La Serenissima

Join us for a slow and splendid lunch of Venetian charm – hosted by designer Michael Darlington at his enchanting home, shared with his partner.

Michael splits his time between London, New York and Venice, which greatly informs his culinary expression. Fresh from meandering the lagoon in his wooden boat, Michael will be sharing some of his favourite culinary notes from Venice with seasonable vegetables, hand carried back to London.

Affectionately known as Whittlesey, the house has been described by The World of Interiors as a transformation from “Swinging London den to gardener’s cottage.” Once graced by Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Rudolf Nureyev, it carries a rare and remarkable spirit of art, design, and revelry.

This spring, we revive that party spirit with La Serenissima - expect a leisurely afternoon of seasonal dishes, drinks in hand-blown Murano glassware designed by Michael himself. This is a small gathering, designed with care – the kind of lunch that gently spills into the early evening.

What to expect:

• Aperitivo on arrival – a choice of seasonal Italian spritz.

• Three-courses lovingly prepared by Michael Darlington, using seasonal ingredients from Venice.

• Free-flowing Italian wines and Prosecco from 40 Maltby Street, served in handmade Murano glassware designed in Venice by Michael Darlington.

• A reading of Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities, by writer- photographer Sarah Grice who continues to document the floating city with an ongoing photo series and writing. All guests will receive a limited edition print by Sarah.

• Live violin accompaniment by Marina Moore, whose credits include the Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía Opera House in Valencia.

Seats are limited – tickets available now.