We tried Feast over Flame in Marlow and it was incredible

From the moment you step foot onto the boat to when you arrive at the 'top-secret location', you're blown away by the panoramic views of Marlow's waterways and gorgeous scenery on May evening.

Everything about this dining experience was beautiful, in terms of the location and food presented in front of me. 

Feast Events has boomed into a successful business which started in the Covid lockdown, when outdoor dining was permitted under the Government rules.

At the time, you had to be seated outdoors with 50 per cent covering so the team behind Feast Events found a location in Marlow to set up a huge open marquee which allowed guests to eat within Covid rules.

Since then, Feast Events has run outdoor events including Feast over Flame, Feast on Cloud 9 and Feast over Game proving just how popular eating in the great outdoors really is.

The Bucks Free Press was invited to their first pop up event of the year, Feast over Flame, which runs from May 3 until June 1.

On Friday, we were transported by a private boat with a glass of bubbly to enjoy the views of the River Thames.

The conversation around Steve Backshall's recent sewage findings in the Thames was inescapable, yet everyone was in high spirits as we approached our secret dining location.

We hopped off the boat and took in the sunset views before being encouraged to take a photo in front of their Instagrammable floral set-up.

We were then led through a rickety stone pathway to a private garden area which overlooked the River Thames. I'd advise you to wear appropriate footwear as it can get muddy.

It felt like I was at someone's wedding with music playing, drinks flowing and tables beautifully set up with a faux flower arrangement. There were cosy green blankets on the chairs too.

There was an extensive cocktail list with Feast Events' unique twist on a Negroni to Aperol Spritz. Other drink options included wines, beers and soft drinks.

First came a huge loaf of delicious freshly baked meadow herb bread with whipped wild garlic butter to share for the table.

The first course was then prepared at our table in a BBQ.

Full video

@bucks.free.press The Bucks Free Press was invited to try Feast over Flame on Friday, a pop up immersive dining experience along the River Thames in #Marlow ♬ Dirty Harry (Instrumental) - Gorillaz

Pancetta-wrapped Wye Valley asparagus was grilled as we were served small plates of soft-boiled quail's egg and truffle mayonnaise.

This was really fresh and surprisingly delicate despite the richness of the mayo. 

We then tucked into a palette cleanser of a dish, which contained apple smoked hand dived scallops cooked in the shell, pea purée, pea shoot and apple salad, cumin espuma. It was Michelin quality.

With incredible flavours popping throughout each course, I was excited to try the main of grilled fillet of beef and tiger prawn.

The triple-cooked truffle chips were super hot and crunchy and the meat melted in the mouth, but unfortunately, the beef was cold.

Apart from that, this main dish was delicious it just would have been better if the plate was hot but the bearnaise sauce was the perfect accompaniment.

If that wasn't enough, then came the desserts of vanilla panna cotta served in eggs in a bird's nest.

This was beautifully presented and the flavour was zesty and creamy. 

The BBQ was used once more for our dessert of charred pineapple and toasted coconut Pina Colada Pavlova.

A s'mores platter with a choice of hot drink finished off the five course meal.

All in all, it was a beautiful dining experience with plenty of food served as the evening carried on. 

For £95 per person, you get a boat ride with a welcome drink and canapes, a five-course meal and guests waiting on you hand and foot.

They make a fuss out of birthdays too, with diners given a sparkler to wave around as Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday is played loudly.

For more information and to book, visit www.feast-events.com.