The Bayeux Tapestry: Rocket at the British Museum
The return of The Bayeux Tapestry to England after almost 1,000 years called for an opening worthy of its extraordinary history. For the opening reception at the British Museum, we delivered a luxury catering experience inspired by the exhibition’s distinctly British roots, bringing together exceptional produce, thoughtful presentation and a menu shaped by the coastline and countryside of the British Isles.
The event was particularly significant for Rocket. We had recently been re-accredited as a selected supplier to the British Museum, making our return especially meaningful. To be back within one of London’s most important cultural institutions, and catering for an exhibition of such historic significance, was a privilege.
“The British Museum has always held a special place in Rocket’s story, so returning as a re-accredited selected supplier to cater for the opening reception of The Bayeux Tapestry was a particularly special moment for us. It’s a real privilege to be trusted with an occasion like this, in a venue with such an incredible history and character. We’ve built a wonderful relationship with the museum over the years, and we’re very proud to be part of its story and to continue creating memorable occasions together.”
— Holly Cruz, Head of Venues
A menu inspired by British land and sea
With The Bayeux Tapestry telling a story rooted in British history, our culinary approach followed a similarly strong sense of place. Our Shoreline and Green Pastures concept celebrated the richness of British produce, moving from the waters of the English coastline to the farms, gardens and pastures of the countryside. Guests were welcomed with a refined selection of canapés, including Orkney scallops with Champagne lovage sabayon, Hastings honey, truffle & Tunworth cheese sablé, and Sussex garden tartelettes. A salt-baked beetroot tartare with sea herbs & pickled shallots also added a vibrant note to the menu.
The Shoreline and Green Pastures food stall
At the centre of the drinks reception was a generous food stall. Our chefs hung and hand-carved Chalk Stream trout to order, served with blini, rye bread, seaweed crackers, pickled cucumber and dill crème fraîche. Cornish king crab crumpets paired sweet crab with pickled kohlrabi and dill, while freshly-shucked Maldon, Lindisfarne and Colchester Rock oysters were accompanied by a choice of lemon and Tabasco, ginger kombucha and seaweed, Bloody Mary sauce, pickled celery and horseradish snow.
The British charcuterie offering featured home-cured bresaola by London-based Cobble Lane Cured, freshly sliced by our chefs, alongside fennel and garlic salami, and coppa with treacle bread and celeriac rémoulade.
From the land came Sussex beef brioche with watercress mayonnaise, alongside a selection of produce-led dishes including Roscoff onion gougères with Sussex cheddar, courgette chouquettes with black olive, and summer mushroom carpaccio. The result was a menu that felt unmistakably British while retaining the creativity and refinement synonymous with Rocket. Throughout the evening, Gusbourne provided the perfect accompaniment through their signature sparkling English wines. With its focus on English-grown grapes, craftsmanship and quality, Gusbourne was a natural partner for an evening celebrating British heritage and culture.
Image courtesy of Bayeux Museum
about the bayeux tapestry
Spanning almost 70 metres, the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its loan to the British Museum marks the first time the remarkable medieval work has been displayed in the UK since it was made almost 1,000 years ago.
For Rocket, the opening reception at the British Museum brought together two of our longstanding passions: exceptional food and extraordinary cultural spaces. From hand-carved ChalkStream trout and freshly shucked oysters to British charcuterie and English sparkling wine, every detail was considered to complement the significance of the exhibition. Our renewed accreditation as a selected supplier means we can continue to create memorable dining moments at the British Museum, alongside some of London’s most important events.
The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum will run until 11 July 2027.
Host your own private viewing of the bayeux tapestry
Planning a corporate or private event at the British Museum? Get in touch with our team to explore hosting a private viewing of The Bayeux Tapestry, paired with a bespoke Rocket Food experience.