The House of Peroni returns to Brick Lane this week for its winter incarnation Vita all’Interno, a life lived inside, with a celebration of the Italian home, cuisine, design and of course, beer.
Field Grey went to the launch last night to guzzle Peroni Nastro Azzurro, feast on nonna’s arancini balls and absorb the brand new layout and decor. The summer edition was a breathtaking spectacle and this time around is no exception; the decaying floral decorations have been replaced with paper-cut leaves; the mezzanine transformed into a bedroom, closet and dining room, under the supervision of this season’s creative director, Suz Mountfort (Gingerline). The orangery outside replaced with a launderette, inspired by Italian couture, complete with washing machines and lines of laundry.
Greeted by a group of jovial and warm Italian women, wearing a uniform of red dress and crisp white piny aprons, guests are welcomed home. Kisses are exchanged, naturally. This year’s theme, the Italian house, is even better than the summer’s offering; a cohesive and adventurous display that allows multiple visits to be unique.
The House includes:
La Lavanderia
This time, the House’s outdoor space space has been transformed into a bar-cum-laundry room. Rows of washing hang close by overhead, decorating the facade of the outdoor/indoor bar.
To access certain unique experiences, guests can purchase special keys from La Dispensa (the pantry), which unlock secret rooms.
Il Sogno
The dreamlike, aptly titled Il Sogno (the dream) is the most visually appearing area. Guests sit amongst clouds, where a whirlwind of furniture including chairs and a huge bed hovers precariously over them. Eating homemade candy floss and guzzling Peroni, guests don headphones and listen to music while absorbing the surroundings.
Residenza Bellissimo
The House’s pièce de résistance (we’re too delicate to find an Italian equivalent of this phrase) is by far la Residenza Bellissimo. A decadent dining room with a twist, la residenza is covered top to tail in plastic. A rack of plastic coats features in the corner, and rumour has it that throughout the course of a lavish tasting menu, the Italian hosts cause a scene that may or may not involve diners getting messy…
L’armadio
The wardrobe is where guests can try on paper creations by Italian paper artist Francesca Signori. Butterfly headdresses and paper coats were modelled by all last night; a photographer in a custom built studio captures the experience daily.
Il salottino
The snug – hidden away through a keyhole in a room made from books, provides an intimate space where guests can learn to make their own cocktails. A resident mixologist will be on hand daily to guide would-be cocktail kings and queens.
The House is open from today until 25th November at 152 Brick Lane. For more information and to book for the Michelin star dining experience, visit the House of Peroni website.
All photography by Matt Bramford for Field Grey