Female chefs lead supper clubs at Somerset House

Setlist at Somerset House has announced a new series of weekend supper clubs this autumn, spotlighting some of London’s female chefs.

Running from October 24 until mid-December, the events will showcase distinctive menus from talents including Melissa Thompson, Suzie Bakos and Ana Da Costa.

The dinners will be held in Setlist’s indoor pavilion, which has been fully transformed for winter. Seating 70 guests, the space now features heaters, sofas, festoon lighting and candlelit tables overlooking the Thames on one side and the Grade I-listed Somerset House on the other.

Marie Mitchell opens the series

The programme begins on October 24 with a one-night event hosted by Marie Mitchell. Marie, whose debut book Kin: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen won the Debut Cookery Award at the 2025 Fortnum and Mason Awards, will present dishes such as peppered prawns with pickled spring onions and jerk pork.

Fire Islands by Melissa Thompson

On October 31 and November 1, Melissa Thompson will bring her acclaimed Fire Islands concept to Setlist. Known as a barbecue chef, food writer and author of Motherland, Melissa’s menu will include curry fried chicken with scotch bonnet and lime mayo, fire-roasted leeks with walnut romesco and an apple molasses tarte tatin.

Iraqi flavours from Suzie Bakos

Saturday, November 7 and 8 will see Suzie Bakos present The Little Sauce. Inspired by the Iraqi dishes of her childhood, Suzie will serve za’atar manakish, chicken shawarma sesame toast and kunafe, offering guests a contemporary take on Middle Eastern flavours.

Ana Da Costa explores Macanese heritage

The following weekend, November 14 and 15, Ana Da Costa will host Fat Tea. Drawing on her roots in Macau, Ana’s bold menu combines Portuguese and Chinese influences, with dishes such as whipped tofu with tapioca crackers, fried wontons and aubergine sambal.

Alexina Anatole brings Sel to Somerset House

Alexina Anatole, a 2021 MasterChef finalist and two-time author, will take the stage on Friday, November 21 and 22. Her Sel menu blends Japanese flavours with European technique, featuring miso shallot tart with nori salt, soy-braised short ribs with lovage and pickled radishes, and matcha tiramisu.

Bab Haus supper club returns as Babette

December opens with Babette, the supper club from Leyli and Rebecca of Bab Haus in South Wales. Across December 5 and 6, their Setlist offering will feature prawn toast with red curry crema and pineapple and habanero sambal, pecan smoked lamb shoulder with sausage, and a Patron XO Café tiramisu.

Rachel Ama closes the season

The series concludes with Rachel Ama on December 12 and 13. Known for her bestselling cookbooks and appearances on ITV’s This Morning and Saturday Kitchen, Rachel will highlight her small-batch sauces with a menu including sticky miso jerk and hibiscus hot sauce.

Celebrating female talent

With its mix of cuisines, techniques and personal heritage, the autumn programme at Setlist offers a snapshot of the diversity shaping London’s dining scene today.

From Caribbean and Iraqi traditions to Macanese, Japanese and plant-based influences, the line-up reflects the creativity and range of female chefs making their mark on the capital.

Each supper club begins at 6:30pm, with tickets priced at £65 per person.