This autumn, in line with the peak time for truffle and mushroom foraging, Fortnum & Mason will be exploring the fantastic world of fungi, hallucinogens, truffles with and more with the latest programme of events taking place in the Food & Drink Studio, starting from 11 September.
Fortnum’s will be leading the conversation on the crucial roles of fungi through a series of masterclasses, panel talks, and supper clubs led by pioneers in their fields, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, scientists like Dr Saliha Mahmood and chefs such as Bettina Campolucci and James Golding.
From masterclasses on growing mushrooms at home and a spotlight on truffle, to a panel talk about how fungi can be used to solve climate issues and events celebrating the role of mycelium in other ingredients, the Food & Drink Studio will see a wide range of events focused on the impact of fungi on food and drink.
Key events include:
IN CONVERSATION WITH – Fortnum’s x Kew Gardens: Fascinating Fungi
Wednesday 11th September, 4:45pm – 6:00pm
This panel discussion with various experts in their fields, will teach guests why fungi is such a fascinating and important subject, culturally significant and so integral to the world of food and drink.
MASTERCLASS – Grow your own mushrooms with Caley Brothers
Friday 13th September, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Despite what the name may suggest, Sussex-based company Caley Brothers is atually two sisters: Jodie and Lorraine. Guests will learn how to produce beautiful mushrooms at home before sitting down for a lunch of mushrooms harvested at the table.
SUPPERCLUB – Foraged foods with The Wild Room
Thursday 19th September, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
The Wild Room specialises in foraged produce, wild mushrooms, and fresh truffles, following the seasons from forest to forest to select the finest items from around the world. Guests can expect a meal prepared by Fortnum’s chefs using only the best mushrooms and produce from The Wild Room.
IN THE STUDIO WITH – Saliha Mahmood Ahmed: Cooking for gut health
Wednesday 25th September, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Specialist in hepatology and gastroenterology, Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed made history as the first ever doctor to win MasterChef in 2017. She will be hosting a dinner featuring the NHS’s weekly recommendation of 30 different plants, with a particular focus on the role that fermentation plays in gut health.
IN CONVERSATION WITH – Fortnum’s x Kew Gardens: Fungi & Wellbeing
Monday 30th September, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
This panel talk will see specialists throughout various fields discuss edible and medicinal mushrooms in both ancient wisdom and modern science. Join for an evening of conversation looking at both the benefits and bogus claims that exist in the world of mushroom health products, medicine and pharmaceuticals.
SUPPER CLUB – 45 Jermyn St. Truffle Evening
Thursday 24th October, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Fortnum’s very own 45 Jermyn St. restaurant pops up at the Food & Drink Studio for one night only, with a special dinner celebrating truffles. The meal will feature a selection of fan favourites alongside the addition of a Parmesan Custard with Mushroom Soldiers and White Truffle.
IN CONVERSATION WITH – Fortnum’s x Kew Gardens: Fungi & the Environment
Tuesday 29th October, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Guest speakers will be looking at the importance of fungi in supporting the environment, from meat alternatives to packaging solutions, soil and tree health, and even how it is being used to reduce CO2 produced by cattle.