Wahaca

Food & Drink, Food Topics & Trends

The Clink

Having been hooked on the mysterious world of underground restaurants after my baptism at MsMarmitelover’s I was invited to attend an even more bizarre experience by a friend. The venue? Her Majesty’s Prison High Down, Sutton in the newly opened restaurant aptly called The Clink. After being led through numerous security checks and having all items remotely suspicious removed from my person we were led through four heavily guarded and locked doors, through the open courtyard in the middle of the prison and finally through a large heavily barred door with the words “The Clink” written above.

What greeted us was not a prison canteen that I had been expecting but a really rather thought out mini 40 seater restaurant and well designed (considering this was in a high security prison….even the lighting had had due care and attention). Everyone in the restaurant, including waiters, managers and chefs were serving time in Prison (we didn’t get the chance to ask for what!)… but they all seemed really happy and enjoying the opportunity to prove themselves to the outside world (and the “Inside” – Prison officers are allowed to eat there as well!) This is an initiative to teach inmates about the hospitality industry and every person working there does their stint on the floor and in the kitchen. The aim is to give them more of a fighting chance when they leave, they were still new to it though and they were clearly nervous. Yet sitting down looking into an open kitchen that all seemed very professional.

Water was brought to the table (that was all that was on offer – a compromise by the Prison Executives I imagine) and hard plastic cutlery was laid up. The menu is simple (no starters) but a range of well portioned main courses with breakfast and tea also on offer as well.

What was amazing was the price. Homemade ravioli with ricotta and spinach in a rich tomato sauce was £4.00 and was enough for two. Mackerel fillets on a salad with vegetables were £5.00. If I had any complaint it would probably be that the portions were too big and the sauces, where given, too plentiful, but considering this place had only been open for two weeks it was on the right track and we were all overwhelmed by the effort and enthusiasm of the guys working there.

For a novel experience and to give some support to a really great initiative I recommend trying this out if you live near Sutton or hop on the train from Victoria and it’s 20 mins and then a quick bus/ taxi ride. As you might expect YOU HAVE TO BOOK, and be checked out before arriving but it’s fairly harmless and gives you curious feeling that you have done something wrong! For more information go to http://www.theclinkonline.com or watch the promotional video below.

The Clink

Mark@Wahaca

Staff observations, Wahacos

Staff Observations

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