About How to Party in Pompeii, with Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins
From elegant dinners in glamorous outdoor dining rooms (stuffed dormice optional) to down-and-dirty street food in back alley bars, the archaeology of Pompeii offers an unparalleled glimpse into the gastronomy of the Romans, all the way up and down the social scale. Join legendary classicist Mary Beard and Guardian journalist and cultural commentator Charlotte Higgins for a live recording of their podcast Instant Classics, and learn how to party, the Pompeiian way.
This event is part of the British Library Food Season 2026.
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Mary Beard
One of the world’s best-known Classicists, Cambridge professor Mary Beard has written numerous books including prize-winning Pompeii, best-selling SPQR and thought-provoking Women & Power.
Credit: Robin Cormack More
Her most recent book, Roman Emperor, delves deeper into the world of that extraordinary ancient role. Mary is a regular media commentator, committed blogger and has made many highly-acclaimed television documentaries on the ancient world. She has also entered the podcast arena: Instant Classics is a weekly podcast discussing all things ancient (and modern) with her co-host, Guardian journalist Charlotte Higgins. Mary has a new book out in April 2026, Talking Classics, in which she takes a personal look at a life in classics.
Charlotte Higgins
Charlotte Higgins is the chief culture writer of The Guardian, contributing work across the paper on art and the politics of culture.
More
Since 2022, she has been reporting regularly from Ukraine. Her book Ukrainian Lessons: Art in a Time of War (Jonathan Cape), is published in August 2026, with a Ukrainian translation expected the following year. With Mary Beard, she is co-host of the podcast Instant Classics, and most of her books draw on her interest in classical history, literature and culture. Her works include Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain and Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths. Her most recent book, Greek Myths, with illustrations by Chris Ofili, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2021.
About Food Season 2026
The British Library Food Season returns for its seventh year, bringing together some of the most influential names in food, drink, hospitality, literature and science, for a series of events that highlight the stories, the politics and the people behind how and why we eat. Discover more Food Season events.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, half-price tickets for students and under 26s, free entry for carers as well as a number of other concessions.
Attending the event online
If you book an online ticket, you will receive the viewing link on the morning of the event. You can either watch the event live or during the next 7 days on catch up.
Venue opening times
This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch online.
If you are attending in person, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk
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