Hill+Knowlton Strategies

This Friday (7^th December), the Vauxhall Tea House Theatre, will be transformed into an Oompa Loompa filled, chocolate covered paradise, as it is transformed into a pop up restaurant, which brings the children’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life.

For one night only, guests will enjoy a three course Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired meal featuring all of the tomato soup-roast beef-blueberry pie references you could possibly imagine, whilst enjoying Butterscotch and Buttergin cocktails and everlasting gobstoppers. Personally, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Friday evening…

Brought to life by creative supper club The Novel Diner, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed event is one of a growing number of underground supper clubs popping up across London that encourage people to swap fine dining to spend an evening dining in unusual locations including warehouses and theatres to people’s living rooms.

Ranging from Burmese to Persian, Japanese or Catalan, London supper clubs offer a unique and affordable dining experience for those willing to share a table with other like-minded foodies over a delicious home-cooked dinner.

Whilst I can’t imagine opening my home up to a group of strangers so they can critique my no doubt, soggy roast potatoes and over cooked beef, more and more people are! So why not forgo your local restaurant and try out one of London’s supper clubs next time you fancy a night out. To give you a bit of inspiration, here is a list of some of London’s best:

The Art of Dining

This supper club mixes food and art to create very special dining experiences around a theme.  Previous events include The Chicken and the Egg, and Rations (a wartime theme).  Expect high concept, and a real experience.  Unlike most supper clubs, the events usually take place over a few nights, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get tickets.

Frequency – Every couple of months
Cost – A donation of around £45

Burger Monday

Daniel Young’s legendary burger night, with burgers specially made by top butchers, and cooked by top chefs.  These have sold out in minutes – if you’re lucky you can get tickets.

Frequency – Usually about once a month
Cost – Approx £30 per head

The Disappearing Dining Club

This supper club takes place on the first Saturday of every month.  The format is a dinner, then dancing, usually at a secret venue.  DJs play before and after dinner, and the fun goes on until the early hours.
Frequency – First Saturday of the month.  The next one is on 7th July
Cost – Approx £50

The London Supper Club

A long-running club, held in Balham at the home of the organisers.  There is a set three course menu, and up to 18 guests attend.  Food is provided; guests bring their own drinks.
Frequency – Every fortnight.  The events almost always sell out long in advance
Cost – A suggested contribution of £22

The Novel Diner

Image from noveldiner.tumblr.com

A supper club that hosts events in hour of classic books.  The first was for To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf; so expect a slightly more elevated evening than most book groups!
Frequency – About once a month
Cost – Varies – expect £30 – £40

*Supper club recommendations courtesy of Londonpopups.co.uk

Fiona Suttie