From crafting tasting menus for the King’s coronation to preparing festive lunches at Buckingham Palace, Chef Marc Hardiman has a remarkable history with the British royal family. However, one of his most cherished moments was meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II face-to-face.
“Walking through the throne room was an incredible experience, and I couldn’t help but feel in awe of the historic surroundings,” he shared. “The most unforgettable moment was when I unexpectedly encountered the Queen herself in the service area. I bowed and quickly focused on ensuring everything went perfectly.”
Chef Hardiman recalls these moments as career highlights, saying, “As a British national, it was an extraordinary privilege to cook for such a remarkable monarch and her dedicated team. It’s a memory I will treasure forever.”
Now the head chef at Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubai, Hardiman continues to impress diners with his culinary expertise.
A Glimpse into Royal Menus
During a Christmas lunch for the royal household, Hardiman created timeless dishes like venison and smoked salmon, inspired by his family’s festive traditions. For the King’s Coronation in 2023, he crafted a special tasting menu featuring unique creations. “The lemon posset stood out as a favorite,” he said. “Its simple elegance resonated with the occasion and remains a dish close to my heart.”
Hardiman believes in a philosophy of simplicity, allowing high-quality ingredients to take center stage.
Festive Flavors for Dubai Residents
Chef Marc brings the same passion to his Dubai menu, which is inspired by his childhood holiday traditions. “The Christmas menu at Bull & Bear combines nostalgia and refined flavors,” he explained. “Each dish is a reflection of my favorite family celebrations and childhood recipes. I wanted to create an atmosphere of cozy, family-style feasting, just like the holidays I grew up with.”
One standout dish is the Humble Potato, served with walnut pearls—a staple from his family’s holiday table.
Another highlight is his Mulled Fruit Trifle, a tribute to his mother. “Growing up, my mum’s trifle was a centerpiece of our festive celebrations,” he said. “For me, nothing captures the essence of Christmas like a colorful and comforting fruit trifle. Including this on the menu is my way of sharing a piece of my family’s tradition, reimagined with a festive twist.”
Reliving Family Traditions
Chef Marc’s festive menu offers Dubai residents a chance to experience holiday meals filled with warmth and tradition. His thoughtfully crafted dishes blend nostalgic memories with his creative touch, making Bull & Bear a must-visit spot this holiday season.
Whether it’s his Humble Potato, Mulled Fruit Trifle, or other festive delights, Chef Marc Hardiman’s menu promises to make this Christmas unforgettable.
