Are you ready to savor the unconventional? London’s dining scene is a treasure trove of unusual and memorable eating experiences. From dining in the dark to feasting in decommissioned tube carriages, the city’s restaurants are pushing the boundaries of culinary adventures.
You can indulge in a unique food experience that combines great cuisine with entertainment, making for an unforgettable visit to this vibrant city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these extraordinary restaurants offer a taste of the extraordinary, making your dining experience truly special.
Discover the most fascinating places to dine in London, where the experience is just as important as the meal itself. Get ready to explore the weird and wonderful world of London’s dining scene.
Discover London’s Most Bizarre Dining Settings
For those seeking more than just a meal, London offers a plethora of bizarre dining settings that promise to challenge your expectations and create unforgettable memories. These unique venues combine extraordinary atmospheres with exceptional culinary experiences, making for a truly holistic dining adventure.
Dans Le Noir? – Dining in Complete Darkness
Imagine dining in complete darkness, where the only thing that matters is the taste, smell, and texture of your food. Dans Le Noir? offers just that – a unique sensory experience guided by visually impaired staff who help navigate your meal. The surprise menu is crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring a culinary journey like no other.
The Clink at Brixton Prison – Fine Dining Behind Bars
Step into the historic governor’s house at HMP Brixton, dating back to 1819, and enjoy fine dining prepared and served by inmates training in professional cookery. The Clink at Brixton Prison offers a meal that’s not just about the food, but the experience of dining in a unique, historic setting.
Supperclub.tube – Dinner in a Decommissioned Tube Carriage
All aboard for a dining experience like no other at Supperclub.tube, where a decommissioned 1967 London Underground carriage has been transformed into an intimate dining venue. Enjoy a six-course Colombia-inspired tasting menu surrounded by the nostalgic interiors of a bygone era.
Tiroler Hut – Austrian Alpine Fever Dream
Descend into the whimsical world of Tiroler Hut, an Austrian Alpine-themed restaurant that’s been a London staple since 1967. Be entertained by the octogenarian host, Josef, in full lederhosen, as you enjoy traditional fondue and other Alpine delights.
These dining experiences, among others, showcase London’s penchant for creativity and its willingness to push the boundaries of what’s considered ‘normal’ in the culinary world. Each venue offers not just a meal, but an immersive experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Floating Feasts: London’s Weird Waterborne Restaurants
London’s weird and wonderful dining scene extends to its waterborne restaurants, offering floating feasts like no other. You can enjoy a meal on a historic barge, a romantic boat, or even a vessel with a quirky twist.
Barge East – Canal-Side Dining on a 120-Year-Old Dutch Boat
Barge East is a unique restaurant located on a 120-year-old Dutch boat in Hackney Wick. The adjacent Barge East Gardens supply most of the vegetables used in their seasonal British cuisine. You can dine in the breezy canopy on deck, cozy up in the hull, or enjoy the exclusive eight-seater captain’s cabin, which features a direct phone line to the bar.
Caravel – A Romantic Barge with Quirky Details
Caravel offers a romantic dining experience on a barge named Poppy. The decor is elegant, with a touch of whimsy, including a stained glass window depicting a pigeon eating a cigarette butt. Enjoy modern European and classic British dishes in this unique setting.
Peggy Jean – Australian Brunch on the Thames
At Peggy Jean in Richmond, you can enjoy Australian-inspired food on a boat on the Thames. The riverside views are stunning, and you can dine under pergolas and pretty pink umbrellas, making it a great spot for Instagram-worthy meals.
These waterborne restaurants offer not just unique settings but also exceptional food, proving that London’s canal and river network has become an exciting frontier for innovative dining spots.
Theatrical Dining: London, England’s Weird Dining Experiences?
For those seeking more than just a meal, London offers a range of theatrical dining experiences that are sure to captivate. These unique venues combine dining with entertainment, creating an evening that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
The Murdér Express – Dining on a Murder Mystery Train
The Murdér Express is an immersive dining experience that transports you back to the golden age of train travel. At Pedley Street Station, you’ll board a luxurious train where you can sip cocktails from the Seven Sins platform bar before enjoying a four-course menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating. As you dine, a murder mystery unfolds around you, drawing you into the story.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience – Comedy with Your Meal
Step into the world of the beloved TV show at Faulty Towers The Dining Experience, located at the President Hotel in Fitzrovia. Here, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner while being served by actors portraying Basil, Sybil, and Manuel. The chaos and hilarity that ensue make for an unforgettable dining experience.
The London Cabaret Club – Dinner and British-Themed Shows
The London Cabaret Club in Holborn offers a unique blend of dinner and entertainment, featuring a three-course meal paired with spectacular performances that celebrate British culture and music. The shows are a delightful mix of music, dance, and theatre, ensuring an enjoyable evening for all.
These theatrical dining experiences blur the line between restaurant and entertainment, creating interactive evenings where you become part of the show while enjoying quality food. Perfect for special occasions or unique nights out in Covent Garden and beyond, these experiences offer much more than just a meal—they provide stories you’ll be telling for years to come.
Press for Champagne: London’s Most Extravagant Weird Dining
For those who crave the extraordinary, London’s most extravagant dining establishments are a must-visit. These restaurants offer an unparalleled dining experience, with luxurious interiors, exceptional cuisine, and an atmosphere that’s hard to forget.
Bob Bob Ricard – Luxury Booths with Champagne Buttons
Bob Bob Ricard in Soho is a paragon of luxury dining, famous for its all-booth seating and the iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table. With its art deco interiors and plush booths, it offers one of London’s most extravagant fine dining experiences.
This restaurant pours more Champagne than any other in Britain and features reinvented British and French classics on its menu, making it a favorite for special occasions and celebrations.
Sketch – Pink Gallery and Egg-Shaped Toilets
Sketch takes dining extravagance to artistic heights with its Gallery restaurant, featuring sunshine yellow and copper interiors designed by artists like David Shrigley and Yinka Shonibare. The quirky space is a treat for the eyes, making it a unique dining experience.
No visit to Sketch is complete without experiencing the famous egg-shaped toilet pods where birdsong plays as you use the facilities, creating one of the most photographed room spaces in London.
Bacchanalia – Over-the-Top Roman Decadence
Bacchanalia delivers over-the-top Roman decadence in Mayfair, with Mediterranean food served in a space that feels like an ancient feast. The dramatic atmosphere and interiors create an ambiance of theatrical luxury, making it an unforgettable restaurant experience.
These restaurants are a testament to London’s diverse and vibrant dining scene, offering something for every kind of diner looking for an extravagant experience.
Interactive and High-Tech Dining Experiences
The future of dining is here, and it’s happening in London, where restaurants are incorporating cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences.
Inamo – Digital Ordering and Table Games
Inamo in Covent Garden and Soho offers a futuristic dining experience where you can use the table to select your food and play retro games while you wait. The venues boast sleek, futuristic décor and a playful atmosphere, serving sushi dishes and Asian favorites.
At Inamo, you’ll experience dining of the future with interactive tables that allow you to order food, play games, and even change the digital tablecloth pattern while waiting for your Asian-inspired dishes and sushi.
Bustronome – Fine Dining on a Double-Decker Bus Tour
Bustronome takes fine dining on the road with its glass-topped double-decker bus that tours London’s landmarks while you enjoy a meticulously prepared multi-course menu paired with fine wines.
The experience combines sightseeing with gourmet dining, allowing you to see London’s iconic sights while savoring dishes like beef Wellington or miso-glazed fish prepared by talented chefs.
Monopoly Lifesized – Board Game-Themed Dining
Monopoly Lifesized offers a unique combination of gaming and dining, where you can play on a giant Monopoly board before heading to The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar for themed dishes like The High Flyer Burger or Mr. Monopoly’s Millionaire Cheesecake.
This experience is perfect for groups and families looking for a fun and interactive bar and dining experience.
Culinary Oddities: Strange Food Concepts
The city’s culinary landscape is dotted with restaurants that challenge conventional dining norms in fascinating ways. You’re in for a treat if you’re looking to try something new and unusual.
Garlic & Shots – Everything Contains Garlic (Even Desserts)
Garlic & Shots in Soho is a restaurant that takes the love of garlic to new heights – or depths, depending on how you look at it. Every dish on their menu contains garlic, and it’s not just limited to savory options; their desserts are also infused with this pungent ingredient. With a list of 101 shots, at least five of which contain garlic, this place is a paradise for garlic enthusiasts.
The Cheese Bar – Dedicated to All Things Dairy
The Cheese Bar, located in Covent Garden, is revolutionizing the way you experience cheese. As the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant, it offers an endless parade of British cheeses and dairy-focused dishes. From baked camembert and queso fundido to elaborate toasties, this restaurant elevates cheese to the star of every dish.
Bubblewrap – Egg Waffle Ice Cream Cones
Bubblewrap in Soho brings a taste of Hong Kong street food to London with its unique egg waffles. The bobbly batter forms a cone that’s filled with ice cream, fruits, and other toppings, creating both a visual spectacle and a delicious dessert. This Instagram-famous treat is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Conclusion: Making the Most of London’s Weird Dining Scene
As you conclude your culinary journey through London, you’ll find that the city’s weird dining scene is a true reflection of its eclectic spirit. London’s dining experiences offer something for every taste, budget, and occasion—from high-end fine dining at places like Bob Bob Ricard to the quirky charm of dining on a barge at Barge East in East London.
To make the most of these unique experiences, plan ahead by booking tables in advance, especially for popular spots like Dans Le Noir? or tasting menu experiences. Consider the timing of your visit to maximize the atmosphere—some places like Sketch are perfect for daytime visits, while others like La Bodega Negra come alive at night.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. These weird dining experiences offer more than just a meal; they provide conversation starters, photo opportunities, and unique memories. Many restaurants change their menus seasonally or feature special events, so check their websites before you head out. For the best value, look for set menus, pre-theater dining options in Covent Garden, or lunchtime tasting menu deals at fine dining restaurants.
By embracing London’s weird dining scene, you’ll discover a world of culinary innovation and creativity that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in this vibrant city.
The above is subject to change.
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