OPENS MARCH 2020
Food and art, art and food – the two have always gone hand in hand. This is precisely the inspiration behind Jon Spiteri’s new Clerkenwell restaurant, Sessions Art Club. The co-founder of the much-loved British restaurant group St John has partnered with renowned painter Jonny Gent (whose work has been widely exhibited across the world) and architect Russell Potter of award-winning design studio SODA to create a space that celebrates the harmonious fusion of art, people, food and wine.
The trio have also worked alongside brothers Ted and Oliver Grebelius (Satila Studios) to transform the restored 18th century, Grade II-listed courthouse on Clerkenwell Green into the striking 60-cover restaurant it is now.
Leading proceedings on the food front is chef Alex Vines who earnt his name in the kitchens of 40 Maltby Street, Rochelle Canteen and Sardine. Vines’s passion lies largely in the procurement of top-quality ingredients, creating lasting bonds with the farmers and growers he supports, and sourcing the finest ethically sourced ingredients he can get his hands on.
His menus tend to centre on the seasonal produce available to him, and as such his style of cuisine is predominantly British in the winter and more Mediterranean leaning in the summer months.
In keeping with the all-encompassing artistic spirit of the restaurant, the team behind Sessions intend the space to be used for events and exhibitions from all corners of the creative industry. With everything from art displays, fashion shows, live music, wellness demos, design expositions and theatrical performances, the venue is set to become a platform for any upcoming creatives seeking to showcase their work to an appreciative audience of fellow artists.
Look out for a yearly programme devised by distinguished gallerists David Southard and Darren Flook which will champion both established and lesser-known artists.