Sun sets on “Live in Italian” in London

All good things must come to an end – and, after 31 days of fine food, great drink and wonderful company, S.Pellegrino’s “Live in Italian” has put up its shutters for the summer.

From 11 July until 7 August, the Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace was transformed into a piazza-style pop-up, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Knightsbridge in London.

Guests were able to enjoy a delicious day menu curated by the Italian Supper Club, inspired by long, meandering mealtimes and featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Anyone who just wanted to stop by for a drink could choose from a wide range of Italian wines and specially-created summer cocktails, including the S.Pellegrino-inspired Santa Maria (Bombay Sapphire gin, peach purée and liqueur, lemon and fresh thyme are shaken and topped with S.Pellegrino sparkling water to create the perfect al-fresco aperitif).

Weekly highlights were the four Tuesday evening banquets.

In total 160 banquet guests sat down to some wonderful Italian and modern European dishes, created and cooked by London’s finest Michelin-starred chefs – Ollie Dabbous, Theo Randall, James Lowe and Alyn Williams.

One of the (literally) hottest tickets was for Theo Randall’s evening banquet, which took place as temperatures in London soared.

“It was the perfect summer’s evening,” Theo said. “Italian food is what I do best, so when S.Pellegrino asked me to cook a four course banquet, I was delighted.”

Guests sat down to a mouth-watering menu that included delicious ravioli with Swiss chard, spinach, sheep’s ricotta and sage butter. Dessert was the perfect match for the warm summer weather: Sicilian white peach sorbet, roasted white peach and vanilla, served with a glass of Champagne – and a glass or two of sparkling S.Pellegrino, naturally.

All in all, a celebration of the Italian motto, “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto” (eat well, laugh often, love much).