The Truvia Voyage of Discovery with Bompas & Parr- 07.21.11
By Justine Aw, London
When I first caught wind of a new collaboration involving Bompas & Parr and Selfridges there was talk of flooded rooftops and rowboats above Oxford Street. And as always with the duo of jellymongers, one never knows quite what to believe (their previous shenanigans have included everything from a breathable cloud of Campari to chocolate waterfalls).
But sure enough, they have certainly delivered. The event’s official title is “The Truvia Voyage of Discovery” and as its name suggests is an introduction for the the natural, calorie-free Truvia® sweetener which will make its UK debut through Selfridges in a few months time. In typical Bompas & Parr style, the event must really be seen to be believed. No longer the barren urban rooftop along one of London’s most iconic shopping streets, the roof of Selfridges has been transformed into a home for thousands of stevia plants (from which the sweetener is derived) and a boating lake complete with a waterfall and a magical crystal bar/island. During their visit, voyagers can boat up to a bar where they can enjoy rooftop, boatside libations from the talent of the Experimental Cocktail Club as well as coffee and tea from the Caravan and the Rare Tea Company.
The rooftop madness runs from the 21st - 24th of July. Sadly, all tickets have already sold out!
The voyage began with this adventure-ready lift. It’s not terribly well sign posted, so make sure you take the leftmost lift near Chanel!
Next we entered the snake pit to hear a bit about stevia plant and collect our redeemable crystals.
The first view of the roof! The sun wasn’t exactly shining, but fortunately the rain did hold.
A long look down the boating lake. So strange to be so close to the Selfridges flags!
Our trusty vessel.
A drink with a view!
You can pick your paddle style of choice. We went for the middle, cricket-bat style ones.
Strawberries dipped in truvia delivered by boat. A maneuver probably executed far more elegantly by more skilled boatmen!
On the approach to the waterfall, ponchos at the ready.
My new stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) safely home. The sunflower relative is meant to be perennial, so the pressure is on to keep the little sugarleaf going!
ha! those are my hands and blue nails :-p I was on the boat with you. Hope you had a good time.
----- Kelly 21.07.11 11:57