Fancy a change from your ordinary dining experience? From digitalised service to sport and unusual menus, London is the UK’s center for entertainment even whilst you’re just out for a nice meal. Here is a list of the best five for when you get peckish.
Bounce, 121 Holborn
In the famous words of Boris Johnson at his Olympic speech in China, ‘Ping pong is coming home.’ Indeed it has at Holborn’s very own restaurant/ping pong venue. Founded by Adam Breeden and Dov Penzik, Bounce is located on the very spot on which the game of ping pong was created and patented in 1901. Bounce recommends that you get to the restaurant early to avoid ping pong table disappointment. Alternatively you can eat and drink either whilst waiting for a table or simply to savour Bounce’s atmosphere. Bounce’s private room can also be hired out for up to 80 guests. The large space includes food and a bar area and up to three bespoke ping pong tables so you can bounce for as long as you like.
Inamo, St James, Soho
Inamo is known as one of the first interactive restaurants. The Oriental fusion restaurant has a stunning bamboo interior as well as a Japanese garden, a sushi bar, and a wide variety of cocktails alongside its Japanese, Thai and Chinese menu. However, the main feature of Inamo is its interactive ordering service. A projection of the menu beams down onto your table and you simply place an order from the meal picture which takes your fancy. Diners can also play games, book a taxi and explore the neighbourhood all on their table top.
The Doodle Bar, Battersea
If you venture a little out of the City Center, you will find this local bar for London’s art and fashion elite including Vivienne Westwood. The low key style of the Doodle Bar means that its main feature, its chalkboard walls and bar take center stage. Punters are encouraged to bring out their artistic side and doodle, sketch and scribble. Events are occasionally held at the venue including burlesque life drawing classes and strangely, lectures on taxidermy as well as edible architecture.
Mes Amis, Hammersmith
Journey to West London to find this little gem, but be warned, it is hard to find. Tucked away on Rainville Road, this colourful Lebanese restaurant offers a slice of eccentricity and vibrancy. Every available inch of wall and ceiling space is lined with an assortment of paintings, photographs, Japanese parasols and lanterns. Mes Amis lives up to its name as there is a real homely and warm reception from its chef, James Ilyas. Food includes traditional mezze’s and kebabs.
Dans le Noir?, Farringdon
Fancy dining in the dark? You can at Dans le Noir? in Clerkenwell Green, near Holborn and Farringdon. Diners are invited to partake in a sensory and social experience which they hope will re-evaluate the notions of taste and smell. Dining in the dark suppresses the dominant sense of sight to bring smell and taste to the forefront. This sensory experience is heightened by the fact that they do not show diners a menu. Apart from any food allergies and health issues, every meal is a surprise. Even the website only shows ‘old menus’ so nobody can take a peak.
