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Eurostar sets Champagne world record
Eurostar has set a world record for the largest ever Champagne tasting after 515 passengers simultaneously sipped sparkly on a journey from London to Paris.
Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc, who works with Eurostar’s kitchens to create its menus, surprised passengers on Thursday with a Champagne tasting led by Arnaud Goubet, his sommelier from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford.
Passengers in all classes were treated to sips of three types of Champagne served with a slice of opera cake – a French cake made with layers of almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee buttercream and covered in a chocolate glaze.
The stunt was held to mark Eurostar’s 20th anniversary celebrations with the company’s first cross-channel journey having taken place on 14, November 1994.
Since then the service has carried more than 145 million passengers.
Marc Noaro, Eurostar’s service and people director, said: “Today marked the start of our 20th anniversary celebrations and we’re delighted to have shared this special occasion with our passengers who joined in the festivities and set a new Guinness World Record title.
“With a leap in passenger numbers to 145 million, as well as the introduction of new routes and new destinations, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate this year. From our birthday on 14th November, we’ll be hosting a series of events for customers to commemorate our birthday and thank them for their support over the past two decades.”
The tasting also marks two years since Eurostar and Raymond Blanc joined forces to transform the on board dining experience for Business Premier passengers.
Raymond Blanc, said: “I’m honoured to have been on board this special service to celebrate Eurostar’s 20th Anniversary and set a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest Champagne Tasting Event! The Champagnes were carefully selected and I hope everyone will join me in raising their glass to mark this momentous occasion.”
Eurostar has already announced plans to extend its service to Amsterdam, Lyon and Marseille.
So what were the three champagne types served was it all that rather over dosed Pannier?