Enlisting the help of surrealist art director Rhea Thierstein (whose work we featured back in October 2012) GingerLine’s Suz Mountfort has created a curiously sensory world for House of Peroni, entitled ‘Vita all’Interno’, in which to enjoy dinner, drinks and theatrics.
Our continental storyline begins in a bustling kitchen – the heart of Italian culture. From here, guests are welcomed into an airy laundry room, where hanging linen and shirts blot out the Shoreditch sky. This dreamlike, feathery white theme continues throughout the building, with delicate paper displays by designer Francesca Signori invoking summery Italian couture.
Served by a cast of Italian ‘nonnas’ from the Reuban Feels... storytelling troop, diners are given keys with which they can literally unlock their own experience, exploring hidden pathways, covered courtyards and room-of-the-house themed bars.
The enchantment is no doubt enhanced by the list of Peroni-infused cocktails, created by master mixologist Simone Caporale. Many of these are topped in an effervescent white foam that mimics the head of a beer, further teasing and testing sensory perception.
A five-course meal created by Michelin-starred Accursio Craparo is served in the central private dining room, if you can find your way there. The fluid space is designed so that no two experiences are the same. The House of Peroni is made by the people in it – through the guests, the Italian 'house' becomes the Italian 'home'.
Central to the concept is the idea of traditional Italian hospitality, and guests are welcomed like old friends by a cast of Italian waiters, waitresses and 'nonnas'
Diners are encouraged to construct their own experience, by following maps and opening locked doors to hidden bars and terraces
Pictured: The Laundry Room. Part installation, part airy entrance hall, this room transports guests into a provincial Italian garden scene
Pictured: The Bedroom, by Rhea Thierstein. With a dreamlike 'down the rabbit hole' feel, surrealist director Thierstein creates dramatic scenes designed to tease our sensory perceptions
Pictured: The Private Dining Room, in which a five course meal is served, created by Michelan-starred chef Accursio Craparo
INFORMATION
House of Peroni: Vita all’Interno will be open until 25 November. Visit House of Peroni’s website for more information
Photography courtesy House of Peroni
ADDRESS
The Boiler Room
152 Brick Lane
London, E1 6RU
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