Event planners, agents and bookers travelled back in time to the 18th Century when Somerset House, in partnership with leading caterers Zafferano, hosted a dining experience with a difference in the venue’s atmospheric Deadhouse.
The Zafferano Subterranean Supper Club, hosted in the iconic venue’s underground event spaces, treated guests to an exclusive four course banquet evocative of a time when the first foundations of Somerset House’s famous building were still being laid.
This was the first event held to showcase the Deadhouse in partnership with Zafferano, one of Somerset House’s accredited caterers. Event production company, Fisher Productions and entertainment specialist, Eight Ray Music also supported the evening.
The event kicked off with a drinks and canapè reception, which took the theme of great 18th century artists’ ‘still life’ creations. Taking Hogarth’s ‘Gin Ally’ as inspiration, guests were served ‘Bad Kitty’ and ‘Hanky Panky’ gin cocktails in copper cups before making their way to the imaginatively decorated dining table for a Beggars Banquet. Canapès included native oysters with Black Velvet shots and gin smoked salmon and potato drop scones with gooseberry compote.
Guests were then led through the Deadhouse’s winding and mysterious spaces to the Beggars Banquet which included such culinary delights as potted mackerel, soused beetroot, apple salad and Herdwick lamb pie served with dauphinoise potatoes, brassicas and lamb jus.
Pudding was a decadent affair when dinner guests were treated to a ‘Dessert Tableau’ in the theme of a Courtesan’s Parlour. Dishes included a macaron pyramid, opera cakes and Champagne and gold leaf jellies.
This was all rounded off with Zafferano’s take on an espresso martini. The“Moll Kings Martini”, named after a notorious 18th century Covent Garden coffee house, was served in pewter coffee cups.
Entertainment, provided by Eight Ray Music, included a live performance by classically trained composer, Okiem, famed for being Tinie Tempah’s keyboard player.
Joanna Moody, Zafferano’s Creative Director, commented, “One of the most wonderful aspects of being a special events creator is our access to some of London’s hidden gem venues – the little known but hugely atmospheric Deadhouse certainly falls into this category.
'Taking the starting point “Unlock the 18th Century” we have created a culinary journey for our guests, guiding them from Hogarth’s gin ally, through to a beggar’s banquet before finishing in the splendour of a Courtesan’s parlour.
'We believe in providing food that sings and performance is at the heart of everything we do. The Deadhouse at Somerset House has provided the most wonderful stage and backdrop!”
Stephanie Bevan-Moss, Acting Co-Head of Corporate Events at Somerset House, added, “We were thrilled to work with Zafferano to welcome event organisers and agents to this unique event in one of our venue’s historic hidden spaces. Zafferano, Fisher Productions and Eight Ray Music did a fantastic job in bringing the space to life, from the imaginative culinary creations right through to the styling. The feedback from guests has been fantastic and we are looking forward to holding other similar events here in the future.”