If you are interested in the Italian culture and you live and work in London you will find that there are plenty of opportunities to get in touch with people, eat Italian food, and learn a bit of the language.

Italian cultural institute.

The istituto di cultura Italiana is situatedin Belgrave Square in central London. Here you will find plenty of possibilities to start learning the language or improve what you already know. They have a very well stocked Italian language library, and they run regular classes for all levels. The Italian cultural institute also runs many events related to Italy and the Italian language. In their schedule you will find movie nights, talks and speeches, poetry evenings and many other cultural gatherings. For more information you should check the website.

La Dolce Vita event in London.

La dolce Vita is an exhibitions that take place every year in London. Here you will find many small food stands offering Italian street food, but also they will have famous restaurants and important chefs cooking for the crowds. It is not just about food but you will find also events related to fashions, textiles, leather, travel and holidays.

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art.

A small museum situated in the highbury and Islington area in north London. The collection was started by an american sociologist to gather modern art masterpieces from Italian  artist painters, and sculptors. The art is mostly cubist and futurist from the beginning of the past century, including paintings of Modigliani.  The collection has a nice cafe’ and garden

Italian film festival.

Well the name says is all. Screening of Italian movies with samples of Italian gastronomy (of course). Mostly promoted and hosted by the Italian cultural centre.

Aperitivo.

Aperitivo is in Italy such a national institution that is now possible to find it everywhere around the world, including London. Started in Milan has taken over by strom. Basically you simply purchase a drink such as glass of wine of a spritz (Aperol and wine) and the fee gives you access to a buffet of finger food, it can replace a dinner if you want. In Italy is very popular with all generations and it is especially good for those wanting an informal drink with friends without missing the opportunity to grab something nice to eat.

Learn the Italian language in London.

If you cannot travel to italy every month, you can simply hire a private language teacher who will come to your office or home for some one to one lessons. In London you will find many qualified teachers who offer reasonable rates, and the schedule is normally agreed between the student and the teacher at suitable times for both.