Going Underground
Called 'paladares' in Cuba and 'supper clubs' in the US we've got 'underground restaurants' here in the UK. Although they're not illegal (we’re not in prohibition America here - these aren’t ‘speakeasy’s’), the council wouldn’t be too keen to know they are going on! So, even though they're talked about a lot, the idea is to keep them hush hush. There are lots of different variations on the theme, from an amateur chef in their own home to a ‘moveable restaurant’, the emphasis is on good food and trust - for both punters and host alike!
We've put a few suggestions below so you can impress your date with your insider knowledge...
saltoun supper club:
This Brixton supper club that fits 16 diners is open every Thursday. With just a contribution of £25 per head you a four course meal which includes homemade bread and treats created from inspiration found at the Brixton market. This guy is a food obsessive so you’re sure to get a treat. Just visit the website www.eatwithyoureyes.net where you’ll be able to fill in a reservation form for more info.
the secret ingredient:
Run by Horton Jupiter this is a vegetarian supper club in a flat in Newington Green. The selling point here is the unique and ever changing japanese inspired dishes. With saké, naturally. There are two sittings but you’ll find out more on The Secret Ingredients Facebook page or by emailing thesecretingredienthq@googlemail.com
savoy truffle club:
This started as an experiment for The Independent newspaper but is now a proper monthly supper club in Blackheath. Run by writer/gardener Allison Tyler and her chef husband Gavin, the ingredients come mainly from their allotment and a farm seven miles away. Each evening is unique so contact them to find out more savoytruffleclub@me.com
the loft:
This is definately the high end of supper clubs at £100-per-head every Friday and Saturday. Chef Nuno Mendes is honing his skills with his intriguing flavour combinations and techniques before he opens his Bethnal Green restaurant, Viajante, next year. In order to get a booking you will need to fill in a membership form on the website www.nunomendes.co.uk
green onion supper club:
Green Onion holds secret dinners in a different place each time. You need to sign up and then invitations and set menus are sent out a week in advance, when you can make your reservation. Very insider and therefore very cool! As it's very secretive we can’t give you too many details but sign up to Green Onions on Facebook to find out more...
the bruncheon club:
For the morning after the night before there is the bruncheon club in Hackney. The two hosts Greg and Maya will treat you to a delicious brunch for £12 on a Sunday. You'll get the choice of two sittings 11am and 2pm but the emphasis here is on casual relaxation. Though they are pretty regular these brunches are not every Sunday so make sure you check in advance if they have one coming up thebruncheonclub@googlemail.com
hidden tea room:
And for something a little different here is an underground Tea Room! not for everyone,b ut we couldn’t resist including it! Lady Gray will serve you champagne afternoon tea up in Old Street for a contribution of £25. Great for a day time date!
and finally... just a couple of GDG points to make!
All "restaurants" require booking, some even a couple of months in advance so perhaps not one for a last minute date idea, although this isn’t always the case so do give it a go! Make sure you emphasise you’re on a date to see if you can get a separate table, it wont always be possible but we don’t think that should put you off either! Prices tend to fluctuate so any given above are approximations. If you have any concerns make sure you check when you book. Finally... don’t forget to let us know how it went, because of the nature of these restaurants we’re expecting you’ll all have different reports to give us!
comments
New underground tea party room Just to let your readers know we've opened up an underground tea party room. A great date venue in decadent yet in intimate enough surroundings (table of up to 8). We serve delicious homemade treats including sweet potato pudding, with a choice of speciality teas, complimentary bubbly and a playlist of everything from old school hip-hop to Bjork. Cheers x undergroundteaparty.blogspot.com twitter @undergroundtea facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Underground-Tea-Party/131420246877204?ref=ts |
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| Miss Lenoir &Miss Fairplay 20:04 18/06/2010 |
the claptonian diners club Why not try this one? It's part restaurant and part art gallery. Serves mouthwatering East African fusion in Clapton. www.theclaptonian.com |
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| story 15:03 28/10/2009 |
anyone tried... the bruncheon club? I think it sounds great but am just wondering if it might be a bit awkward for a date - sitting in someone else's house! |
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| Nick 17:47 22/09/2009 |
brilliant I've read loads about these in the paper and will definitely be trying one out! Lx |
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| Lucy 17:27 26/08/2009 |
Linked Dates
 | Otherwise known as the blind bar! |
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 | A bit of burlesque and then dinner in a restaurant with a mirrored ceiling, the mind boggles! |
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