TL;DR: Feast on Cloud 9 is a grounded hot air balloon dining pop-up at The Grove in Hertfordshire, returning 1 to 31 August 2026 (Thursday to Sunday). Choose between afternoon tea (£65 adults, £39.50 children) or a five-course fairground-inspired dinner (£75 adults, £49.50 children). Balloons seat groups of 4-6. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available – but you must confirm dietary requirements at booking.
If you’ve been searching for a genuinely unique hot air balloon dining experience in the UK, Feast on Cloud 9 is the one everyone keeps talking about. And honestly? The hype is justified.
This isn’t a gimmick. Yes, the balloon stays on the ground. But the setting, the food, and the sheer novelty of dining in a wicker basket surrounded by 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside make it something you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK right now.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
In this guide 4 sections
What is Feast on Cloud 9?
Feast on Cloud 9 is a pop-up dining experience created by Feast Events, a company that specialises in building experiential events around exceptional food. The concept is simple and brilliant: bespoke, red-and-white striped vintage hot air balloons are grounded in the formal gardens of a five-star hotel, and you dine inside the wicker basket.
The balloons are positioned alongside The Grove’s ornamental canal, with sweeping views across the estate. Your feet stay firmly on the ground, but the whole experience is designed to feel elevated, literally and figuratively.
The key thing to know: this is a proper dining event, not just a photo opportunity. Feast puts the food first, and the balloon is the extraordinary backdrop rather than the whole point.
It’s ideal for:
- Families looking for a memorable summer outing
- Couples after a special date night setting
- Groups of friends who want something genuinely different
- Anyone who loves great food and an Instagram moment to match
Where is Feast on Cloud 9?
You’ll find Feast on Cloud 9 in the picturesque formal gardens of The Grove, a five-star hotel set in the rolling Hertfordshire countryside, just outside of London.
Address: Chandler’s Cross, Watford, WD3 4TG
It’s an easy reach from London and well-connected by road. The balloons sit next to the iconic ornamental canal, with views across the 300-acre estate. And if the British weather doesn’t cooperate? There’s a covered indoor area, so the experience continues rain or shine.
2025 Dates and Times
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Tea | 28 May – 31 August 2025 | 12:00-14:00 and 15:00-17:00 |
| Evening Dinner | 28 May – 31 August 2025 | 18:00-19:45 and 20:30-22:15 |
Balloons seat groups of 4 to 6 people, so this is best booked as a group outing rather than a solo visit.
What’s on the Menu?
There are two experiences to choose from, and they feel quite different from each other. Here’s a breakdown of both.
Afternoon Tea (£65 per adult | £39.50 per child)
This is quintessentially British afternoon tea taken to a whole new level. Settle into the wicker basket of your very own hot air balloon and tuck into:
- A selection of finger sandwiches: oak smoked salmon, coronation chicken, cream cheese and cucumber, and Clarence Court egg mayonnaise and cress
- Warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserve
- A selection of secret garden-themed cakes and pastries
- Edible clouds (yes, really!)
Vegetarian and vegan afternoon teas are available. If you love a unique take on a British classic, check out our guide to the best unique afternoon tea experiences in the UK for more inspiration.
Did you know? Feast on Cloud 9 is one of only a handful of hot air balloon dining experiences in the UK. The balloon stays grounded, so there are no height restrictions and no need to worry about the kids!
Five-Course Fairground Dinner (£75 per adult | £49.50 per child)
The evening experience is where things get really playful. The 2025 dinner menu takes its theme from the fairground, and each course is a nod to classic fair food reimagined as fine dining. Expect:
- Welcome: Guess-the-flavour savoury popcorn with a welcome drink
- The Burger Stall: Beef wellington with truffle chips, sweet mustard ketchup and watercress (or free-range chicken as an alternative)
- Visit the Fortune Teller: Toffee apple doughnut
- The Coconut Shy: Roasted coconut mousse and chocolate cream with coconut chiffon sponge
A children’s menu is available for the earlier sitting. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also on offer. Important: all dietary requirements must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Is Feast on Cloud 9 Worth It?
We think so, and so do the people who’ve been. The reviews speak for themselves.
“Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove was a phenomenal afternoon tea experience. Everything was top class from the service, the food through to the ambience and setting. We fully recommend the experience of having tea in the hot balloon setting. The whole experience was relaxed and satisfying.” – George
“The service was exceptional and the attention to detail in every course was like nothing I have ever experienced. Each course was like an explosion of taste and the visual display was breath taking!” – Christie
At £65-£75 per adult, it sits at the premium end of dining experiences. But this isn’t a restaurant meal with a novelty backdrop. It’s a full event. The setting, the food quality, and the sheer memorability of it justify the price for a special occasion.
Our verdict: If you’re looking for a genuinely one-of-a-kind hot air balloon dining experience in the UK, this is it. Book the afternoon tea for a family treat or the fairground dinner for an unforgettable evening out.
