Gus Unger-Hamilton from Grammy-nominated alt-J is swapping his keyboard for kitchen knives at The Collab in Walthamstow this September. Just kidding, but he is curating and hosting the unique food and music-led evening.
The alt-J founding member will curate a five-course dinner where each dish reflects a track from the band’s decade-spanning catalogue.
Kicking off with “Matilda” from their Mercury Prize-winning debut An Awesome Wave – a celeriac remoulade with quail egg inspired by the Parisian vibes of film Léon. Other courses include persimmon granita with cured mackerel, smoked buffalo shoulder, Welsh cheese, and tiramisu.
If you felt sophisticated listening to alt-J before, you’ll feel like whipping the monocle out with this menu to go with it.
“It’s going to be great fun getting back into a professional kitchen,” says Gus, who previously ran a café in London Fields. “I love what The Collab and Signature Brew do, and as a bit of a foodie this is a dream come true.”
The evening kicks off at 7pm on Thursday 4 September as part of The Collab’s “Supper Clubbing” series – where dinner tables get pushed aside for decks and dancing afterwards.
Executive Chef Paul Human collaborated on the menu with Gus. “He has approached this event with serious thought and the food is going to be banging,” Human says. “Also can’t wait to crank up the sound system afterwards!”
The Walthamstow restaurant has hosted similar collaborations with Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Dynamite MC, and Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke. The concept springs from sister venue Signature Brew’s history of working with musicians like IDLES, Hot Chip, and Sports Team.
The event is sold out, but there’s a waiting list. Selected dishes will remain on the menu for weeks after, so you can still taste Gus’s musical interpretations even if you miss the party.
