Duo of young creatives Sam Bompas and Harry Parr have steadily been building a reputation as purveyors of extraordinary culinary experiences. Hosting one-off immersive and unusual events that vary from design to molecular gastronomy, culinary research to architectural installations, they've established themselves as a truly original name in contemporary food.
Now the pair have launched a museum dedicated to 'the history, evolution, science, sociology and art' of food. The first of its kind, the British Museum of Food is popping up in Borough Market for three months, and will host a series of exhibits in line with Bompas & Parr's own wacky style.
Set over two floors, the British Museum of Food aims to be a 'new cultural institution' to change the way people think about food and its role in their lives and culture as a whole.
The museum will host various launch exhibits (though not all of them appetising): Be the
Bolus: the Peristalsis Experience takes visitors on an 'immersive digital journey into the body' to explore the path of food – from plate, to mouth... and beyond.
Another exhibit is the Choco-Phonica, which sounds slightly more enticing: a multi-sensory experience where guests can experience taste against the medium of sound and observe how it affects the eating experience. Then there's the British menu archive, which hosts a selection of historical and beautiful menus to inform and intrigue.
As well as these, the museum hosts The Butterfly Effect, a walk in tropical butterfly experience, and the Atelier of Flavour which will showcase food as art. Where better to host the world's first food museum than in Borough Market: the place to go for London foodies after some unusual delights.
Tickets to the museum cost £5 and can be booked here.