Curious to sample the latest dining craze? Then visit one of London’s many supper clubs. Introduced to the UK in the 1930s as an alternative to restaurants, these ticketed dining events in unique settings are enjoying a revival as London’s appetite for immersive and intimate food experiences grows. Since 2010, Gingerline has led the way in secret location feasting in the capital. The latest Chambers of Flavour V2.0 invites guests to enter ‘The Machine’ for a theatrical feast. Expect five ‘parallel dining realities’ containing a tastebud-tingling course. Warning: this is not for the cautious – the menu is a secret and you are immersed in a performance (check for dates; www.chambersofflavour.co.uk). Forget popcorn – the perfect thing to accompany a movie is a dinner inspired by the film you’re watching.
The cinema-supper club KinoVino does just that, bringing together chefs and international arthouse films. This month it celebrates Italy with I am Love followed by an Italian meal from Rome-based food writer and chef Rachel Roddy (15 May; www.kinovino.org). Most people use the Tube to get around, but how many can say they’ve dined in a carriage? At The Underground Supper Club, you’ll sit in a stationary decommissioned 1967 train carriage for a four-course dinner made by a leading chef, such as Shiann Stuiver from Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social (18-20 & 25-27 May; www.basementgalley.com). Good food meets art at The Gramounce, a supper club in a gallery. Set up by artists to help fund their craft, these events serve dishes inspired by the artworks on display.
AMERICAN
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.
This fun seafood restaurant serves American classics inspired by the film Forrest Gump. Daily L & D. ££. Unit 75 Trocadero, 13 Coventry St, W1D 7AB. T: 020-3763 5288. www.bubbagump shrimp.co.uk. Station: Piccadilly Circus. E7.
DESEJO DO BRAZIL
Enjoy charruscaria (barbecued meat) and great cocktails. Daily D. £-££. 168 Sussex Gardens, W2 1TP. T: 020-7402 3456. www.desejodobrazilrestaurant.com. Station: Paddington. D4.
HAM HOLY BURGER
Cult Italian burgers in this department store. Daily L & D (Mon-Sat closes 8pm; Thur 9pm; Sun 6pm). £. John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, W1A 1EX. T: 020-7499 8296. www.hamholyburger.co.uk. Station: Oxford Circus. B5.
HARD ROCK CAFÉ
London’s original burger joint has lots of music memorabilia on display. Daily L & D. ££. 150 Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ. T: 020-7514 1700. www.hard rock.com. Station: Hyde Park Corner. E8.
OBLIX
Rise up to the 32nd floor of The Shard for New York-style rotisserie/grill cuisine and amazing views. Daily L & D. £££. 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY. T: 020-7268 6700. www.oblix restaurant.com. Station: London Bridge. E10.
PATTY & BUN
This laid-back burger joint is popular for its upbeat atmosphere and mouthwatering burgers. Daily L & D. £. 54 James St, W1U 1HE (and branches). T: 020-7487 3188. www.patty andbun.co.uk. Station: Bond Street. B4.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Enjoy burgers, pizzas and cocktails. Check out its movie memorabilia, too. Daily L & D (bar to 1am). ££. 57-60 Haymarket, SW1Y 4QX. T: 020-7287 1000. www.planethollywood london.com. Station: Piccadilly Circus. E7.
RAINFOREST CAFE
Busy all-day diner in a mock rainforest jungle with life-size animatronic animals, and a fun menu that caters to everyone. Daily L & D. ££. 20 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU. T: 020-7434 3111. www.therainforestcafe.co.uk. Station: Piccadilly Circus. E3.
SEÑOR CEVICHE
This bustling Peruvian restaurant offers vibrant sharing plates. Daily L & D. ££. 1st Floor, Kingly Court, W1B 5PW. T: 020-7842 8540. www.senor- ceviche.com. Station: Piccadilly Circus. C5.
BRITISH
AQUA SHARD
Head up to level 31 of The Shard for modern British food and amazing views. Daily B, L & D. £££. 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY. T: 020-3011 1256. www.aquashard.co.uk. Station: London Bridge. E10.
CAFÉ IN THE CRYPT
In the basement of this Palladian church, the café serves good food at reasonable prices. Mon-Sat B, L & D; Sun L. £. St Martin-in-the-Fields, corner of Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ. T: 020-7766 1158. www.smitf.org. Station: Charing Cross. D7.
CHENESTON’S
This intimate restaurant specialises in fine British cuisine. Daily B, L & D. £££. The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL. T: 020-7917 1000. www.milestonehotel.com. Station: High Street Kensington. Off map.
GARFUNKEL’S
Enjoy popular British dishes, plus pizzas and a salad bar. Daily B, L & D. ££. 19 Irving St, WC2H 7AU (and branches). T: 020-7930 8087. www.garfunkels.co.uk. Station: Leicester Square. E7.
PARK TERRACE
Located in the Royal Garden Hotel London, this uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Daily B, L & D. ££. 2-24 Kensington High St, W8 4PT. T: 020-7361 1999. www.parkterracerestaurant.co.uk. Station: High Street Kensington. Off map.
ST PANCRAS GRAND
Brasserie-style dishes in this ornate dining room. Daily B, L & D. ££. Upper Concourse, St Pancras International, N1C 4QL. T: 020-7870 9900. www. searcys.co.uk. Station: King’s Cross St Pancras. C8.
SOPHIE’S STEAKHOUSE & BAR
Enjoy excellent British dishes, including burgers, steaks and terrine boards. Daily L & D. ££. 29-31 Wellington St, WC2E 7DB (and Chelsea branch). T: 020-7836 8836. www.sophiessteakhouse.co.uk. Station: Covent Garden. D8.
CHINESE
CHAI WU
This modern venue serves luxury ingredients, such as Wagyu beef. Daily L; Mon-Sat D to 8pm. £££. 87-135 Brompton Rd, SW1X 7XL. T: 020-3819 8888. www.chaiwu.co.uk. Station: Knightsbridge. F5.
HAKKASAN
Michelin-starred Chinese fusion food. Daily L & D. £££. 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD (and Mayfair branch). T: 020-7927 7000. www.hakkasan.com. Station: Tottenham Court Road. D7.
MIN JIANG
Enjoy superb food and views Hyde Park. Daily L & D. £££. Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High St, W8 4PT. T: 020-7361 1988. www.minjiang.co.uk. Station: High Street Kensington. F3.
