An Evening at Christ Church Spitalfields
This October, we opened the doors of Christ Church Spitalfields, one of London’s most breathtaking historic venues, for an evening where community, creativity, and seasonal flavours came together. Friends, clients, and collaborators gathered not just to eat, but to experience the stories behind the ingredients and the people who make them.
Guests arrived to the gentle hum of conversation and a relaxed drinks reception, where a carefully curated parade of canapés set the tone for the night. Each bite told a story: Tuna Tartare, fresh and vibrant; crispy chickpea pannise with garlic aioli and pickled heritage carrot, earthy with a zing; ‘Cheese & Onion’ croustade with Old Winchester mousse, a playful twist on a classic; and Venison Osso Bucco bonbons with preserved blackberry ketchup, rich and comforting. Every dish was a nod to the seasons, the craft, and the creativity happening in our kitchen.
Dinner was served in the Nave beneath the church’s soaring chandeliers. A single long table ran down the centre, dressed in soft burgundy linens, simple glassware, and seasonal flowers, a subtle warmth against the grand architecture.
The menu guided guests on a journey of autumnal flavours:
Cured Seabass with saffron-pickled kohlrabi and coriander yoghurt, delicate and fragrant, celebrating the harvest.
Szechuan Duck with spiced jus, confit leg spring roll, and raisin purée, a bold, comforting twist on a classic.
Artichoke & Sprout Tart with celeriac fondant and kale green sauce, a vegetable-forward dish that proved elegance doesn’t need meat.
Dessert celebrated the local makers and ingredients closest to home with our 10-Mile Dessert Map:
East London Liquor Co. Chocolate Whiskey Éclair, indulgent and playful.
London Cru Fermented Raspberry Jelly, tart, bright, and unexpected.
Cinnamon, Quince & London Honey Tart, a sticky, fragrant hug of autumn.
Kultured Deli Miso & White Chocolate Bonbon, a daring balance of savoury and sweet.
London Vermouth Co. Negroni Baba, a spirited nod to our city and season.
“Everything we do starts with people - the farmers, makers, and chefs who care deeply about what they do,” says Jimmy. “This evening was about shining a light on them and celebrating the extraordinary ingredients that surround us.”
As the night drew to a close, Apple Pie Martinis were poured, glasses clinked, laughter echoed through the nave, and stories of the kitchen and community were shared long into the evening. It was an event that felt intimate, alive, and distinctly Jimmy Garcia - a celebration of food, people, and the season itself.