Bompas and Parr: Beyond The Waterfall Review
I’ve seen and done a lot of amazing things since I moved to London. Tuesday the 13th of December 2016, however, topped all those things. As I left my day job saying “I’m off to go have cocktails with Merman”. Let’s just say I got a few strange looks.
Bompas and Parr have gone above and beyond to create an immersive experience filled with wonder and intrigue. All within Westfield Shopping Centre (Shepherd’s Bush). From the moment my friend and I arrived, our excitement over this event was huge. Sneaky glances through the windows on added to my enthusiasm and impatience to get in and experience the wonders myself.
From the moment the doors are opened into the waiting area, it’s already easy to see how much work has gone in to creating Beyond The Waterfall. Every detail from the maps, to the décor, to the costumes, music and makeup has been specially designed. We got to talk to one part of the dynamic duo, Harry Parr before we were allowed inside and we were amazed that all the details came together in only eight weeks.
Finally after leaving our belongings in the cloak room, we were allowed to start our journey. From Whispering Waters, we steered our way on a boat through a real waterfall and martini mist (alcoholic vapours). Thankfully Bompas and Parr provided us with lovely umbrellas to stop us getting wet from the waterfall, but I did end up spending a little too much time in the mist. Rowing a boat is not something I found easy.
Here we had our first cocktail of the evening the ‘Message In A Bottle’ (Gunpowder Rum, Pearlescent Spiced Port, Spiced Grenadine, Gingerbread Absinthe). This cocktail shot served in a cute little corked bottle was so cute and so easy to drink. It reminded me of sloe gin and was delicious.
Upon making it safely to the other side, we arrived in Aladdin’s cave filled with gorgeous gemstones and Crystal Skulls. But the real marvels were waiting for us in the next room. Ruby, our lovely host created us with cocktails as we gazed in wide eyed wonder at three merman lounging on the bar.
Hand massages, music, laughs and delicious cocktails were had while we spent our time in the mysterious cavern. It was absolutely amazing. There is not one part of this room that is not instagrammable. The cocktail we chose to have was the ‘Floating Gold’ (Ambergris, Cognac, gold leaf flake sugar crystal, Crémant). My friend was excited to try this due to the Ambergris…. from the bellies of sperm whales and cured in the ocean, it’s rare and worth more than gold.
Before you leave Beyond The Waterfall, make sure you try the truffles and the canapes as they are shared around the guests. They are unbelievable.
Having been to Bompas and Parr events previously, I already had high expectations. Bompas and Parr exceeded them above and beyond. Beyond the Waterfall will be at Westfield London until Friday 23 December 2016. Unfortunately pre-purchase tickets have sold out but subject to availability, walk in spaces are available. Plus due to the popularity, Bompas and Parr will be extending their stay at Westfield London – dates to still be announced. Ticket prices are £15 and include the experience and two cocktails. It’s definitely something you won’t forget in a hurry.
To book tickets and find out more information vist uk.westfield.com/london or billetto.co.uk/beyond-the-waterfall. Donations can also be made to Save the Children, Westfield’s nominated charity partner, through ticket purchase.
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: @toogs1
Twitter and Instagram: @westfieldlondon + @bompasandparr #beyondthewaterfall
