By Amanda Gegg
When it comes to food, and even more importantly dining out, any Londoner will testify to the fact our city is most definitely ahead of the curve. However, there comes a time for a lot of people when the straightforward restaurant set-up doesn’t quite feel enough and this is when we find ourselves turning to the glorious escapism of immersive dining.
London is one of the best places in the world to experience this entertaining phenomenon, with an innovative creativity (in terms of both culinary skills and performing arts) that is second to none. Don’t believe us? Here are just a few of the most exciting offerings that will be popping up across the capital in the next few months…
Supper Tales (Various Dates – Plateau Restaurant, Canary Wharf)
Kicking off with ‘The Great Gatsby’, Supper Tales are back with their unforgettable movie dining experiences, where dressing up is very much encouraged. And, in rather appropriate fashion, they’ll be putting on a Willy Wonka-themed spread for Easter, followed by everyone’s favourite wizard movie, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, on 23 May.
Taste Film (Various Pop-Up Locations)
If you’re a lover of movie-themed dining then you might also want to take note of innovative event company ‘Taste Film’. These guys have made it their mission to take you on a gastronomical journey across your favourite films, taking place at various well-matched locations across the capital.
‘The Prohibition Party Boat’ by Bourne & Hollingsworth (23rd March)
Who knew the 100th anniversary of the ban of alcohol was coming around soon? The outstanding event organisers at Bourne & Hollingsworth, that’s who. And, as a nod of respect to our 1920s comrades, they’re inviting you to experience a prohibition night like no other, where you can eat, drink and dance to your heart’s content floating along the Thames.
‘Dinner Time Story’ by Le Petit Chef (Various Locations)
The geniuses at Le Petit Chef really know how to take things to the next level: their latest offering consists of a 2-hour culinary adventure taking you through a range of stories in no less than 6 courses, tantalising not only your taste buds but your imagination too.
The Medieval Banquet (Ivory House, St. Katherine’s Dock)
As immersive dinners go, it doesn’t get more authentic than the Medieval Banquet, which takes place by torchlight in the cellars of Ivory House in the aptly historic St. Katherine’s Dock. If you’re thinking ‘overflowing sumptuous platters set upon thick gothic tables’, you’re bang on and you can even hire costumes to lose yourself in the moment even more.
The Murdér Express (Arch 63 Pedley Street, E1)
Anyone who’s a fan of a murder mystery will love Funicular’s acclaimed production, ‘The Murdér Express’. It doesn’t actually take place on a train but the impressive staging, delicious menu (curated by 2016 MasterChef alumni Billy and Jack) along with the fantastic acting will do a very good job of making you feel like you’re right there in the heart of the action.
The London Cabaret Club (Bloomsbury Square, Holborn)
If you tend to like your dinner served up with a side of elaborate showbiz then you’re going to feel very at home at The London Cabaret Club with immersive experiences ranging from ‘The Great Gatsby’ through to the colourful Balearic brilliance of ‘Lio Ibiza’.
