As any parent will tell you, a day out that feels like a celebration is rare, so when the opportunity came to experience Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove, I was genuinely excited. I’d been looking forward to this event for a while – the whimsical hot air balloons, the Instagram-worthy setting, and the promise of something magical.
We arrived in good time and, being early, made the most of the photo opportunities. The balloons and wicker basket setting really were stunning, and we managed to capture some beautiful snaps before things got busy. Since the event is closing at the end of August, we knew we were catching the tail end of it and sadly, that was quite noticeable throughout our visit.
Overall Experience
The staff were absolutely lovely and accommodating, though there were a few delays in communication and even some mix-ups with food. Nothing that ruined the day, but enough to mention. Unfortunately, the first course set the tone and it wasn’t great.
The popcorn cartons, for example, were sticky and looked reused (not what you’d expect for the price of the experience). I don’t drink alcohol, which I mentioned ahead of time, but no real alternative was offered. A tiny serving of blue tea was brought out, but it was barely a sip.
The sandwiches were delivered in a beautifully presented box, but that’s where the magic ended. The bread edges were dry, the fillings tasted off, and honestly, we didn’t enjoy them at all. The much-hyped “doughnut in a globe” was underwhelming too – the globe looked unwashed, and the doughnut itself was heavy and gone in a bite. The “hook a duck” drink that was meant to be included never even arrived.
Is this a Sweet Treat?
Just as I was starting to think the whole experience might be a flop, the desserts arrived and wow. This was the highlight! Each dessert looked absolutely stunning and Instagram-ready. I tucked into every one except the scones, which were far too rich and heavy for me. By the time I got to the coconut, I was already uncomfortably full. Still, this course made me feel like perhaps this was the part of the experience they really invested in.
Drinks, however, were another disappointment. Water was charged at £6 a bottle, and while mocktails were available, they were £14 each. The twins shared one, which thankfully was plenty for them, but the pricing felt steep.
Final Ponder
In the end, the day was still special. It was my birthday, and after not really celebrating for the past nine years, I was grateful for the beautiful scenery, the hot air balloons, and the chance to make a memory with my family. The weather held up (thank you, God!), and for that I was thankful.
Would I go again? Honestly, no. The experience was lovely in its way, but not worth the cost – especially given the food quality, lack of creativity with vegan options, and missing parts of the advertised experience. With so many fantastic vegan options available these days, I really think more effort could have been made.
Still, it was a day of laughter, photos, and making memories with my gorgeous twins! Always best to make the most of a not so great expeirence, as any parent knows and sometimes that’s enough.
