Hew Locke: What have we here? exhibition at The British Museum

This event was a collaboration between artist Hew Locke and The British Museum, showcasing the exhibition Hew Locke: What have we here?. This exhibition featured Locke’s original works alongside objects from the museum’s collection, highlighting treasures and lesser-known items from Africa, India and the Caribbean to examine British imperial power and contemporary debates on cultural heritage. With 200 guests in attendance, the event included a bespoke menu inspired by Africa, India and the Caribbean, reflecting the founders’ West African heritage and the executive chef’s travels. Highlights included an authentic Guyanese rum punch by Value Africa and consultation with Hew Locke and his team on the menu, a rare privilege. The reclaimed African mango wood serving platters, sourced from British artist Yinka Ilori, added a distinctive touch.

The Menu:

Canapes 

Confit Gressingham duck taco, kimchi and harissa sauce, crispy duck skin

Line caught tuna tartar, mango and chili gel, tapioca crisp

Tandoori lamp rump, tamarind chutney

Ras el hanout sweet potatoes with tahini yoghurt and pomegranate

Spicy plantain dumpling with mango gel (v)

Mango and nutmeg lassi

The Drink:

Xwai Rum Punch - El Dorado Guyanese white rum, Xwai South African dark rum, cinnamon, clove and orange liqueur

"This was an extra special event not only because it was our first event at iconic British Museum but also the museum's first exhibition focusing on British colonialism. Our menu for the opening of British-Guyanese artist and sculptor Hew Locke’s exhibition championed many of our authentic African flavours blended with our local suppliers such as our plantain directly from Shepherd’s bush market and duck from the Gressingham estate all delivered by a diverse team of exceptional waiting and bar staff."

– Jay Burgesson-Carter, Founder of The Ripe Avocado

What the client said: 

“It was a pleasure to have you and the team. Everything went very smoothly, so we’re pleased.”   
– Georgia Dye, Event Manager, The British Museum