From the heart of Northern Italy, a new take on eating out is arriving to the UK restaurant scene and it promises to get diners out of their seats.
Apericena (a mix of aperitivo and cena, meaning dinner) has seen a huge rise in popularity across Italy in recent years. A concept born in Piedmont, Apericena blends the bar and restaurant scene in a more convivial, relaxed space; encouraging friends and family to share good food and drinks, without the restriction of being sat at a table.
Now premium Italian Alpine Birra, Menabrea, from the Piedmont region, is giving diners the chance to experience the growing trend for themselves, with a series of exclusive Apericena evenings across the UK this September.
Italian restaurants in London, Manchester and Glasgow are removing low tables and chairs for the first time, giving diners the opportunity to enjoy a more social and up-tempo meal out. Set against the buzzing backdrop of DJ sets, attendees will enjoy delicious Piedmontese style small-plates served up alongside ice cold Menabrea birra brewed from the very region where the concept first hailed from.
Body Confidence expert and founder of Confidence Live, Kirsty Hulse believes the concept of Apericena can create a positive and elevated atmosphere amongst diners that could genuinely help people feel more confident and connected:
She said: “Removing chairs from restaurants has the potential to bring higher energy to social occasions and create positive moods amongst those dining. Lots of research has shown that being more upright can increase our feelings of confidence, connection and enhance our positive mood. When sitting at a formal table in a formal dining experience, we can become sluggish and feel disconnected.”
Apericena is predominantly focused around food, using the finest quality ingredients from the Northern Italian region. Bringing the Italian flavour, Menabrea birra has partnered with chef and food writer Nina Parker, who will be authentically bringing the concept to life through bespoke menus.
With a passion for Italian cuisine, Nina will prepare mouth-watering and bitesize traditional Piedmontese dishes, drawing inspiration from the meticulously sourced ingredients used to brew Menabrea – Italy’s finest Alpine birra. Diners will also learn how to recreate Apericena meals in their home.
Chef and writer, Antonina Parker commented: “I can’t wait to bring these unique events to the UK with Menabrea. I have a personal tie to Italian cuisine through my family heritage, so collaborating with one of Italy’s most renowned beers was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.
“I look forward to welcoming guests to the events to discover one of Italy’s best kept secrets where they can enjoy a more social and connected experience while sampling tasty food, award-winning Italian beer and music.”
Menabrea has been brewed in the Piedmont region, at the foot of the Italian Alps for more than 175 years in Italy’s oldest continuously producing brewery – now in its fifth generation. Menabrea’s refreshing, fruity, floral aroma makes it an excellent accompaniment to food.
Angus Lawrie, spokesperson at Menabrea, said: “Taking inspiration from the incredible cuisine and engaging culture of its home region, our Menabrea Apericena series will be an evening like no other. Delicious small plates will be served alongside Piedmont’s most famous Italian Alpine Birra, Menabrea, brewed with passion using only the finest quality ingredients at the foot of the Alps for five generations.
“We are so excited to bring guests a true taste of Northern Italy at the UKs first-ever standing dining experiences across London, Manchester and Glasgow this summer.”
With no ‘tables’ to book, those wanting to experience the limited-edition Apericena evenings will need to secure a spot online to enjoy evenings across London, Manchester and Glasgow. Please see link, dates and venue details below:
Menabrea Apericena, London
Thursday 7th September, Tovalino
Menabrea Apericena, Manchester
Wednesday 13th September, Haunt MCR
Menabrea Apericena, Glasgow
Thursday 21st September, Caffe Parma
And keep an eye out for more Apericena experiences released later in the year.
