we always enjoy your reviews. This one was especially fun and filled with glamour, great food and wonderful storytelling.

Nick and Rick

23/11/2025 05:06:45 pm

Always good to get your comments. Enjoy Thanksgiving in Honolulu. Will raise a glass to you two at 45 Park Lane that evening.

23/11/2025 05:22:46 pm

Nick and Rick,

Really appreciate the comparison — and you’re absolutely right about the Air France La Première angle. When a night has that seamless coordination and sense of occasion, it immediately brings AF to mind. La Première has such a distinct ability to pull off collaborations, seasonal menus, and chef-driven concepts without ever feeling chaotic or forced. It’s that combination of precision and personality that British Airways just hasn’t managed to replicate, especially in First.

BA often feels like it’s still trying to perfect one consistent offering, while AF is already operating at a level where they can confidently layer on creativity. The contrast is always striking: Air France gives you that curated, almost couture experience; BA gives you… well, “trying their best,” on a good day.

Now I’m curious — has SiFrew.com ever reviewed La Première? Simon’s perspective on the BA vs. AF divide would be sharp, and it would be great to see how Simon interprets AF’s approach at the highest level.

Aidan

23/11/2025 05:31:21 pm

It sounds like a fantastic evening.

Happy Christmas

23/11/2025 05:53:29 pm

Yes, they were both unforgettable evening. Happy Christmas to you and your family too,

23/11/2025 05:47:46 pm

Simon
You’ve already had a preview of a few hotels’ Christmas decorations this season — how do they compare to what the Four Seasons typically does? They’re usually in a league of their own with holiday styling, so I’d love to hear whether anything you’ve seen so far comes close.

23/11/2025 06:08:50 pm

There is one photo of Four Seasons at Park Lane's Christmas decorations on Instagram, taken on the night of the 45 Park Lane Christmas party. I was invited to Four Seasons, Tower Bridge's Lighting Their Christmas Tree Party but it was the same night as the 'Too Many Cooks' dinner at 45 Park Lane. There is only one of me. Claridge's Burberry Christmas tree goes up tonight. I will take a proper look at it all next month.

23/11/2025 10:37:41 pm

Looking forward to your December round up!

AISHA

24/11/2025 03:23:57 am

Simon you live such a wonderful life filled with so many amazing and interesting people. As I have said many times before, you write such interesting and informative posts describing the places you have visited and the fascinating people you meet. You really should seriously consider writing a book. You already have more than enough experiences over the years to write what I am sure would be a best seller. Don’t ever stop writing your blog and giving us experiences many of us can only dream about 🤗

24/11/2025 08:25:40 am

Thanks for all that encouragement. Check-in to The Emory today & have dinner in The Grill at The Connaught with Roland Fasel. Hope to pick his brains about my future direction.

Alexander Waco link

24/11/2025 09:32:08 am

This sounds like an absolutely spectacular and uniquely curated event. The concept of a "Too Many Cooks" dinner with such a celebrated roster of culinary talent—Grover, Hix, and Tonks—promises an incredible and diverse gastronomic journey. Combining that with the festive tree-lighting and the presence of luminaries like Jo Brand and Baroness Benjamin creates a truly magical London evening.

My question is about the collaborative kitchen dynamic: With three master chefs, each with their own distinct style and signature dishes, how was the menu structured? Did each chef take responsibility for specific courses in a "relay" style, or was it a truly collaborative effort where they blended their techniques to create fusion dishes specifically for this one-night-only event?

24/11/2025 02:58:53 pm

Staying at The Emory right now. Will post the menu on Instagram next. There were 5 chefs, should have been 6 cooks. Two chefs were responsible for each course but they all came out to shave the truffles on our plates etc These chefs love & respect each other & worked as a great team.

26/11/2025 01:47:26 pm

Well another fabulous time Simon it’s like reading a book I can’t put it down I need more, how exciting meeting a blast from my pass Floella now Baroness holding your hand ….. and the funny Jo Brand how lucky you are to lead such an exciting life I love hearing all your stories and where you stay. Not to say all the delightful and delicious looking food cooked by such incredible chefs. Looking forward to your next write up. X

26/11/2025 04:15:39 pm

Thanks for finding the time to add these positive comments. I met Richard E Grant at the Claridge's Burberry Christmas tree party last night. Whoopi Goldberg previously introduced herself to my godson & me in Claridge's.

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45 Park Lane; 'Too Many Cooks' Dinner & Their Christmas Tree Lighting Party - Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Chef Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand - London - November 2025

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