Krug Institute of Happiness

Over the next few days Krug champagne are inviting guests to a special dinner and champagne pairing at a previously undisclosed location. At the start of the evening, each guest will be collected at their home by a private driver, and whisked over to 85 Swains Road in North London for an evening of stimulating tastes, sounds and smells – all intended to evoke a sense of happiness.

The Grade II listed house where the dinner is held was built by modernist architect John Winter in 1969, and is situated in the former garden of the superintendent of Highgate Cemetery. The mid-century concrete structure is warmed by touches of wood, as well as the natural light that pours through the glass walls, ceilings and floors.

Working out of the beautiful domestic kitchen, Michelin-star chef Nuno Mendes prepares an endorphin-inducing dinner, starting with a series of delectable hors d'Å“uvre. Two favourites are the savoury and refreshing scallop with watercress on dehydrated parsnip, and the divine cuttlefish with lardo, from a traditional Portuguese recipe.

"Working out of the beautiful domestic kitchen, Michelin-star chef Nuno Mendes prepares an endorphin-inducing dinner..."

In the dining room a pianist sits at a grand piano and makes his way through the diners’ favourite songs, while a four-course meal is presented by Mendes. Many of the dishes have an autumn theme, such as the cured lobster, spring onion and consommé with spruce bark, paired with Krug 1998, and the aged pigeon buried under fallen autumn leaves, paired with Krug Rosé.

For the preview evening, Olivier Krug himself – representing the 6th generation of Krugs to run the brand – travelled in from Paris to regale us with stories of his father and grandfather, and to talk us through each of the Krug vintages. Bespoke touches were also added throughout the evening to make each guest feel special, and to ensure everyone left with a smile on their face as their driver delivered them back home.

The Krug Institute of Happiness will be holding dinners from 5 – 8 December.

Text by Ananda Pellerin

 

Ananda Pellerin is a London-based writer and editor.