Dish debuts HYGGE event concept and menu on board the Erasmus

Yesterday (2 February) independent caterer Dish launched its new HYGGE event concept and menu on board Thames Luxury Charters’ (TLC) boat the MV Erasmus (pictured above). A Danish and Norwegian word, hygge (pronounced hue-gah), expresses a type of mood – cosyness, conviviality and togetherness.

Nick James, CEO of Dish said: “We want to change the face of post conference parties and networking events, providing a more relaxed and cosy environment. The Nordic people do this brilliantly and we’re bringing hygge to the hospitality industry with our new event concept and menu.”

Showcasing the luxurious MV Erasmus, TLC and Dish extended a warm Nordic welcome to more than 100 guests including representatives from Deloitte, Crossrail, Credit Suisse and JP Morgan. Embarking the vessel, guests were greeted by waiting staff serving cocktails in jam jars, Canard Duchene champagne and Charles VII Smooth Rosé.

The Erasmus was decorated with festoon lighting and glowing lanterns. The interior was cocooned in fur with animated roaring log fires on screens providing the added illusion of heat. Guests could wrap up against the chilly night and enjoy the passing London backdrop wearing fur coats and woolly hats made available on board. The wonderful aroma created by the waffle station added to the chilled cruising vibe.

Served from wooden planks, guests tucked into bites from Dish’s new HYGGE menu inspired by traditional Scandinavian cuisine and flavours. Eats served on the night included cheese fondue, dill cured salmon with beetroot salad and cucumber caviar, smoked venison with lingonberry on rye bread, cod fricassee with shellfish sauce and meatballs with mash potato, gravy and lingonberry jam. Traditional semlor (cardamom buns with almond paste and whipped cream) and DIY customised waffles were among the desserts served. Tipples included a selection of Danish beers and hot Danish whisky-infused hot chocolate.

Guests enjoyed background music by a DJ (via En Masse), foosball and air hockey provided by Viva Vegas and an interactive mirror photo booth with winter props courtesy of Chilled Events.

Dish’s new HYGGE menu includes canapés, soups, meat & stuff, open faced sandwiches, Scandinavian cheese fondue and Nordic desserts. The menu is available for events now and the HYGGE party concept can be produced in conjunction.