Created by food architects Bompas & Parr, the Truvia Voyage of Discovery installation invites...
Who? Bompas & Parr, creators of spectacular food experiences and the duo responsible for AnOther Magazine's Lanvin 10th birthday cake.
What? Selfridges has opened up the roof of its Oxford Street building in celebration of the UK launch of Truvia, the calorie-free sweetener made with the best-tasting part of the stevia leaf. Created by Bompas & Parr, the Truvia Voyage of Discovery installation invites visitors to row across an emerald green, stevia plant-bordered boating lake whilst enjoying panoramic views of the capital. Guests are invited to drink from the creative menu of Truvia-infused cocktails which are specially concocted by The Experimental Cocktail Club’s waiters and served from both the island and boat-up bars. A tropical soundscape written by composer Dom James, also provides the perfect background to the adventure, inspired by the South American origins of the stevia plant.
Why? It is the first time since World War II that the Selfridges roof has been open to the public. At the time the garden was a popular spot for walking however after the bombing of the department store in 1940 owner H. Gordon Selfridge vowed to keep it closed. This summer season, retail rooftop gardens are certainly in vogue. In Paris, the luxurious garden located on the Hermès headquarters building roof at 24 Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore was the inspiration for the house's latest fragrance, Un Jardin sur le Toit.
Open until July 24, not only does Truvia Voyage of Discovery provide a rare view of London but it is all the “most ambitious project yet” from the ingenious duo Bompas & Parr, whose previous creations have included a Willy Wonka-esque five tonne Chocolate Waterfall, clouds of breathable fruit and G&T, and flooding the Robert Adam building with four tonnes of Courvoisier Punch.
Truvia Voyage of Discovery with Bompas & Parr runs until July 24 on Selfridges roof, Oxford Street. Tickets required.
Text by Lucia Davies
