The sun is out and the road works on Exhibition Rd are almost complete, so the V&A Reading Rooms has something to celebrate with additions to the menu, a new cocktail and special guest speakers for our forthcoming evening events.
New on the menu
The V&A Reading Rooms new cocktail is the Aperol Spritzer – perfect to quench that summer thirst. You can also enjoy the quirky, yet increasingly popular Germanic style Gruner Veltliner, Rainer Wess 2009 from Austria with its crisp mineral finish alongside the fabulous Fiesta d’Asti, Giacomo Borgogno from Piedmont in Italy, a classy red, bright and fresh or the Bellenda Prosecco 2010 a crisp, clean and very pure fizz which is ideal to quaff whilst thumbing one of our titles.
There is now available a wonderful meat plate of delicious sliced cured meats served with cornichons and a cracking cheese plate with Cornish cheddar, silky Camembert and sweet young goat’s cheese from France. Pop in early and we’ll give you the best toast in London with preserves to die for – and Vegemite of course, given some of our staff’s Aussie heritage!
Forthcoming events
Thursday July 21st , 7pm – Summer Entertaining with Duncan Ackery, Restaurateur
Back by popular demand, London restaurateur Duncan Ackery looks at what is coming into season for the Summer and how to bring to life stunning dishes to share with friends in the sun. He will also give you a raft of drinks and cocktails to serve up.
Thursday August 11th , 7pm – Bred of Heaven: One man’s quest to reclaim his Welsh roots with author Jasper Rees
“This is a lyrical book: funny, hugely enjoyable, often deeply moving. And he’s learned what makes the Welsh tick. No mean feat for a man who’s English by birth.” John Humphrys.
Jasper Rees has always wanted to be Welsh. But despite Welsh grandparents (and a Welsh surname) he is an Englishman: In this, hilarious love letter to a glorious country, Rees sets out to achieve his goal of becoming a Welshman over a one year of his life by learning to sing, play, work, worship, think – and above all, speak – like one. Rees will be reading from his book, which is also Radio 4 Book of the Week, starting from 8th August.
Thursday August 18th , 7pm – Last Dance with Valentino with author Daisy Waugh
‘Daisy Waugh delivers her engaging tale with wit and a real lightness of touch.’ Literary Review
Rudolph Valentino was the first and ultimate sex symbol, a screen god whose death at the age of just 31 resulted in rioting across New York, mass hysteria and suicides. Acclaimed novelist and Sunday Times columnist Daisy Waugh has spent 14 years researching the life of the world’s greatest film star. The result is a hugely ambitious and enthralling novel that Daisy will be reading from and marries fascinating fact with enchanting fiction.
How to book
There is no booking fee or charge for the evening but booking is essential due to limited space. Please email readingroomsevents@semperey.com to reserve a place.
The evenings are held from 6.45pm for a 7pm start, discussions last around 45 minutes.
The V&A Reading Rooms are open daily at
No 8 Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 2HF
