The Crazy Bear Group are known for their quirky, eccentric hotels. With one in Stadhampton (where they also have a farm and a farm shop) and one in Beaconsfield, a restaurant in Fitzrovia and a private members’ club in Covent Garden, the Crazy Bear Group have a great collection of luxury venues. And once a year, the bear steps out of its decadent den to come and play.
This year, we were invited to the Crazy Bear Group’s Garden Party at their Stadhampton base. It was the 20th anniversary of the event, so this year marked a special milestone.
"Once a year, the bear steps out of its decadent den to come and play.".
Although not a dissimilar concept to a small festival, The Garden Party is actually more like your rich friend’s birthday party. There were a couple of thousand people there, however the whole event was nicely intimate and sophisticated, with people sipping on Pimms and Laurent-Perrier and eating from a freshly prepared banquet.
Starting at 2pm and finishing at 1am, the day was filled with non-stop entertainment. This year, headliners included JLS, Sister Sledge (who flew over from the states for the event), the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Peter Andre and Stacey Solomon, as well as a DJ set by Fast & Frank of Fun Lovin’ Criminals... to name but a few! Finished with one of the best firework displays I have ever experienced, this event really is something special.
We were lucky enough to experience the VIP package, which included a Champagne reception, entrance to the VIP marquee facing the stage, table seating with full table service, an all-day banquet, VIP cocktail and a Champagne bar.
The food was beautiful. A vast selection of barbeque style food, fresh salads and vegetable kebabs; all freshly prepared and greatly welcomed.
The Crazy Bear Group also used this Garden Party to launch their partnership with Cancer Research UK. Their aim was to raise as much money as possible through ticket donations, prizes and exposure at the event.
There was even one of the last ever chances to meet JLS backstage in the raffle prize, which was amongst many more amazing prizes… The perfect justification to part with some cash!
Not exactly knowing what to expect, the day was significantly more than anything I could have imagined. The atmosphere was electric. If you imagine the best party you could possibly think of and add to it fire eating and burlesque, you might be half way there. Who needs Ibiza?
The Crazy Bear Group is certainly a group I would spend more time getting to know. As well as special events such as the annual Garden Party, the group has special offers, such as their Champagne Wednesdays, where you can get 50% off all their Champagnes at any Crazy Bear Group venue every Wednesday. They also host clay pigeon shoots every other Sunday in Stadhampton, and even offer one-to-one private tuition with Mickey Rouse. These are people who know how to have fun and unwind.
The Crazy Bear Garden Party will certainly be in my diary for next year and I seriously suggest it makes it into yours as well!
The Bill: £125 per head
