Let It Be Great: The Grand British Festival at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

The British are coming...

Experience and celebrate the very best of Britain in a week-long affair, "Let It Be Great," at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila from May 23 to 27, 2016. A Grand British Buffet at Circles Event Cafe, Grand High Tea at the Lobby Lounge, an elegant wine dinner by a Michelin-starred chef, a sensory Whisky Experience, British Pub Nights at Sage Bar, and a concert by the Manila Symphony Orchestra inspired by the greatest hits of The Beatles are just some of the events lined up for the week-long festival. It's a welcome British invasion, all happening at Makati Shangri-La, Manila...

Makati Shangri-La, Manila's General Manager, Alain Borgers (L), and the British Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Asif Ahmad (R), graced the launch, promising a unique and memorable experience with the best of British culture, from music, dining, tea, whisky, and fashion in a series of exciting events. 

In a media preview, His Excellency Asif Ahmad and Makati Shangri-La, Manila's GM, Alain Borgers raised a celebratory toast along with event partners and sponsors to oficially launch the week-long British festival. "The grand event is inspired by The Beatles song, Let It Be and United Kingdom's 'Britain is Great' campaign." We invite you to celebrate and experience the finest and delightful elements of the British culture-in music, fashion, dining, and innovation right here in the center of Makati. Every activity will be an enriching encounter, collectively providing a blend of avant-garde and traditional practices from Great Britain. Please be our guest at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, where everything is great," said Alain Borgers.

During the preview, we sampled iconic British libations including London's pioneer brew, the award-winning Fuller's Beer and gin cocktails featuring British labels like Boodles London Dry Gin, the artisanal Islay Botanist Gin, and Bulldog Gin, and you too can enjoy all these at Sage Bar's British Pub Nights starting May 24 to 27, 2016.

A classic Gin & Tonic, blended with the very best British gin, gets you in the groove in no time, and you'll be humming Rule Britannia after a few more rounds. British Pub Nights at Sage Bar allows you to enjoy Happy Hour with a British spin, with rounds of British beer and gin cocktails from 6-9pm for only P 1,800 net inclusive of three drinks and a buffet of charcuterie and British pub grub.

Rediscover whisky with one of the world's most revered single malts, The Dalmore, at Sage Bar on May 23 and 25, 2016, 9pm onwards with Dalmore Whisky Ambassador Adam Knox.

You can also opt for the 7 Senses Whisky Experience with Whisky Ambassador Adam Knox (L) on May 23 to 27, 6pm to 10:30pm at Sage Bespoke Grill Dining Room paired with a curated 6-course menu prepared by Michelin-Star Chef Daniel Galmiche at P 5,158 net. If it's tea you want, make that Grand High Tea in true British style... 

Indulge in an elegant British High Tea experience with Grand High Tea at the Lobby Lounge starting May 23 to 27, 2016 from 3pm to 6pm with Twinings Tea Ambassador Charles Smith who will guide you through one of Britain's iconic traditions. Prices for the Grand High Tea are set at P 850 net.

Throughout the week-long British festival, the elegant sartorial style inspired by London's legendary Saville Row will be showcased, led by iconic British fashion brands such as Cygnet, Edward Greene, Felipe and Sons, and TM Lewin. Makati Shangri-La, Manila's Let It Be Great British festival is a total experience.  

Enjoy and relive the greatest hits from the iconic British band, The Beatles, in a one-and-a-half hour concert, dubbed The Best of The Beatles by the Manila Symphony Orchestra along with four up-and-coming artists at the Lobby Lounge on May 26, 2016. Pre-concert cocktails will start at 7pm with the concert set for 8pm. Access is priced at P 2,600 net.

The flavors of Britain were also highlighted during the special media preview, with Smoked Haddock with Peas and Lemon Tomato...

...Earl Grey Deveron Salmon Confit with Crushed Lemon Potato...

...and Pickled Herring on Beetroot Puree and Creme Fraiche, just some of the classic British flavors of the festival.

Savory English Sandwiches were also served, like the Smoked Salmon on Granary Bread...

...a creamy Egg Mayonnaise with Cress (L) and the Cucumber with Cream Cheese and Caraway Seed Sandwiches (R), You can enjoy more at the Grand British Buffet at Circles Event Cafe from May 23 to 27, 2016 for lunch (Monday-Friday at P 1,280 net) and dinner (Monday-Thursday at P 2,100 net/Friday at P 2,350 net). 

One of my favorites during the preview was the Scallops with Green Pea Puree, Shallots and Black Pudding, prepared ala minute by the Makati Shangri-La, Manila's station chefs. It's a taste of even better things to come during the week-long festival...

Indulge in even more classic British flavors with Taste Britain by Michelin-Star Chef Daniel Galmiche on May 24 to 27, 6pm to 10:30pm, at Sage Bespoke Grill. The award-winning chef will prepare a delectable and innovative 6-course menu, with tickets priced at P 4,790 net.

Marco Tirraferi (L), Makati Shangri-La, Manila's Executive Assistant Service Manager-F&B and Area Executive Chef Paul Lenz (R), look forward to hosting you in Makati Shangri-La, Manila's Let It Be Great British Festival. Globe Platinum members receive a 20% discount on all events, while Mabuhay Miles members enjoy a 10% discount. For more information on Makati Shangri-La, Manila's Let It Be Great British Festival, you can download the e-brochure here at bit.ly/LetItBeGreat, email rric.slm@shangri-la.com or call (632) 813-8888 for restaurant reservations and inquiries. For more updates, follow Makati Shangri-La, Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MakatiShangriLa.

Makati Shangri-La, Manila is located at Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City or call (632) 813-8888 for inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.