Fans of Downton Abbey have an unique opportunity to experience a little of life as the aristocrats featured in the popular TV series once did.

Pop-up dining specialists The Art of Dining have teamed up with the National Trust and are staging their next event at Osterley House.

Called East to Osterley the company cleverly combines theatre and food as guests are treated to a meal while actors recreate life in the house as it was during its occupation by the famous Child family.

Set during the days of the East India Company it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine in the stunning Long Gallery - something hardly anyone has done since the last owners, the Jersey family, gave the house to the trust in the 1940s.

The gallery is filled with treasures collected from the Orient by Robert Child, who will personally regale guests with tales of his adventures.

As prospective patrons of the East India Trading Company, Sir Robert will attempt to win their favour and secure investment for future expeditions during a sumptuous five-course dinner inspired by his travels.

A table set for dinner in the Long Gallery of Osterley House

Each of the five courses designed by chef Ellen Parr will encapsulate the exotic flavours of the countries most visited by Sir Robert.

Set designer Alice Hodge will transform the Long Gallery with silks, colours, birds and flowers.

The Art of Dining’s trademark interactive elements will feature throughout the meal.

A trust spokeswoman said: “We’re mainly so excited about being able to offer this event because the only people who’ve dined in the Long Gallery in the house since the Jersey family left in the early part of the 20th century are descendants of the family.

“We’ve never hired to private or corporate hire, so this is so unique for the diners.”

Tickets for the dinners which take place from 7-11pm on May 7-9 and again from May 12-17 are on sale now and cost £60 each.

Osterley House is a 15 minute walk from Osterley tube station on the Piccadilly line.

For more information see The Art of Dining website www.theartofdining.co.uk or

Osterley House’s website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park