5 Of The Most Unique Dining Experiences In London
Photo Credit: FineDining-Indian.com
London is a truly unique place to visit, especially in terms of gastronomy.
With hefty numbers of Brits both living and working in the capital, and the ever increasing immigrant population, visitors can enjoy a huge variety of foods and cuisines whilst on a trip to the city. London really is one of the few areas in the UK where travellers can sit down to the traditional British Sunday roast with all the trimmings for lunch, followed by a dining experience so experimental that it’s largely unheard of by the masses. So if you’re looking for something a bit different, here are 5 of the most unique dining experiences in London:
Asian Influences
London is one of the only places in the country that visitors can enjoy an authentic Japanese Shabu Shabu meal. A sort of Asian-style hot pot, diners are presented with a tabletop pot filled with a lightly spiced broth, as well as a platter of raw, thinly sliced beef (preferably Kobe), noodles, and a selection of vegetables. A sashimi course and a green tea chaser are popular additions to the meal. It’s a fantastic experience for large groups who all get to cook their food to their liking, and the Mitsukoshi restaurant, with its private dining options, is an excellent choice for parties. For an after dinner nightcap, head to the restaurant’s dedicated Shochu bar.
Click here to visit Mitsukoshi’s website.
Arouse the Senses
Usually, what we eat, how we act, and our overall perceptions are influenced by our environment, but what happens if we can’t see where we are? Dans le Noir is a truly unique restaurant in London, offering hungry patrons the opportunity to dine in complete darkness. With surprise menus served by vision-impaired waiters, guests are encouraged to use their other senses, their smell, their hearing, their taste, and their touch to enjoy the experience. The idea is that social barriers are broken down, and visual judgements are non-existent. It’s certainly a fun experience a traveller will never forget, but for those not quite so brave, the restaurant also offers a lit dining area.
Click here for Dan le Noir’s website.
Sophisticated Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is a British tradition popular with the upper classes, and it has become a staple offering in many of the most elegant and luxurious London hotels. Typically, a London Afternoon Tea includes a selection of small, bite-sized sandwiches and cakes and pastries, particularly scones with clotted cream and jam, but the Prêt-à-Portea restaurant at The Berkeley brings a modern twist to this classic concept. With rotating themes throughout the year, diners can enjoy contemporary snacks in keeping with the custom, such as Marc Jacobs-inspired blazer biscuits, and cakes designed to look like a stylish pair of Manolo Blahniks.
Click here for more information.
The Quintessential British Roast
The Sunday roast is arguably one of the best British traditions, and it’s not to be missed during a trip to London. A common menu item in local pubs, patrons are often offered a choice of meats, usually beef, pork, or chicken (or a nut roast for vegetarians), and a selection of side dishes such as roast or mashed potatoes, stuffing, yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and sauces including horseradish and gravy. The Old Red Cow brings an interesting twist to the Sunday roast, by presenting the meats in a ‘family-style’ fashion. With an entire joint brought to the table, diners can carve their own slices fresh from the bone, creating a unique, fun, and sociable experience for the whole family.
Click here to visit the Old Red Cow’s website.
Secret Supper Clubs
Underground restaurants, or secret supper clubs, are a concept surrounded in mystery. Often held in the host’s own home, the times, dates, and exact locations of these dinner parties are usually hard to find, but if you know where to look, you could find yourself dining on delicious delicacies with brilliant and interesting company. The Green Onion Supper Club is one of London’s first ‘underground’ eateries, and flits between a one-woman cook in a small London flat, to larger locations with professional chefs. Reservations can be made only at the last minute, so keep an eye out for information.
Click here for more information on the Green Onion Supper Club.
About the Author: Cat is a fashion blogger hailing from London who has a rather extensive knowledge of London’s eclectic food scene.
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