Sessions Art Club to open with backing of St John co-founder

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Image by Mike Trow

One of the founders of London’s famous St John restaurant is to open a creative studio and restaurant in Clerkenwell next March.

Sessions Art Club will launch in Old Sessions House, a restored 18th century courthouse that featured in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist.

The 60-cover restaurant is the brainchild of Jon Spiteri - who co-founded St John and Soho's The French House with Margot and Fergus Henderson - painter Jonny Gent and architect Russel Potter.

Head chef will be Alex Vines, previously of 40 Maltby Street, Rochelle Canteen and Sardine, who’ll be serving up a seasonally-focused menu.

“This naturally lends itself to British flavours in the winter, whilst inspiring more Mediterranean influences over the summer months,” according to a press announcement.

The main studio space will host events and exhibitions, showcasing emerging and established artists with a yearly programme installed by gallerists David Southard and Darren Flook.

Old Sessions House is also home to the London base of hospitality group Ennismore, which is behind Gleneagles and The Hoxton hotels.