It’s rare to find something which manages to surprise, entertain and nourish in equal measure, but London’s latest and most exciting underground pop up restaurant, Full House, manages to do just that.
Full House is as much a cultural enterprise as it is a gastronomic treat. A collaboration between friends, who share a passion for food, interior design and live music, this pop up transforms an east london apartment into part restaurant and part performance art venue.
Each dinner is centered around a specific gastronomic theme, (previous nights have included ‘Back to Tuk Tuk’, ‘Beyond Sushi’, ‘Bold Brazilian’ and ‘ChocShock!) and sees the visual transformation of the venue, a different chef, and often starts with a cooking demonstration of the expertly prepared food. The result is a night that engages all the senses, and has quite rightly seen the venture receive copious accolades from critics and diners alike, recently Full House was named ‘Best Performance Art’ in the Sunday Time Culture Magazine.
* Photo courtesy of Suzie Blake
Receiving details of the restaurant’s location on the day of dining maintains suspense and keeps the sense of excitement at a premium. The theme of my particular feast was ‘Blitz Spirit’. On arrival we were greeted by the host in 1940s dress who quickly beckoned us in to safety (from the German bombing raids of course). The atmosphere of blitz spirit was evoked pre-dinner on the terrace with Martini in hand and Noel Coward playing in the background. The mood was seamlessly maintained as we were escorted through the kitchen, into a dining area dressed as a domestic air-raid shelter.
The unique nature of the event and enveloping atmosphere, creates a special camaraderie amongst the diners, (most of whom are strangers to each other) which would be hard to recreate in any other social experience. This atmosphere is complimented by the food, which in this instance was prepared by Caroline Hobkinson*, an artist and chef of merit. Caroline uses food as performance and social commentary, drawing inspiration from the likes of Judy Chicago and the Futurist Cookbook.
The menu was a poetic toast to an important period in history, and features unusual delights such as pea puree pancakes, pigeon and beetroot cake.
This little gem will only be with us until early June. The places are selling fast, so if you want to experience the unexpected, and savour a truly unique dinner date, go to www.fullhouse.squarespace.com. You won’t regret it.
Where: You find out on the day (but in East London!)
Who: www.fullhouse.squarespace.com
Other Links: www.stirringwithknives.com (Caroline Hobkinson Blog)
* Caroline Hobkinson’s next event is the ‘Mad Hatter’s Party’ taking place on the 6th May at the Barbican as part of the Ron Arad season. For more information click here
