Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
Dans le Noir? London Restaurant is a dining establishment in Clerkenwell where guests eat their meals in complete darkness. The experience takes place in darkened rooms on a basement level, where trained staff members guide visitors through the space and serve food while all lights remain off.
The concept originated in Paris in 2004 and arrived in London in 2006, where it has since become an established attraction. The restaurant recently relocated to a new location on St. John Street to accommodate growing demand for this unusual dining experience.
The restaurant's name reflects a French concept created in Paris in 2004 aimed at raising awareness of how blind and partially sighted people navigate the world. The experience builds understanding and respect through direct interaction with staff members who are themselves blind and guide guests safely through the darkened rooms.
Guests should leave cameras, phones, and other items in lockers before entering the dark area to maintain darkness. It is advisable to wear a napkin on your lap and make reservations in advance, especially on weekends, as the experience is popular.
Despite the complete darkness, plates and utensils are served so carefully by experienced staff that guests rarely have accidents or spill food. The remarkable feature is that most visitors are surprised at the end to find their clothes remain completely clean after eating in the dark for about an hour.
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