A collaboration between London restaurant, Moro, and trained Chef Ellen Parr and set designer Alice Hodge, the Art of Dining have plenty of experience bringing wild culinary experiences to London with a series of pop-up events. The duo typically play on frivolous themes, like their '80s Office Christmas Party pop up earlier this year. Christmas bookings will be similarly lavish, and 5 courses long.
Parr's menu has an alternative feel, though the key ingredients are familiar and seasonal. Begin with freshly baked soda bread with anchovy butter and radish salad, then it's the turn of Vietnamese-style roasted quail. A warm hazelnut, green bean and orange salad will be a pre-requisite for the Italian-influenced main, called 'Bolito misto': mixed poached meat, with mustard fruit and Italian sauces.
Other than in the red wine-poached pears, bay leaf ice cream and walnut dessert, the rest of the alcohol isn't included, but can be purchased separately at the bar.
Sutton House was built by Ralph Sadler, courtier to Henry VIII in 1535. It's still decked out with original oak panelled walls, working fireplaces and Tudor paintings, so it doesn't get much more festive than this. Let the Grand Chamber be your dining room as you feast at a grand table on the very floorboards where the old King was believed to have dined himself.
A low-lit banquet within a wisteria-adorned courtyard, with twinkly candles and warm spiced cider. Can you hear the bells yet?
| What | The Art of Dining, Christmas Dinner 2016 |
| Where | Sutton House, 2-4 Homerton High St, Hackney, E9 6JQ | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Hackney Downs (overground) |
| When |
14 Dec 16 – 22 Dec 16, Times and dates vary |
| Price | £100pp |
| Website | Click here to find out more from The Art of Dining |
