After overhearing a conversation in an elevator once about how amazing this restaurant was I have been wanting to try it ever since. The first thought that springs to mind is but how the hell can you eat in the dark? So I finally got to try it last night and see or not see as it were for myself.

I sampled one of the cocktails first in the lit bar, i tried the Dans le Noir (£8.50) which was raspberry puree, vodka, Chambord, splash orange juice topped up with Laurent Perrier Brut with a blackberry on top. As me and my friend waited for the 9 o clock sitting the bar got busier and the people from the previous sitting poured out of the hall rubbing their eyes, some laughing, some looking very confused.

At 9 we were introduced to our blind waiter Mona who told us to form a line and to place our hand on the shoulder of the person in front of us as she led us down the dimly lit hall, through two sets of curtains into complete darkness.

We both ordered the white surprise menu and we were handed a plate of what we thought was just meat at first but as we explored the plate further we found some rice and veg. It was difficult to cut the food and it was a little cold which was disappointing.
The dessert was a blueberry mouse and vanilla custard (there is probably some fancy name for it but thats what it was basically) I enjoyed it, but i was expecting more for the price at £29 per person. But It was a great experience that i am glad to have tried.

You’d be hard pushed to find a more unique gastronomic experience and I’m not just talking about the food. It’s the whole package. You walk into the bar area and are handed a menu with the option of either a complete surprise, a surpise without fish or vegetarian option. This delightful experience is not for the fussy eater as you have no idea what you are about to eat. Then a blind waiter (yes you read that correctly) greets you and holds the first person’s hand and a small group of unsuspecting diners hold each other’s shoulders nervously like a train and are led into the pitch black dining area. You really can’t see your hand in front of you. How many times can you honestly say in a lifetime that you are at the completely mercy of a blind person? I have always admired people with a sight disability but gaining a tiny idea of what it’s really like, I have nothing but admiration for these guys. And the waiters are incredible; funny, happy and incredible service. No-one was injured, stabbed with cutlery or any other mishap. I would advise eating with your hands to really gain full benefit of this experience and pouring your drinks is amusing. I can honestly say I didn’t want to leave at the end of the meal. Oh and the fun part, eating your food and trying to guess what it is. It’s incredible just how wrong you can be, even though your other sense are heightened. You are then led back out into the lit bar area and presented with a menu of what you ate. My boyfriend was shocked to read that he had venison and ostrich and I was given lamb and duck. The menu changes all the time, so there’s no cheating if you plump for another visit. It is a little pricey but well worth it for a memorable, lifetime experience.

Dans Le Noir is unique. I can promise you that you've never had a dining experience like it!

Dans Le Noir (In the Dark) is a restaurant where you literally dine in the pitch black. When you get there you can have a drink at the bar although it's pretty pricey- £7 for a vodka and diet coke! When your table is ready your waiter/waitress will come out and be introduced to you. Now, this is where it gets interesting: all the waiting staff are blind. You are then asked to hold on to each other's shoulders as you led into the dining area. It is such a bizarre experience walking into the pitch black like that and, for me, I found it a bit uncomfortable. From then on your waiter is your guide, telling you where the glasses and cutlery are on the table and seating you.

Now, there is no set menu. You can specify whether you want meat, fish or a vegetarian option, but other than that there could be anything on your plate. To start I had lamb with gravy, roast potatoes and cabbage, and I ate it all with my fingers! I just couldn't grasp the concept of using a knife and fork in the dark, but I'm sure that it was just me being an idiot. I managed to use a spoon for the dessert :)

I have to say that I'm not sure if I'd go to Dans Le Noir. The food was reasonably priced- £30 for two courses and £40 for three-and the staff were absolutely fantastic, but now that I've been there and done it it doesn't have the novelty value that it did before! However I really would recommend it as something completely different and something you're not going to find anywhere else in London! Also, it really gives an insight into the way that blind people live their lives and they do donate a lot of money to the RNIB.

Oh yes, and if you need the toilet then go before the meal! The staff will take you out but they say it ruins the experience.

So overall it's a thumbs up for Dans Le Noir!