The Mistress was delighted to receive an invitation from the
Mistress Plaisterer, Sara Cooke to attend their lunch party at the wonderful
Plaisterers Hall on London Wall. Having never visited this hall before the
Mistress was very much looking forward to going along and was joined by the
Consort of the Thames Warden, Judy West. They were not disappointed.
The theme of the lunch was ‘Livery Dining Through the Ages’
and the lunch menu reflected the types of food eaten over the 450-year history
of the Plaisterers. Fortunately, this did not include potage or lampreys!
On arrival coffee was served and guests were welcomed by the
Master Plaisterer, Timothy Cooke. There followed by a talk given by food
historian Tasha Marks entitled ‘The Confectioner as a Decorative Artist’. This
was an ideal topic for the home of decorative plasterwork. The photograph shows
the marvellous quality of workmanship in making such confectionary. It was a
fascinating talk and the audience learned a great deal.
This was followed by a drinks reception and lunch held in
the Great Hall (see picture of the splendid Robert Adams style ceilings). As
promised, the menu was not the usual fare and guests were treated to Sole Veronique
(from a menu of 1972), Baked Cherry Torte (1501) and Sweetmeats (1666). All
these delicious dishes were prepared with great skill by executive chef Elaine
Cooper. Picture shows the guests enjoying the fruits of her hard work! The
Mistress Plaisterer said a few words of welcome after which the conversation
continued to flow.
It was a lovely lunch and the impressive Hall made it even
more special. Thank you to the Master and Mistress Plaisterer for their
generosity and to the catering team and officers of the Company for making it
all happen. A great success.
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