Created by artist, chef and academic Helen Russell Brown, Edible Playground is a playful rejection of table manners. We will invite diners to put their elbows on the table and take a trip down memory lane to rediscover the joy and nostalgia of food.

The menu is inspired by Helen’s own personal food memories from childhood and beyond. It will be full of warm familiar treats as well as some surreal culinary experiments. Diners are invited to sit at our sculptural tablescape and experience a meal that sits at the intersection between food, art and playgrounds.

Helen is a culinary artist who knows that playing with her food is half the fun. She loves to whip up playful yet reflective food projects that connect people to both their internal and external worlds.

Edible Playground is a work created exclusively for Sunny Bank Mills, and is the first event of its kind from Helen and her team in the UK. Helen will be joined by her culinary wife Talita Perfect, the other half of culinary studio Imaginaria.

Join us for an evening of mischief and finger licking!

Please note that it is our intention that you leave the event feeling full, but that that Edible Playground won't follow a conventional meal format, for example there may be times where sweet and savoury courses are mixed. We would also like to advise you that there may be moments where diners are asked to eat with their hands, we know this isn't for everyone so wanted to give you the heads up. We will of course provide handwashing facilities close to the dining area to facilitate this.

Doors 7pm, Dinner 7:30pm.

Welcome drink included in your ticket (beer, wine or soft drink).

Alcoholic and soft drinks available to purchase from a pop-up bar.

Allergens & Dietary Requirements

This meal will be 100% Plant Based.

Sadly, due to the nature of the dining experience, we can’t cater for any severe allergies such as anaphylactic nut reactions. But please get in touch at the time of booking if you would like to ask us more questions about your specific dietary requirements as we may be able to cater for them.

About Helen

Helen Russell Brown is a culinary deviant who knows that playing with her food is half the fun. She dreams up edible sensory dining events serving up themes of food joy and delight.

She thinks that carnal pleasure and loving the earth are a sexy pairing, creating plant-based experiences exploring deeper themes of sustainability and the self. She loves to whip up playful yet reflective food projects that connect people to both their internal and external worlds.

Edible Playground is a work baked exclusively for Sunnybank Mills, journeying through personal memories and childhood nostalgia of the artist.

After years as a set designer and creative producer in Leeds, Helen spent time as a personal chef and food stylist in Berlin. Since rolling in the dirt in Canada growing veggies and campfire cooking with kids for a couple of summers, she has just finished studying an MA in sustainable food systems in Brighton, UK. She works as a culinary artist and creative food consultant in Hove.