TWO of Osborne Road’s most popular venues are set to be transformed with floor to ceiling floral installations as part of Newcastle’s first luxe flower and foodie show, which launches today (Thursday 11 August).
Jesmond in Bloom, an event created by Cairn Group in collaboration with 5thAvenue Flowers will see Asian-fusion restaurant Sohe and adjoining gastro bar 97 & Social become a horticultural haven, showcasing spectacular floral displays.
An exclusive VIP opening party is taking place this Thursday evening (11 August) from 6pm in Sohe, for which the last remaining tickets are available to register for free here.
The festival spanning two weeks will offer guests the chance to enjoy a unique floral experience while they drink or dine in the social hotspots, running untilTuesday 23 August.
The two venues will be decorated with all types of bloom from peonies to palms, with five different set-ups to browse, as well as the chance to sample limited edition botanical-inspired cocktails and dishes especially designed to mark the occasion.
Sohe’s bar area will been turned into a ‘Tropical Oasis’ – a collection of colourful, exotic flowers and plants, complementary of the restaurant’s Asian heritage, whilst the bar’s seating area is now the ‘Carnivore Corner’, sprouting a number of blossoms with a twist.
The main restaurant features ‘Insanely Cool’ – with succulent arrangements taking over the tables as centrepieces, adding to the area’s sophisticated atmosphere. Meanwhile in a make-shift jungle, guests will find a ‘Rainforest Retreat’ – with tall, leafy plants spanning the walls, amongst a green forest of ferns and palms.
Not forgetting the restaurant’s private dining area, which is being crafted into ‘The Poison Cabinet’ – filled with caged poisonous plants and wild flowers, not for the faint-hearted.
Next-door at 97 & Social, in-keeping with the bar’s relaxed atmosphere, guests can explore ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ presented across three areas: ‘The Good’ with its natural plants which carry health benefits including herbs, aloe vera and peace lily; ‘The Bad’, a collection of rough foliage, including ferns and chili plants; and ‘The Ugly’, combining edgy plants including cacti and ginseng.
Cocktails blends conjured up with spirits from Jesmond in Bloom’s three gin partners, Bloom, Hendricks and Sunderland-distilled Poetic License, include ingredients like hibiscus purée, camomile buds, nettles, rose petals and thyme liqueur.
Special menu options incorporate refreshing tastes and unusual pairings adding to the whole offering.
Whilst at the Cairn Hotel reception, which joins the two venues, speciality floral arrangements from 5th Avenue Flowers are available for purchase from a pop-up flower stall throughout Jesmond in Bloom.
Naveen Handa, director at Cairn Group, said: “Jesmond in Bloom will truly be an experience like no other right here in the North East, which we are extremely proud to be hosting at Sohe and 97 & Social.
“The event will offer something brand new to guests, who can spend time exploring the stunning floral décor from the experts at 5th Avenue Flowers. Our themed menus will also bring some exciting flavours to customers like Miso-marinated Steaming Red Snapper at Sohe and a delicious strawberry, vanilla and honey-infused cocktail at 97 & Social.”
To RSVP to the free launch party, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
For more information on Jesmond in Bloom, check out Sohe’s Facebook page@sohenewcastle or call the restaurant 0191 281 8161, or 97 & Social’s Facebook page @97social or call the bar on 0191 281 1358.