Caveaux - Les Caveaux de Sabrage & Maître-Sabreurs in the UK

The Café Royal at 68 Regent Street London W1.

This famous temple to pleasure is world renowned and was the first Caveau in the United Kingdom. The Café Royal, together with The Piccadilly Hotel is a Le Meridien duet of fine wining and dining. Hotel accommodation for guests at the Café Royal functions is available at the Piccadilly. The Café Royal has hosted 5 major events and is one of our favourite spots for large Tastings. Daniel Pedreschi is Maître-Sabreur and Resident Manager.

The Millennium-Gloucester Hotel , Harrington Gardens London SW7

Maître-Sabreur Andrew Tan is also the director of the Conference Centre. Superb accommodation spanning the Bailey's Hotel too, this hotel is in the heart of South Kensington's splendid gastronomy. A favourite venue for our Wine Competitions- Call My Wine Bluff and for many tastings, The Millennium’s wonderful conservatory is a perfect place for our Summer Champagne Party.

The Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, W1

The Dorchester , one of the top hotels in the world, achieved legendary status almost from the day it opened in April 1931 for its exceptional facilities, exemplary standards of service and excellent dining experiences. It w as the venue for the Autumn Gala Dinner and Chapîtres for 2003 and 2004. Here Chevalier Maître-Sabreurs Gareth Bush awaits to welcome you to this world famous landmark.

The Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire

The Woodward Family has run the Boat Inn since 1877 when it formed part of the Duke of Grafton's 'Wakefield' estate. In those early days, the inn was run in conjunction with the family's other businesses - the local butchery, bakery, smallholding and working narrowboats.

The Boat Inn, situated right beside the Grand Union Canal is now being run by the fourth generation of Woodwards, with a good possibility of the 'dynasty' continuing well into the 21st century. The family is proud to be running a popular Freehouse in a beautiful situation, totally independent of any brewery. Current publican, Officier Andrew Woodward, is not only the Maître Sabreur of the Boat Inn but also Connétable for the County of Northamptonshire.

The City Pipe at 33 Foster Lane (off Cheapside), London EC2V 6HD

The City Pipe is one of two Davy's Wine Bars that are Cavbeaux in the City. The team await you at the new contemporary setting for the City Pipe offering the best of 'Davy's’ bar and table service.

A full range of hot and cold food is available at the bar with a full menu available in the restaurant. ('The Rib-eye steak is superb!'). The 'Pipe has long been renowned as the ideal party venue. The tradition continues with several private areas with the 'elegantly appointed' Club Room available for meetings, lunches and dinners by arrangement.

Evenings are as lively as you make them! Whether it is a party or a quiet drink at the fully licensed bar, you will find some excellent Fine Wines in the Wine Bar's cellar. They have an extensive wine list including Davy's Own Label quality House Wines and vintage ports are decanted daily and available by the bottle and glass. Whatever your requirements, Maître-Sabreur Marian Arieta and her team will be pleased to discuss them with you.

A pipe is a barrel of Port usually containing about 570 litres!

The Chopper Lump at 10c Hanover Square, London W1R 9HD

The Chopper Lump is another traditional wine bar with wine and food available all day and is particularly noted for charcoal grilled steaks. You will be welcomed by Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Robert Barnsley.

Hotel du Vin Southgate Street, Winchester - James Nichols

Hotel du Vin Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells - Tom Ross
Hotel du Vin , Birmingham - Mark Huntley, Chevalier and Maître-Sabreur

Quoted by one journalist as a group of “hotels with substance and wit” - they conjure up images of wonderful wines, great cocktails and cigars, serious showers, divine Egyptian linens and classic bistros with a twist .

Each and every one of their stylish hotels supports their simple but effective philosophy – good quality without all the frills, sensible prices and friendly, knowledgeable service.

Leaving successful careers in some of Europe’s finest hotels, in 1994 Robin Hutson and Chevalier Maître -Sabreur Gerard Basset MW developed the hugely popular Hotel du Vin & Bistro in Winchester, Hampshire. It became an overnight success attracting critical acclaim in the UK national press and a strong following in the local community. In 1997, Hotel du Vin & Bistro opened in Tunbridge Wells and has since established further in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Harrogate and Henley.

Hotel du Vin Ltd was acquired by Marylebone Warwick Balfour in October 2004. MWB is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange, and also owns the Malmaison Group of hotels.

Robert Cook took over the role of Chief Executive of both Hotel du Vin Ltd and Malmaison in October 2004, Chevalier Gerard Basset continues as the wine advisor and as a Maître-Sabreur .

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, SW1

Built in 1889 , the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has long been recognised as one of London’s grandest hotels. Overlooking picturesque Hyde Park, it is ideally situated for leisure and business travellers alike. Becoming a Caveau in early 2004, it was our venue for both Spring Chevaliers' Dinners in 2004 and 2005 and will be so for the 21st April 2006 for the Spring Gala Dinner. Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Christoph Mares is General Manager of this fabulous hotel.

The Piano , Kensington High Street, London

Pianist Bazz Norton and his 160 year-old Collard & Collard grand piano invite you to sample the delights of the Piãno bar and restaurant. Quoted as being ‘one of the best nights out in London’ by Edward Sullivan from the Evening Standard, the Piãno is an elegant piano bar on Kensington High Street, W8.

Hintlesham Hall Hotel - Nr Ipswich, Suffolk

A 21st Century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism supervised by Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Dee Ludlow within a Grade 1 Listed Elizabethan Manor House, Hintlesham Hall is to be found nestling in 175 acres of rolling Suffolk countryside. The 16th Century building is distinguished by its Georgian additions, most notably the famous façade, and by earlier Stuart interior embellishments.

Widely recognised as being one of the loveliest amongst the UK and Ireland's highest rated hotels, the Hall has 33 bedrooms and suites of varying shapes, sizes and styles enhanced by fine fabrics, works of art and antiques which abound throughout the hotel.

The accent is on friendly professionalism and the list of available activities is substantial although the heart of Hintlesham Hall is the opportunity simply to relax and perhaps wander around the grounds or countryside before enjoying Chef's latest menus and depleting their award winning wine cellar.

Lythe Hill Hotel , Haslemere, Surry

Situated on the slopes of the Surrey hills, in a beautiful and tranquil Wealden setting under the care of Chevalier Maître-Sabreur David Armstrong , is the enchanting Lythe Hill Hotel. An unusual cluster of historic buildings set in 20 acres of parkland, with a Tudor house and carefully restored farm buildings, it has an atmosphere all its own. A mixture of old and new creates a village feel.

The Auberge de France in the Tudor house, overlooking the lake and parkland, offers classic French cuisine in 14th century splendour .  Awards from both the RAC and AA are indicative of the quality and high standards of service at this enchanting four star hotel. Private dining rooms are available for celebrations and parties.

Grim’s Dyke Hotel , Harrow Weald

The former country residence of W.S.Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan fame is set in 40 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands, only 10 miles from London's West End.

Under the ownership of Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Paul Follows this carefully restored country house is renowned for its special musical events, banqueting, conference and wedding facilities and in 2004 received a 3 Star Silver Standard Award from the English Tourism Council.

The Hotel won the London in Bloom 'Best Floral Hotel' award last year as well as the Visit London 'Best Small Hotel in London' award.

Northcote Manor Hotel , Lancs

Northcote Manor was once a true family home for a Lancashire textile baron and still holds the atmosphere of warmth and well being. Now in the ownership of Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Craig Bancroft and Michelin starred chef Nigel Haworth, the original foreboding hall is now a welcome to all our guests with roaring fires in the Winter and a small bar for those who enjoy an afternoon cocktail. The adjacent lounges each with their own log fires create a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy afternoon tea, champagne before dinner or cognac and cigars at then end of a memorable evening.

Northcote has fourteen individual bedrooms providing the basis for the Northcote philosophy of warm, friendly and sincere hospitality. This is brought to you by the detailed attention of a proud team that ensures the day to day running of The Manor. In 1999 Northcote was proud to receive the prestigious award of "The Independent Hotel of The Year" by the Caterer & Hotelkeeper .

Le Vacherin , South Parade, Chiswick

Serving French cuisine in a bistro style venue, Le Vacherin prides itself on mesmerising dishes made from the finest, quality ingredients prepared by Chef Patron Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Malcolm John. Using organic produce with bread being the only exception, everything is made in-house including their fantastic Ballotine de Fois Gras et Marmalade de Figues.

Chef Patron, Malcolm John has over 24 years experience in the kitchen (Blue Bird Members Club, Café Royal, St Quentin) and has perfected his monthly changing menus to ensure the freshest and most seasonal products at all times. Set in two rooms, Le Vacherin is able to seat 70 covers with a private dining section for 25. The white and pistachio green chequered tablecloths enhance the bistro feel and the large windows create the feeling of light and space.

Sir Christopher Wren's House Hotel, Windsor

An elegant Grade II listed town-house hotel overlooking the River Thames and in walking distance of Windsor town centre. Sheltering beneath the ramparts of Windsor Castle, Sir Christopher Wren's House Hotel enjoys a setting of remarkable beauty on the corner of Eton Bridge. The 17th Century hotel holds a unique place in English Heritage. A warm greeting awaits guests to the hotel. The 90 bedrooms and suites have been sympathetically restored to offer every comfort and service in a traditional and secluded setting.

Sir Christopher Wren's House was designed and built by the celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren. He chose to set up his family home in Windsor, a town close to his heart because his father was the Dean of Windsor and, as a young boy his family lived in the Deanery within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Chevalier Barry Skinley, the Food and Beverage Manager is the Maître-Sabreur. Mr Goran Strok, founder and president of GS Hotels sabraged on the Caveau's opening to be the first Sabreur and was presented with a sabre by Chevalier-Councillor Clare Logue on the Hotel Group's Tenth Anniversary.

The Chaise Caveau

Chevalier Maître-Sabreur Robin Shuckburgh is also our Connétable in Oxford and Gloucester.

The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington

We are delighted to welcome this famous hotel from the Goodwood Group. The Maître-Sabreur is Chevalier Graham Bamford, the General Manager there for many years. The stunning view from the 10th floor Restaurant across London's skyline adds to the luxurious comfort of the Hotel's 396 bedrooms and Spa. The Palace Suite will be the venue for our Autumn Gala Ball on Friday 3rd November 2006.

The Embassy Caveau has seven maître-sabreurs. The Ambassador, the Chancellor as well as Commandeur Pin Ong together with Officiers Dominique Largeron, Jolyon Griffiths, Gerard O'Shea and Chevalier Clare Logue are all available to assist in "mobile caveau". The main sabrage effort of the embassy maîtres is the Programme of Events.

The Maîtres-Extraordinaires are the Maître-Sabreurs who have moved on from their Caveaux and are always on tap to sabrage with us at any event - Lynda Woodin, Peter Richards, John White, George Budden, Malcolm Noblett, Jacek Kruszyna, Nathan Evans, Ian Speirs, Ken Chapronière and Neil Sherry.

We welcome enquiries from Hotels and Restaurants interested in becoming Caveaux de Sabrage.

Maître des Caveaux (Royaume Uni) – Jolyon Griffiths

Ambassador - Julian White