On Tuesday 30 July 2024, Condé Nast Traveller invited readers to experience the beautiful woodlands of The Grove Hotel , a grand Grade II-listed mansion 18 miles outside London. On arrival, guests were driven in Discovery ’s latest luxe vehicles down to Fuego in the Woods restaurant, a lush pop-up centred around a long table below a woodland canopy. Here, ice-cold sangria and Cava were served as a live acoustic guitarist played, and canapés were circulated – tender slithers of Jamón ibérico and marinated Manchego getting gourmands prepared for a night of al-fresco feasting.
Guests then took their seats for the main event – a flame-grilled feast showcasing Spain ’s most loved dishes. Highlights included garlicky gambas al pil pil and smoked heirloom tomato salad with pepper and chive flower, all cooked over traditional wood-fired parrillas. The Grove’s chefs continued with the show-stopping paella valenciana and pulpo a la gallega – chargrilled Galician octopus served with embar-baked potatoes and smoked paprika.
The music and laughter grew as dusk rolled in, and some of Spain’s finest wine flowed. Supper ended on a sweet note with tarta vasca de queso con chocolate, a traditional Basque cheesecake baked in a wood oven, served with cherry compote. Discovery is known for its modern family SUVs, designed and engineered by the makers of Land Rover.
Guests experienced the comfort these vehicles offer as they slipped inside their rides back to the hotel’s Walled Garden for part two of the evening. A musical interlude featuring emerging talent from the Royal Academy of Music greeted satiated guests, crisp Champagne sparkling as performers delivered arias from a Spanish opera. Guests settled into bean bags as the summer sun slowly set while enjoying the classic Woody Allen film Vicky Cristina Barcelona under the stars.
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