A right rollicking feed: History on a plate

London – Dinner guests have been eating their way through history this week, at a rollicking event serving fizzy grapes, foie gras Ferrero Rochers and iris jellies. The Complete History of Food was created by gastronomic artists Bompas & Parr for cognac brand Courvoisier. It explores key periods in food history, including a range of dishes from a scratch-and-sniff tv dinner to a recreation of a Victorian-era celebration.

Until this weekend, visitors can weave their way through a lushly decorated mansion in London’s Belgravia, picking up truffle popcorn, candied oranges, ambergris posset and a selection of cognac cocktails along the way. Menus are prepared in collaboration with local restaurants and bars including Saf, Bistrotheque and Lounge Bohemia.

The gastronomic outing is the latest in a series of experiential events arranged by Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. The duo’s work for boutique distiller Hendrick’s Gin also helped to animate a once-staid market for spirits and liquor.