Those in charge of sorting out Christmas party, but tasked with the harrowing prospect of finding something ‘a bit different’ will be pleased to know The Manhattan Club’s new immersive speakeasy experience.
For the entirety of the festive period, West London’s Brunswick Studio will be transformed into a roaring ‘20s themed speakeasy, taking attendees back in time via a raft of entertainment and a five and six-course tasting menu. There’ll be dress up, roulette, an illusionist, a photobooth and ‘the finest moonshine that the era has to offer’. It comes thanks to Jonathan Kraus (Sketch, The Chiltern Firehouse) and Mark Britton (The Manhattan Club).
The menu, devised by head chef Adam Rawson, is based on the meal eaten by US President Calvin Coolidge at the Waldorf Astoria NYC in 1924.
While all the dishes hark back to a simpler time, everything’s been given a slight update to make it fit for high society. For nibbles, there’ll be celery cream with salmon, rolled toasts with anchovy puree and celeriac foam with olive and shaved truffle, which will be served alongside a cocktail.
Starter dishes will include the inimitable Waldorf Salad, which comes with compressed apples and pink peppercorns, while the roast goose breast will be served up with stuffed cabbage in a rose jus. There’ll be potato hollandaise with seaweed and slow cooked egg, while veggie mains will include smoked aubergine, or mushroom-stuffed cabbage with nasturtium. Dessert will delight secret Vienetta lovers (we know you’re out there), offering milk ice cream, chocolate shards and cocoa nibs.
The five course lunch menu (£45) will only be available for lunch time seatings, while the six course menu (£75) will be served in the evening. The venue will be able to host between 10 - 70 Christmas revellers.
The Manhattan Club’s Christmas in Harlem opens 23 November and runs until 24 December, at Brunswick Studios, 26A Macroom Rd, W9 3HY. Follow The Manhattan Club on Twitter @Manhattanclubuk and Instagram themanhattanclubuk.
