Foodie staycations at Rotunda

We teamed up with long-time friend Alex Claridge, chef-owner of the acclaimed 3 AA Rosette restaurant The Wilderness in Birmingham to bring you a series of high-end foodie staycations. We paired Alex’s provocative dining experience with the sleek and stylish interiors of our iconic Rotunda serviced apartments to create the ultimate socially-distanced night away.

“Our restaurant experience at The Wilderness has always been one of escape and of bending quite what’s expected, and this pop up was no different. Whilst both holidays and dining out as we remember them aren’t quite possible just yet {the event was during lockdown}, we wanted to do something which brought some of the best aspects of both together for the guests we love to serve. This set up means diners can be assured that social distancing is observed while enjoying a cool welcome break with fine dining that has been sorely missed. We can’t wait to offer guests an experience which is truly exciting and unique, and one borne of its time,” Chef Alex Claridge.

We love your pictures! Here are some shots from the Summer events

excited guest sat at table at wilderness private dining event at rotunda

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Wilderness team preparing starters at Staying Cool

City views from rotunda with quote from private dining event guests saying thanks.

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Starter dishes prepared for service in Staying Cools penthouse

table setting in Rotunda studio apartment for wilderness dining event

Wilderness chefs prepping dishes in penthouse

guest at wilderness dining event with wine and dish

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Foodie Staycation: Wilderness Scallop Starter with Geranium

Meat course at wilderness private dining event

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Guest sitting at dinner table excited for their meal

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Wilderness dining event breakfast course

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@Umasue

starter course at wilderness private dining event

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Sushi course at wilderness private dining event

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Wilderness private dining event dessert dish

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dinner table setting for wilderness private dining event

@jadeamanda.22

Fish course at wilderness private dining event

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wilderness dining experience guests enjoying the views of Birmingham from their Rotunda serviced apartment.

@LizzieFrainier

city views at night from Rotunda penthouse balcony

starter course with city views at the wilderness dining event at Rotunda Birmingham

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Guest toasting with glass of wine at wilderness private dining event at Rotunda.

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Wilderness private dining event starter course

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What the food critic said

The Telegraph’s food and travel writer, Lizzie Frainier, had this to say when she joined us for the first event,

“The scallop starter was standout.”

“Once you’re settled in, the indulgent feeling of not having to leave the room at all is rather romantic.

“Being able to watch the city come back to life from high above through an open floor-to-ceiling window upped the ante on the sense of freedom and celebration that we all seem to be looking for now…”

fireworks outside a staying cool Mini studio apartment at rotunda birmingham

Bonfire Night Wilderness x Staying Cool Dining Event

Until the government announced its second lockdown, Alex and the Wilderness team should have been dishing up seven-serves from 7pm in the comfort of guests’ own Staying Cool apartments while they enjoyed panoramic views across the city, as well as fireworks, from the top floors of the Rotunda. Tables were being set ahead of check-in to create the perfect private dining room experience. It had to have been one of the safest and fun-nest events to attend but we couldn’t go ahead as planned.