Background

The Clink Restaurant Brixton: A Unique Culinary Experience Inside a Working Prison

Dine inside a historic prison where prisoners train as chefs, blending fine European cuisine with a powerful rehabilitation mission.

4.8

The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton offers a distinctive dining experience where high-quality European cuisine is prepared and served by prisoners training for nationally recognized qualifications. Housed in the historic Governor’s House dating back to 1819, the restaurant combines fine dining with a powerful social mission to reduce reoffending by equipping inmates with skills for employment. The elegant setting contrasts with the prison environment, creating a memorable and thought-provoking visit.

A brief summary to The Clink Restaurant Brixton

  • HMP Brixton, Jebb Ave, London, Brixton Hill, SW2 5XF, GB
  • +442086789007
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-3 pm

Local tips

  • Bring valid photo ID such as a passport or driving license, as security checks are strict.
  • Book in advance, especially for special menus like Sunday lunch or afternoon tea.
  • Consider ordering the homemade bread with your starter for a full culinary experience.
  • Be prepared for an unusual yet rewarding atmosphere that combines fine dining with a prison setting.
widget icon

The Clink Restaurant Brixton location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of The Clink Restaurant Brixton

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Clink Restaurant Brixton

A Historic Setting with a Social Purpose

The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton is located within the old Governor’s House of the prison, a building constructed in 1819. This atmospheric venue, enclosed by high walls and barbed wire, has been transformed into a stylish dining room with leather upholstery and boardroom tables crafted by prisoners from HMP Frankland. The restaurant operates inside a working category C prison, making it one of the few places in the world where the public can dine inside a prison environment.

Training and Rehabilitation Through Hospitality

What sets The Clink apart is its mission: all food is lovingly prepared and served by prisoners who are students training for City & Guilds NVQs in Food & Beverage Service, Professional Cookery, and Food Hygiene. This hands-on training provides them with valuable skills and qualifications to support their reintegration into society upon release. The restaurant offers full-time work to up to 30 prisoners, helping reduce reoffending rates by fostering confidence and employability.

Exquisite Modern European Cuisine

The menu features contemporary European dishes crafted with care and creativity. Diners can enjoy a set three-course meal with options that include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Signature dishes have included smoked haddock Scotch egg, pigeon with black pudding, and jerk monkfish, reflecting a blend of classic and innovative flavors. The Clink also offers a renowned Sunday lunch and a special afternoon tea served on select Fridays, showcasing freshly baked breads, pastries, and traditional finger sandwiches made on-site.

An Atmosphere of Contrast and Reflection

Inside, the restaurant is air-conditioned and elegantly decorated, offering a warm and inviting ambiance that contrasts with the stark prison surroundings visible through the windows. Security is strict, with airport-style checks and mandatory photo ID for all guests, underscoring the unique nature of the venue. The experience is both enjoyable and thought-provoking, inviting diners to reflect on the power of second chances and social change.

Community Impact and Recognition

The Clink Charity, which operates the restaurant, has gained widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to rehabilitation. The Brixton location frequently ranks among London’s top restaurants and has received a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it in the top 10% worldwide. Beyond dining, The Clink also offers event catering and has expanded its reach with projects like Clink@Home, delivering meals prepared by trainees to local communities.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

The restaurant seats around 120 diners and provides a unique opportunity to engage with a socially conscious dining concept. The leather furnishings and poetry by Clink graduates add cultural depth to the setting. While the focus is on the food and training, visitors also appreciate the blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and social impact. Reservations are essential, and guests must comply with security protocols, making it a distinctive and memorable culinary destination in London.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near The Clink Restaurant Brixton

Popular Hotels near The Clink Restaurant Brixton

Select Currency