My fiance, Grace, recently visited a restaurant with a difference and I wanted to share her thoughts on one of London's more unusual venues...
I’d never been inside a prison before. Therefore, when I had an opportunity to eat at The Clink, I jumped at the chance.
Situated inside HMP High Down in Sutton, The Clink was set up in 2009 and is the only commercial restaurant inside a British prison. Everything you experience inside the restaurant is created by the prisoners themselves. Inmates can apply to work in the restaurant either preparing food or serving guests. The furniture has been made by them and even the fruit and vegetables being served have been grown behind prison walls.
After going through security, we were led by a prison guard through a series of locked doors and gates before reaching the restaurant itself. I didn’t expect to feel nervous, but I could feel my heart beat speeding up as I was being led through. This all added to the experience.
The dining area is comparable to any other fine dining restaurant I’ve been to. Even though there are no windows, it is well lit and in-keeping with the rest of the project. Even the art and poems inscribed onto the walls were created by the prisoners. The staff serving are extremely attentive and friendly and for the duration of the meal, I nearly forgot where I was.
What I was most impressed by was the standard of the food. The ones lucky enough to be accepted as trainee chefs are trained to a very high standard. This experience, as well as leading to national qualifications, will enable them to find jobs in restaurants on their release.
Menu
Wild Mushroom en Croute with Cream & Fresh Herbs
Roast Woodland Pork with Apple Sauce & Chateau Potatoes
served with vegetable from the prison gardens
Creme Brulee
Everything I ate was fantastic. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photos, so I can't show any pictures!
I have to make a special mention of the dessert. Now, as well as having a very sweet tooth, I also love crème brulee and I must have eaten it in around 50 different restaurants over the years. This one was up there with the very best of them.
After breaking through the crisp sugar topping, you were treated to a wonderfully smooth velvety vanilla custard and then surprised by some gorgeous home grown berries. I would go back just to eat this alone.
When eating at The Clink, you are not just eating great food in an unusual setting. You are buying into a vision. By giving prisoners the skills, experience and confidence to find paid employment on the outside you are helping to reduce re-offending rates and therefore making society a safer place for you and I to live in.
This is the thing that makes The Clink extra special and another reason why I can’t wait to go back.
The Clink is now taking bookings for Christmas lunches. If you wanted to have your work Christmas lunch in an unusual setting, you can visit in December, 12:30-15:00 Mon-Fri at the cost of £16.50 per person.