Disappearing Dining Club hosts Dinner Dates at Town House

Tucked away on a quiet side street beside Christchurch is the beautiful Town House. An antique shop by day, Town House is overhauled by the Disappearing Dining Club by night to create an intimate dinner setting. The dining area is adorned with an eclectic mix of the antique and the rustic. The artwork and the vintage chandelier lend a certain elegance to the room, while the buckets of flowers and soft kitschy sofa suggest that this is an intimate dinner party rather than a restaurant. The hostesses are gracious and informative, and seem to instinctively appear when needed.

The menu is set but flexible for those with the smallest preference: pescetarians, gluten-frees and any other specifications are happily accommodated. All the same, each guest is welcomed with a Grey Goose Le Fizz – a refreshing mixture of Grey Goose vodka, elderflower and lime. We are sat together at a long table, which is set with an array of merlot and pinot grigio at close intervals. Served as an amuse-bouche is the Smoked Duck, Celeriac Remoulade and Crostini. The textures are pleasantly contrasting, combining the tender meat with the crunchy shredded celeriac and the crispy toasted bread. This serves perfectly to whet our appetites.

Next comes a starter of sorts: Potted Pork, Tarragon and Mustard with Pickled Vegetables and Toasted Sourdough. The potted pork is served shredded and spread almost like pâté on the sourdough toast. Though the plate is prettily presented, the pork and bread themselves are simple and tasty, almost reminiscent of a humble Sunday roast sandwich.

Served on a large wooden platter placed in the centre at each end of the table is the main course: Brick Lane Smoked Salmon with a Salad of New Potato, Grilled Asparagus and North Atlantic Prawns in a Creamy Lemon Dressing. Atypically, the smoked salmon is cooked through and served warm. The tender, flaky meat is savoury, and the fish flavour smoky, while somehow subtle. The creamy salad is served cold and acts as the perfect partner to the juicy smoked salmon. Finally, the dessert arrives: an Eton Elderflower Mess served in a champagne glass. It is a delicious concoction of light whipped cream hiding pockets of meringue and large, sweet strawberries.

Each course is light yet entirely satisfying, with modest portion sizes – but of course, the guests find themselves merrily stuffed by the end of the meal! With its unique setting and elegant menu, Town House is the perfect event for a special evening with loved ones.

Food: 18/20
Drinks: 15/20
Service: 17/20
Town House: 50/60

Aoife O’Driscoll
Photos: Ivan Spasov

Disappearing Dining Club will host a final evening at Town House, 5 Fournier Street, London E1 6QE on 29^th August 2013. For further information or to book, call 07944 113 696 or visit here.

For further information about Disappearing Dining Club and future events visit here.