Dans le Noir restaurant in London and many locations worldwide(Paris, Barcelona) takes dining with a difference to a new extreme level. This exceptional dining of the senses experience is a must try for those who like to have a less than ordinary evening and that certainly appeals to me.
Located in Clerkenwell, the restaurant is easily found in the heart of central London. Upon arrival and entrance to the restaurant, you are greeted in the bar/lounge area. The Staff will take your order here and will get your evening started with a fresh surprise cocktail or two, they are super yummy. The whole concept of the evening will be explained to you by the staff so you have a better understanding. The surprise menu(yes you will not have a clue what exactly you are eating) options will be presented to you and you can choose from one of the following ……
White Menu- Chefs surprise
Blue Menu- Seafood
Green-Vegetarian
Red- Meat.
I went for the Meat menu and Jack choose the Chefs surprise. I was a little apprehensive thinking what the hell I might get to eat as I am a really fussy eater, turns out I loved the meal and ate things I would never have before, had I been able to observe what was on the plate. I wont say what was on our menus as I don’t want to reveal the whole lot, if you are planning on going. But lets just say jack had his first experience with zebra(that’s all the secrets im telling). Have to keep something for the imagination after all. The basic concept behind this experience is to remove the vision so you can utilise your other senses to increase your gastronomic delight.
Before you go into the dark room to eat you will meet your waiter/waitress for the night. We had the ever so kind Nadine who was a fabulous hostess for the night and made us feel totally at ease as we plunged into darkness. All the waiters/waitress are blind and it is a unique employment opportunity for them. Nadine asked us to put our hands on her shoulders and guided us through the Anteroom where we entered the restaurant part and were immersed in complete darkness. I mean you cannot see a thing, not even a peek of light, so thank goodness for Nadine’s guidance or we would have been tripping over tables, chairs and all sorts. We were lead to our seats and shown where our cutlery was and got a feel for everything. It was strange feeling sitting beside other people having their meals and listening to the sounds all around but not being able to see them. Surprisingly I didn’t hear too many glasses or plates smashing and I even came out with clean clothes, no food splattered all over myself. I am the messiest eater(those of you that have ever had the pleasure of eating with me will know). So success all round. I couldn’t help but think how much fun a food fight would at this restaurant would be though(I am such a child).
We had the three course surprise menu, so a starter, main and desert for £52 each but if you only want a two course menu it costs £44. There are other packages to choose from with drinks included ect. For those of you with specific dietary requirements, that is taken into consideration when they prepare your meal. Yes its pricy but the food is mouth- watering and really flavoursome and this is not the type of activity you get to do everyday(so treat yourself).
I would totally recommend this experience to everyone. It is the most unique dining experience you’ll ever have!! Below is my one and only picture I have from my night there, they do ask you to place your phones in a locker, as they are not allowed in the restaurant(its refreshing to have an evening minus your phone) , but as I left I took this quick pic of the entrance. There is no need even for pictures though as this journey of the senses fine dining is the most memorable meal iv ever had.
Have you dined in the dark in London or elsewhere? Londoners ,put this one on your list!!!!
Orla xxx
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