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Nothing can quite prepare you for an experience like this one. If you are a spontaneous person, who likes to put yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace a rather unique experience - this one is for you.
Dans Le Noir is ranked as one of the 10 most original restaurants in the world. It offers guests the chance to experience a meal entirely in darkness. Founded in Paris in 2004 by Edouard de Broglie and later expanding to cities worldwide, this one-of-a-kind restaurant aims to heighten your other senses—taste, smell, touch, and hearing—by removing the sense of sight.
Location
Located in Farringdon, a 5-10 minute short walk from the station. If you arrive early you can go to the pub a few shops down called the "White Bear" for a drink.
The Process
We were greeted warmly whilst arriving, and were escorted to a storage cupboard where they put our phones, bags and coats into a locker and gave us the key. They then led us to a lit bar room where we sat down and took a look at the drinks menu. They had a good range of options, from wine to cocktails, and asked whether you would like to drink them before you go in or recieve it once you are in the dark room (I recommend). They asked for any allergens and took us up the stairs to meet our waitress, our visually impaired guide who would lead us through the experience. She was very lovely and after her introduction, helped us be sat at our table by leading us in with one arm on each others shoulder, making sure one by one we were sat and knew what was in front of us (cutlery, a bottle of water and cups). We were on a long table, and you could hear people beside you, but it still felt personal to the person you were seated with.
The bar room you wait in
I will not lie to you - I was a little terrified going in. Entering complete darkness, yet hearing the hum of people talking at their tables was very strange. As soon as I sat down I felt I needed to hold my date's hand, perhaps a small childhood fear of the dark sparking me to seek comfort. If you are afraid of the dark - this one is NOT for you, yet if you want to face your fear and get over it, this experience is worth it.
I loved how she addressed us by name everytime she approached us so we could shift our focus to her. We were handed our wine in tumblers to avoid spillage, and our first course came in no time. The only explanation we had was her guiding us to where she was putting the plate and the shape of it, but the meal was a mystery. The dishes remain undisclosed until after the meal, focusing on bold, fresh flavors and inventive combinations to surprise the palate. This approach challenges diners to engage fully with the textures, aromas, and tastes of their food in a way they've never done before.
I loved talking to my date about each element, as every bite was a suprise - what we thought was salmon, was actually cod, and we were suprised by delicious sweet potato puree, parsnip crisps, and pomegrante buds that were in our starting dish. It was texture heaven and we relied on our smell to also guess what it was. It was funny trying to guess when we had finished, as I had to feel around the plate to check, I got a little on the table but to my suprise, nothing on me. Our mains came out so fast, and I loved taking that first bite of juicy lamb, cooked to perfection. The quality was great, and when you thought you knew the dish, you would come across something like a cherry tomato that surprises you. There was a moment that someone smashed a glass, but staff handled it incredibly well and responsibly.
Company
My date and I agree that the company is one of the most important aspects of the experience, I felt it made us closer trying something so exciting. My nerves eased by talking to him and embracing the experience together, as well as talking to a pair of Doctors sitting next to us and learning about their lives. After a while, you do really get used to the darkness and it's nice knowing you dont need to worry how you look as your only paying attention to eachothers voices. It gave me insight on how lucky I am to be able to see, but also to how powerful our senses are.
Price
Our final bill came to £160, which included a starter and a main for two people - as well as 4 glasses of wine shared between us. I believe this price was a lot to pay for what we ate, yet we had no issues and felt the experience was 100% worth it and really opened up our minds. So, I would say it is worth it if you have the budget for it. I loved how when they showed us what we ate on the iPad, they also showed the team and celebrated them.
Film
I urge you to watch About Time before going here, as it was the reason I wanted to visit. Tim and Mary meet here in the film, sat next to each other as strangers and only saw each other for the first time outside of the restaurant. It's one of the most beautiful films ever made, and to experience what they did, reliving their first date, meant a lot to me!
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