Pop-up suppers take on Italian twist at Northumberland venue

The Old Dairy's afternoon tea in Venice, Italy.

Following hot on the heels of their baking classes at the Gritti Palace Hotel on the Grand Canal, owners Keith and Lynne Allan are working with guest chef Alan Reid to bring a Venetian twist to their latest suppers.

Everyone wants to visit Harry’s Bar, famously opened by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931. This legendary Venetian bar attracted the likes of Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway.

And of course, it’s the home of the Bellini cocktail. “That’s why we have to start with a Harry’s Bar Bellini,” say the Allans.

Chef Alan, well known in Northumberland and the Borders for his cooking skills, is a lover of Venice too.

One of his best memories is travelling to Venice on the Orient Express and he is beginning the dinner with an organic spinach and sweet basil espresso followed by a wild mushroom and truffle risotto.

The main course is a saltimbocca alla Romana, which translates into an escalope of local pork with Parma ham.

“And of course we must have a fantastic Venetian tiramisu,” said Lynne.

“I’m afraid we don’t have a gondola, but we do have an old Tweed fishing boat sitting at the entrance to the Dairy; I wouldn’t like to row it down the Grand Canal, because it’s got a few holes in it!”

The pop-up suppers are taking place tomorrow and Saturday. Call 01890 820325 for details or send an email to info@the olddairyinford.co.ukThe Old Dairy in Ford is a concept store with a number of antique dealers surrounding a coffee shop, bistro and – new last year – a champagne bar and lounge.