Dans le Noir ? London: Dining in Complete Darkness
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Dans le Noir ? London offers a unique dining experience in total darkness, where visually impaired waiters guide you through a sensory journey. Located in Clerkenwell, this high-end restaurant challenges your perception of taste and texture, serving a surprise menu that heightens your other senses. The atmosphere is lively and immersive, making it a memorable outing for adventurous food lovers.
A brief summary to Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
- 69-73 St John St, London, EC1M 4NJ, GB
- +442072531100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5:30 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 5 pm-12 am
- Saturday 12 pm-3 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-3 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance as this unique dining experience is popular and often fully booked.
- Be prepared to surrender all light-emitting devices to fully immerse yourself in the darkness.
- Try to relax and embrace the challenge of eating without sight; it enhances your other senses.
- Ask the staff about the dishes after the meal to learn what you’ve experienced.
- Consider this experience for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for adventurous friends.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
An Unparalleled Sensory Dining Experience
Dans le Noir ? London is a pioneering restaurant located in Clerkenwell that invites guests to dine in complete darkness. The concept revolves around removing the sense of sight to amplify the other senses, especially taste and smell. Upon arrival, diners surrender all light-emitting devices and are led by visually impaired or blind waitstaff into a pitch-black dining room. This total blackout environment creates a disorienting yet fascinating atmosphere where guests rely solely on touch, taste, and sound.The Role of the Staff and the Dining Process
The waiters at Dans le Noir ? are all blind or partially sighted, skilled at navigating the dark space with confidence and grace. They guide diners to their seats and serve dishes with precision, often helping guests find their cutlery and pour drinks, which becomes a playful challenge in the dark. The communal aspect is enhanced by sharing tables with other diners, fostering a sense of camaraderie as everyone adapts to the unusual setting. The experience typically lasts about 90 minutes, during which guests savor a surprise menu without prior knowledge of the dishes.Food and Flavour in Darkness
The menu is a carefully crafted surprise, designed to intrigue and challenge the palate. Dishes focus on texture and flavor contrasts, encouraging diners to guess what they are eating. Although the cuisine is not haute gastronomy, it is of high quality with generous portions. The absence of visual cues enhances the taste experience, making familiar foods seem new and exotic. At the end of the meal, diners are brought back into the light to discover what they have eaten, often to delightful surprise.The Ambiance and Emotional Impact
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is lively and sometimes chaotic, with the sounds of cutlery, voices, and the occasional guidance call from staff. This bustling energy adds to the immersive nature of the experience. Many guests find the darkness initially overwhelming but soon become absorbed in the sensory journey. The experience also fosters empathy and appreciation for those living with visual impairments, as diners gain insight into navigating the world without sight.Location and Accessibility
Situated on St John Street in London’s Clerkenwell district, Dans le Noir ? is accessible via multiple transport options and is embedded in a vibrant urban area. The restaurant operates mostly in the evenings, with some weekend lunch sittings. Its central location makes it a convenient destination for locals and visitors seeking a distinctive dining adventure.Why Choose Dans le Noir ?
This restaurant is not just about food but about challenging perceptions and creating memorable moments. It is ideal for adventurous diners, couples looking for a unique date night, or anyone interested in experiencing the world from a different sensory perspective. While it is on the pricier side, the combination of atmosphere, service, and concept makes it a worthwhile experience that stands out in London’s culinary scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
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Holborn Viaduct
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London City wall
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Trip Turkey
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Ludgate Circus
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Queen Anne Statue
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St. Paul's Cathedral
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St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
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Guildhall Library
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Fleet St
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Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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Unmissable attractions to see
St John's Gate
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Museum of the Order of Saint John
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The Charterhouse
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Smithfield Market
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London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
40 Charterhouse Square
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The Crown Tavern
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Step into The Crown Tavern, a historic Victorian pub where revolutionary history meets classic London charm on Clerkenwell Green.
Marx Memorial Library & Workers School
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Cloth Fair
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Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
London dragon
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St Bartholomew the Great
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Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
Well Court
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Discover Well Court, a captivating Victorian alley blending historic charm and modern life in the heart of London’s City.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
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Bleeding Heart Yard
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Golden Boy of Pye Corner
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Hatton Garden
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Essential places to dine
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
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Madison
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Inamo Covent Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Unique Gifts
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Pop Up Luxury Shop
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London Silver Vaults
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The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
One New Change
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not just a shop
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Persephone books
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Twinings - The Strand
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1 Poultry
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The Old Curiosity Shop
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The Store X
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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XOYO LONDON
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Heaven
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Lively
- Adventurous
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
