East London’s secret supper club, Canto73

I love the idea of supper clubs. In a city that can sometimes feel a little lacking on the community side of things, the coming together of strangers to share a lively meal seems appealing. Even better, then, when this evening experience gives its guests a tasting of mindfully-sourced, top quality produce and ingredients - what supper clubbing at Canto73 is all about. It’s the making of a magical occasion, as long as we get along with our fellow diners of course… 

Canto73 welcomes foodies every Friday and Saturday evening, brightening the Newington Green neighbourhood now it resides there permanently following frequent residencies. Once you’ve bagged your ticket, all that’s required is to arrive at 7.30pm when the wine will start flowing and the seven course meal commences. 

The seasonal and independently-sourced menu is inventive and sophisticated - thrown together by Michelin-star trained chef João Ferreira Pinto - with the current line-up offering hamachi and rose petal crudo and ex-dairy retired beef sirloin with fondant potato. 

Hamaci, typical to the Pacific, is a golden-coloured delicate and buttery fish which is often farmed to prioritise the long-term health of its species and ecosystem. In an increasingly depleted marine population, farming fish can help reduce pressure on wildlife - as long as these are managed to reduce waste and antibiotics that is. 

Ex-dairy cows are another responsible choice on the menu given they are usually raised on pastureland, allowing them the rich nourishment of the land - rather than the high-energy grains with a side dose of hormones and antibiotics typical to modern farming. These animals also enjoy longer lifespans than their conventionally-farmed peers, which makes for naturally better marbling with fat more evenly spread throughout the body, and an intensely flavourful, some even describe as “cheesy” taste once on our plates. Cattle used for dairy in a past life also contribute to regenerative grazing, with their manure boosting soil health and reducing the need for pesticides and fertilisers. 

Canto73’s menu changes every six weeks, so the surprise might be yours, but other enticing dishes on the current menu include morel and truffle, and fig leaf ice cream with stracciatella. As for the setting - it’s warm, polished and invites food to be lingered over, with the chef talking you through each dish. The candle-lit, elongated tables are set amongst a space with both the serenity of a home and the presentation of a restaurant. And that’s all for £60 a head (with an optional natural £25 wine pairing). 

Canto73, 43 Newington Grn, Newington Green, London N16 9PX