Not only am I a self proclaimed “ultimate foodie”, I’m also a film buff so what better way to combine the two than at the immersive film experience Taste Film. Founded in 2017 by Amy Fernando, Taste Film
provides guests with a timed set-menu which has been crafted to compliment that particular film’s most notable and edible moments. Basically, you eat what you watch. Taste Film
have been serving up cinema and dining experiences to audiences across London, collaborating with independent chefs and top rated unique spaces, taking diners on a multi-sensory, gastronomic adventure. Previous screenings have included cult-classics such as Snatch and The Silence of the Lambs to Bridesmaids and Elf. We went along to their most recent screening aptly titled ‘Doughboy’s Welcome Home Cookout’, for 90’s classic Boyz N the Hood.
The event was based at The Qube, in North West London. A slick, spacious studio space with a screening area, a bar and an outdoor space fit for the backyard BBQ.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect before going, but the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the staff who donned Boyz N the Hood shirts and were at hand throughout the whole event ensuring guests were well catered to. As we entered the space, we were met with a perfectly themed immersive exhibition and installation which transported guests to a 90's Los Angeles neighborhood. This included a pop up corner store by Duppy Share, fit with an assortment of sweets to purchase, a gallery exhibition detailing the story and behind the scenes of Boyz N the Hood and my favourite part, the hanging baseball jackets and shoe tossing also known as shoefetti (an american tradition of throwing a pair of laced shoes onto raised wires, such as telephone wires to signify the location of gang turf or commemorate the death of a gang member).
“We exist because we believe that films should be more than watched, they should be lived and no sense is more meaningful and evocative than taste.” - Amy Fernando, Founder of Taste Film (above)
After musing at the exhibition, we had the pleasure of catching up with Taste Film founder, Amy before we settled down to watch the classic. Their set up saw cosy beach deckchairs, headphones to block out the music from next door and a meticulously curated screening menu with the bites we could look forward to at each time stamp and quote. 7 minutes into the film, the immersive experience kicked off with a large cup of refreshing gin & juice as reference to the characters entering the liquor store. This was followed by a succulent crispy southern fried prawn and tangy barbecue wings as the characters were at a barbecue - cool right?! “From Eating all that cornbread and s**t” you guessed it, out comes a warm piece of buttery, fluffy cornbread followed by a bottle of
Duppy Share Rum Punch.
As the film wound down, we were treated to a Down South chocolate chip cookie and a box of creamy gin and juice ice cream. All screening food was provided by Down South and Parlour. Then it was all over. It’s a film I’d watched several times before, but just had one of those endings that never failed to choke you up. The mood in the room went from electric to solemn but this was perked up with a shot of tequila which lifted our moods as we exited the screening.
Next up, backyard BBQ time! The space had filled up with guests attending for the later screenings and the DJ was spinning 90’s West Coast music - it was straight, vinyl party vibes. The outdoor space paid homage to a 90’s L.A BBQ party, decorated with pastel paper lanterns and a large pastel paper ‘WELCOME HOME DOUGHBOY’ sign as the backdrop.
Juici Jerk plated us with a generous portion of creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, fall-off-the-bone glazed rum & honey lamb ribs, smoked BBQ chicken, a potato salad and a southern salad. Card games, ping pong and domino games served as extra entertainment whilst we all continued to enjoy the old skool hip hop and soak up the rare London heatwave. As a 90’s baby, this experience was nostalgic and the attention to detail both pre and post-screening, was impressive.
At £65 for a ticket, it’s not the cheapest, but Taste Film knocks the ball out of the park when it comes to providing a unique experience. It’s well worth attending their next screenings…at least once.
ALL PHOTOS BY THOMAS MORGAN
