The Clink Restaurant Brixton — Restaurant in London

Fine dining where you wouldn't expect it, unless you believe what the Daily Mail has to say about the lifestyle of a prisoner. Whatever your opinion of the food it's unlikely you will be able to leave without paying here. The "dine and dash" difficulty rating is set to hard.

The Clink is a charity funded restaurant initiative set within the prison walls and staffed by inmates for both front and back of house. The prisoners employed here are working towards attaining qualifications in the hospitality industry which can hopefully offer them a route into gainful employment upon their release.

The menu and the presentation of the food is of the calibre you would expect from a high end eatery. Our waiter Craig assured me it was considerably better than what they serve on the wings! All the food I had was good, plated well and with distinct flavours which combined amicably to create very enjoyable dishes.

I started with pressed game terrine, ciabatta croûte, fruit chutney and baby cress. I followed this with Three Little Pigs: caramelised pork belly, pancetta wrapped pork fillet, black pudding bon bon, mini fondants, shallot purée and apple jus. For dessert I chose spiced poached pear with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.

I'm normally a sucker for photographing my food at restaurants, not here though. Upon arrival you have to leave your phone, camera, keys, chewing gum, aerosols, cash above £50 and anything else they deem inappropriate in a locker outside the prison. You can try sneaking a camera in if you like, but you might end up working here if you do. Craig told me the rate of pay is £10 a week, and they only accept payment by cheque so no tips to top your wages up with. It's probably better just to leave the camera outside.

The Clink really creates a bizarre juxtaposition. If you overlook the fact there is no alcohol and you have plastic cutlery you could almost be forgiven for thinking you are eating in a Michelin starred restaurant, until you look through the barred windows at the high walls topped with tight coils of razor wire snaking out of view in every direction.

It was great though, unlike anything else I've ever experienced at a restaurant. Our bill was about £25/head including drinks which for the quality of the food was a bargain. I would definitely go again and recommend it to others.

Things to note:

No under 18s. You must book at least 72 hours in advance. When you apply to book they will ask you for various background information to carry out security checks before clearing you to book, for me this process took a couple of days. You can only pay by cheque (or invoice by prior arrangement). Reservations are Monday to Friday only for...

We recently had the pleasure of dining at the Clink Restaurant in HMP Brixton, and it was an unforgettable experience, especially with their festive Christmas menu.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, a refreshing contrast to the prison setting. The restaurant is well-designed, offering a comfortable dining experience.

One aspect that surprised me was how many guests seemed unaware of the prison's guidelines. It's crucial to read the restrictions, as certain items are not allowed on the premises it will be emailed to you once your submission has been accepted. Additionally, be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your booking time, as this is necessary for the search and security protocols.

The highlight of our visit was the impeccable service from Mohamed. His professionalism and attentiveness made us feel welcome and well taken care of throughout our meal. He was knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations on the Christmas specials that truly enhanced our dining experience.

Now, about the food! The Christmas menu featured a delightful selection of seasonal dishes, all beautifully presented and full of flavor. It was clear that the kitchen team takes great pride in their work, and we appreciated the chance to enjoy such a festive meal in this extraordinary setting.

Overall, our visit to the Clink Restaurant was not only a unique dining experience but also an opportunity to support an initiative that provides training and rehabilitation for inmates. We left feeling satisfied by both the excellent food and the meaningful impact of our visit.

I highly recommend dining at the Clink Restaurant, especially during the holiday season. Thank you, Mohamed, and the entire team for an...

A Hidden Gem with a Heartwarming Twist!

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at The Clink Restaurant in Brixton, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget! From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere was welcoming and inviting, which felt a bit surprising considering the unique setting within HMP Brixton. But this is what makes The Clink so special – it’s not just a great place to eat; it’s a social enterprise with a purpose. All the food is prepared and served by prisoners working towards rehabilitation and gaining culinary skills for life after release.

The food? Outstanding. It’s not your typical prison fare! The menu offers a range of fresh, contemporary dishes, with everything prepared to perfection. The flavors were rich and balanced, and you could tell that a lot of care went into each dish. We tried the grilled lamb chops and the roast cauliflower steak, both were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Each dish had a bit of a twist, showing the skill and creativity of the chefs-in-training.

The service was also excellent. Despite being a training restaurant, the staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. They took the time to explain the dishes, and you could tell they were genuinely proud of the work they were doing.

What really makes The Clink stand out is its mission. You’re not just supporting a restaurant, you’re supporting a charity that gives inmates real-life skills, mentorship, and an opportunity to transform their futures. Knowing this made the meal even more meaningful.

Highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a great meal while supporting an amazing cause. Whether you’re a foodie or someone looking to support social change, The Clink is...