Dine with Dame Judi Dench — Beatrice Aidin

Join the acclaimed actress at a special J Sheekey “in conversation with” dinner in the heart of London’s theatreland

Legendary British actress Dame Judi Dench will accompany J Sheekeydiners in London’s Covent Garden for a special dinner on February 24 as part of the restaurant’s “Sheekey Secrets” series of culinary events hosting stars of stage and screen. For one night only, the grande dame of theatre promises to share anecdotes and reflect upon a long and illustrious career over three courses prepared by executive head chef Andrew McLay.

*The intimate interior of the restaurant, which is famous for its fish and seafood | Image: Sim Canetty-Clarke*

Winner of the Oscar for best supporting actress in Shakespeare in Love, Dame Judi’s numerous accolades also include 10 Baftas and seven Olivier Awards. The actress made her stage debut in 1957 as Ophelia in Hamlet, and has been a star of the National Theatre Company, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the film world for some six decades. Standout roles include those in Notes on a Scandal, Philomena and, of course, the steely “M” partnering first Pierce Brosnan’s and then Daniel Craig’s James Bond.

The restaurant’s long association with West End theatre can be traced back to the 1890s when stallholder Josef Sheekey was granted permission by Lord Salisbury to serve seafood in St Martin’s Court – on the proviso that he supplied meals to Salisbur… — The restaurant’s long association with West End theatre can be traced back to the 1890s when stallholder Josef Sheekey was granted permission by Lord Salisbury to serve seafood in St Martin’s Court – on the proviso that he supplied meals to Salisbury’s after-theatre dinner parties | Image: Sim Canetty-Clarke

Guests attending the event will be met by the host, journalist and author Tim Wapshott, as they sip on Plymouth Gin cocktails, before taking their seats for dinner (priced £150 per person including a welcome aperitif and half a bottle of wine). Expect starters of Keen’s Cheddar soufflé with Périgord truffle or chargrilled Cornish squid, avocado, datterini tomatoes and harissa. Fish lovers could try the monkfish and tiger prawn tikka masala or J Sheekey’s famed fish pie for the main course, while the choice of desserts includes the delectable-sounding hazelnut praline bar with milk ice cream.