As its first birthday approaches, this low-waste, eco-luxe restaurant continues to redefine the very essence of eating out. ‘We have examined everything to make sure at every stage we are more sustainable and more circular,’ says Apricity’s head of events Stefan Jansen Birch. Even for weddings, where the vision is typically extravagant? ‘Yes,’ he adds. ‘Strictly seasonal menus and a daily focus on waste management are at the heart of what we do.’ That philosophy begins not by asking growers to produce to a shopping list of ingredients, but by asking what they have a surplus of, and it is those ingredients that the menu is built around.
‘That normally means two days’ notice to the kitchen for menu planning, although sometimes in the middle of service the menu changes. For weddings we look carefully at what was plentiful at that time the previous year and if a couples’ personal preferences can be sustainably sourced, then absolutely we will do it.’ As many of the dishes are plant based, that also makes juggling the balance of multiple dietary requirements that much easier.
Apricity’s pale pink exposed plaster walls and upcycled masonry, hanging plants and dishes that are naturally pretty and colourful makes this a chic and thoughtful wedding day choice. The London red butterhead lettuce salad starter, the black pearl and oyster mushrooms main and the Chouxnut pudding are all signature examples of food that doubles as decoration too.
Couples wanting to give a little something back during their wedding planning will appreciate that Apricity’s eco credentials extend far beyond the dining tables – which are reclaimed and recycled, and the nourishing menus – which are digitally displayed. The restaurant’s low-carbon refit means the use of natural materials throughout. Lights in the main restaurant are made from oyster shells, the acoustic panels on the ceiling are made from Leccinum mushroom, chairs are recycled from plastic coke bottles, kitchen lighting is made from waste coffee grounds and orange peel while the sinks in bathrooms were bought second hand on Etsy. ‘Everything we could upcycle, reuse or recycle, we did,’ says Stefan.
Apricity can accommodate thirty-two guests across two long tables for like-minded wedding parties who share its considered ethos. As Stefan says, ‘We’re all in this together.’
Apricity
The variety of printing techniques at this Mayfair favourite is testament to how it has evolved heritage practices with modern tastes. What could be lovelier than having your wedding colours perfectly matched to your wedding stationery? A meaningful motif engraved onto your invitations. Or the lace from your wedding dress laser cut onto your thank you cards. Whatever you would like, Mount Street Printers can produce it to an incredibly high standard.
Surely the most fun hair and nail salon in Mayfair? And with the longest cocktail and prosecco bar plus a floral birdcage to pose in for your after shots. Gather your favourite friends around the group styling table for bubbles and blow-dries at Duck & Dry inspired by the signature styles in the salon look book. Treat your bridesmaids to a salon hen party or take the entire space exclusively if you prefer.
Mount Street Printers
