Festive sandwich and cocktail masterclasses launched at Winter by the River in aid of Only a Pavement Away

Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro has partnered with Max Halley, owner of Max’s Sandwich Shop in Crouch Hill, to launch a series of festive food and drink masterclasses at the Winter by the River Christmas market. Festive Sips and Subs by Peroni Nastro Azzurro will take place at 12.30 to 1:30pm on Tuesday 25^th November, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 11th December, celebrating the holiday season while raising funds for the charity Only a Pavement Away.

During the one-hour sessions Halley will teach attendees how to make his seasonal creation, the Peroni Polpetta Marinara Melt – a sandwich inspired by Boxing Day leftovers and Italian flavours. The sandwich includes turkey meatballs seasoned with sage, marinara sauce and a blend of scamorza, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, finished with a Peroni-infused mustard and served in a ciabatta roll. Alongside Halley’s sandwich tutorial, model and mixologist Portia Freeman will lead a cocktail-making session, in which participants will learn how to prepare the Festive Peroni Spritz, designed to complement the Italian-inspired sandwich, incorporating aged tequila, soy, sage syrup and lemon juice, topped with the titular beer.

Freeman enthused about the collaboration: “Joining forces not only with Peroni Nastro Azzurro but also my friend and sandwich king Max Halley has been a very merry mashup! I couldn’t be more pleased to co-host this iconic masterclass as we approach the festive season. Get those tastebuds ready, it’s going to be epic!”. Ticket are priced at £15, with all proceeds going to Only A Pavement Away, a UK charity that supports people facing homelessness, prison leavers and vulnerable veterans by helping them find long-term employment in the hospitality industry.

Halley added: “The Boxing Day sandwich is a national treasure. I have given my festive version a rich, smoky, oozy kick up the butty, infused with the crisp taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro to add that signature Italian magic to the festivities. I am excited to teach people how to make this beauty at Winter by the River – Buon Natale everyone!”

Food Desk

Festive Sips and Subs by Peroni Nastro Azzurro takes place on 25^th November, 3^rd December and 11^th December 2025 at The Glasshouse Terrace, The Scoop at More London, Bermondsey, London SE1 2AA. For further information or to book tickets, visit here.

For further information about Max’s Sandwich Shop, visit their website here.

For further information about Only a Pavement Away, visit their website here.