Outside it was a miserably dark, cold and wet early January evening. But inside the Information Technologists’ Hall, London Branch members and guests enjoyed light, warmth and a hearty welcome, gathering for a combined post-Christmas and New Year Dinner.
The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is a modern Livery company, one of the more relevant and influential in the City of London today. Its Hall opened in 2001, centrally located in the medieval alleys of the old City.
As we mingled and chatted in the reception area, the pre-prandial Chardonnay Baron de Beaumont Brut, Bourgogne flowed (refreshing, with apple and hints of almonds on the palate).
We dined in the Livery Room. The dinner was a sumptuous four courses, accompanied by specially selected wines, provided by The Cook & The Butler, whom some of us regard as the best in the City, and who make a point of using seasonal ingredients sourced from the London food markets:
Filo Pastry Envelope of Sea Bass & Aubergine Caviar, served with Watercress Sauce
Badgers Creek Semillon Chardonnay 2023 South-Eastern Australia
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Confit of Scottish Balmoral Wild Boar with Gooseberry Juice, Celeriac Potato & Roasted Spring Vegetables
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Villa Rocca 2023 Italy
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Whole Devon Conference Pear, poached in Crème de Cassis, served with Clotted Cream Ice Cream
Muskat Ottonel Late Harvest Spätlese 2018, Julius Hafner Mönchhof Neusiedlersee, Austria
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The Cotswold Wild Flower Gin Cured Smoked Salmon Quiche, served with Salad
We concluded with port, coffee or tea, and chocolate truffles.
We had a thoroughly convivial time, in comfortable surroundings with attentive service, celebrating the New Year in style.
Rachel Burnett