A great chef launches a series of exclusive dinners aboard a luxury Boeing 727 parked in an industrial area of ​​Bristol.

Tom Green got the idea for the special evenings when he learned that the plane owner was looking for a chef to provide fine dining on the private plane.

Businessman Johnny Palmer runs Pytch Studios in the Bonville Road business park in Brislington, where the retired Boeing 727 was relocated earlier this year.

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The entrepreneurial owner bought the plane for less than £ 100,000 to ‘recycle’ it as additional event and office space.

And now the single plane, similar in size to a Ryanair 737 or an Easyjet Airbus A320, will house a pop-up restaurant for special dinners.

Tom, who started his career in the kitchens of the famous starred chef Raymond Blanc, says: “When I heard that Johnny was looking for a chef, it was so in my street that I met him the same day on board. the plane.

“I immediately took a liking to Johnny and his vision, I fell in love with the space and saw the incredible potential to create something special. Since then, I have been cooking for Johnny, business clients, friends and family.

Before arriving in Brislington, the plane had a fascinating history. It originally flew in 1968 with Japan Airlines as an airliner.

In the 1970s it was converted to a private VIP plane and is said to have even made secret voyages for military purposes and was the private jet of Middle Eastern royalty and various other owners.

The aircraft made its last flight in 2012 to Filton aerodrome in Bristol, home of the Brabazon and current home of the Concorde 216. From there, it was transported by road to Kemble airfield for there. to be recovered and for some items to be reused.

The fuselage, wing rockets and landing gear were then put back into place after being removed for transport.

The aircraft retains its retro kitsch 1970s interior including the original dining room, living room, accommodation suite, kitchen, toilet, shower and cockpit.

Tom says, “I love to travel, but I’m definitely not an airplane watcher or aviation geek. But I’m excited about different, original, fun things, and I love making memories that last and are unique.

“When I had my old business, The Flavor Smith, I hosted various pop-ups in amazing locations ranging from intimate candlelit dinners in a 14th century crypt surrounded by tombs to lavish feasts in country houses. from the 18th century.

“All of them were unique in themselves and created an unforgettable experience that is more than just a meal and a bottle of wine.”

Dinners on the Boeing 727 will be exclusive for those who book it, whether it is two or eight maximum.

The experience allows full use of the aircraft and begins with each guest receiving a personalized plane ticket for their “flight”.

Tom says: “It has been laid out like a private plane and lavishly designed so that 2-4 people can fly, dine and sleep in absolute luxury.

“The menus are tailor-made, taking into account the tastes of each client.

“The format of the dinners will start with check-in, then canapes and champagne in the lounge with the guests, then head to the dining room for a tasting menu and a flight of wines.

Later in the evening, the drinks cart will come out for cocktails and digestives.

“The current dishes that have been served on board create a story of the plane’s travel to this day, from being originally a Japanese commercial plane, then having a multi-million dollar fit-out to a private plane. for Middle Eastern royalty before his final trip to Bristol.

“Dishes can include wild mushrooms, black truffle and Old Winchester risotto, as well as poached quail eggs and crispy enoki mushrooms.

“However, with the menus and all the experience, the sky is really the limit!”

Dinner dates are limited and Tom says this is not a suitable place for stag or hen parties.

There is a fully stocked bar and Johnny, the owner of Pytch Air, will be launching his own brand of grain spirit in the coming months called DB Cooper, based on the unresolved true story of an unidentified man who hijacked a Boeing 727, extorting $ 200,000. ransom and disappeared from the alleged aircraft by parachute.

And Tom hopes that guests will also dress to impress for this unique dining experience, which will be cooked and served by the chef himself.

“I want it to be fun and exciting with the ultimate luxury feel. I hope the guests dress up – whether in Gatsby-style dresses, James Bond themes, or as pilots or flight attendants.

“I want people to immerse themselves in the experience as we go up the boarding stairs, lock the doors and take off!” “

For details on dinners, dates and prices, email [email protected]

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