Looking to sample the most unique dining experience in the capital in 2023? Then there’s only one place that fits the bill – and that’s Park Row, located just off Regent Street, in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Commonly known as ‘Crime Alley’, Park Row was once one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Gotham City before it became a notorious area for poverty and criminal activity, and is where you’d expect DC Super-Villains, crooked politicians and greedy businessmen of Gotham City to frequent, despite the efforts of Batman and his allies to rid the city of crime.
But now, it’s one of the trendiest immersive eateries in the world and no longer just the comic book concept it once was – and everyone who is anyone is queuing up to get themselves a table.
It might not initially be a concept that screams luxury, but rest assured that this exciting establishment has got all bases covered in that respect, offering up a decadent dining experience alongside some impressive signature cocktails and tasteful evening entertainment. So, whilst there’s no denying that fun is a central theme, Park Row has successfully managed to achieve the perfect balance.
The first fully immersive DC-inspired restaurant experience in the world, this unique establishment is a must-visit for fans of the comics, offering world-class food and drink set against the backdrop of multi-sensory storytelling that draws inspiration from some of Gotham City’s most iconic residents – and it all comes together in what can only be one of the most memorable dining experiences of your life.
A gastronomic theme park, of sorts, for comic book fans and foodies, this unique venture, owned by Wonderland Restaurants and founded by Culinary Alchemist James Bulmer together with private equity investors, can be found within a stunning Grade II listed Art Deco venue in the heart of London’s theatre-land. One minute, you’re wandering the streets of Soho and the next, you’re in the DC universe via a secret door in Wayne Manor, home to the famous billionaire.
Created in partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment on behalf of DC, its home, which is owned by The Crown Estate, was once part of Europe’s largest hotel – The Regent Palace – before the main restaurant was transformed into Marco Pierre White’s Titanic in 1998 and neighbouring restaurant The Atlantic became Brasserie Zedel. But since then, it’s been given a new lease of life and now houses one of London’s most talked about venues. Park Row has quickly become the name on everyone’s lips, and one of the city’s most sought-after haunts – and it certainly isn’t difficult to see why.
The halo concept, The Monarch Theatre, is a fully immersive restaurant experience, with state-of-the-art floor to ceiling projection mapping and an incredible tasting menu headed up by former Michelin-starred chef and new Park Row executive chef Alyn Williams. Williams trained under the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay and was awarded the star for his eponymous restaurant at the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair less than a year after opening, going on to retain it for eight years running. Diners will certainly be in good hands.
Counting a 2012 National Chef of the Year title amongst his many culinary achievements, Alyn now works alongside Karl O’Dell, executive chef of The Monarch Theatre, a 20-seat immersive dining experience set within Park Row – and has devised a mouth-watering menu that draws inspiration from the stories of DC comics, with the decadent dishes on offer including rabbit, smoked chicken terrine, tarragon and confit rabbit samosa as well as Cornish stone bass, crispy caviar and chive butter.
Whilst there’s no denying that Park Row has infused an element of fun into its dining experience, it’s clear that it takes its culinary offering very seriously, and you’ll find only the freshest, locally sourced seasonal ingredients throughout its menus.
There are five dining spaces in total, each taking guests on a journey from the streets of London to the depths of Gotham City’s underworld. You can expect to see famous characters such as The Penguin, Harley Quinn, The Joker and Catwoman making an appearance throughout, with each space exuding its own signature style. And as well as decadent dining, guests can enjoy signature cocktails and spirit collections, and live music.
Pennyworth’s is the home away from home for billionaire Bruce Wayne, and was named in honour of the Wayne family’s loyal butler Alfred. An undisputed Art Deco masterpiece, there are various nods to Alfred’s British heritage, with artwork and heirlooms from the Wayne family’s private collection adorning the walls and signature cocktails including the must-try At Your Service – an obvious homage to the beloved butler.
Over in the Iceberg Lounge, meanwhile, it’s all about the famous Gotham City nightlife, and is where The Penguin takes centre stage. Otherwise known as Oswald Cobblepot, who founded the namesake venue within the DC Universe, his signature quirks are evident throughout, with a giant penguin sculpture situated above the bar and ornithological artworks decorating the walls. Think plush banquette seating, fresh seafood and live entertainment, and you’re on the right track – buzzy vibe guaranteed.
Next up, there’s the Rogue’s Gallery, hosted by fine art connoisseur and curator Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman – where an exhibition of specially reproduced stolen paintings and sculptures commemorate the DC Super-Villains who call Gotham City home.
The restaurant offering here serves up some decadent culinary masterpieces amidst a stylish and sensual green-and-pink colour scheme and plush furnishings, with signature cocktails to try including The Blue Boy – a gin, blue curacao and citrus cocktail poured from a painting whose colour gradually drains as the drink fills the glass – and Paying For College – a unique twist on a passionfruit martini.
Rounding off the line-up are Amusement Mile, which delivers smaller snacks like nitro popcorn, edible helium balloons and nitro ice cream to diners via trolley, and Old Gotham City – a late night no-reservations bar that is hidden away at the back of Park Row and is the place to go for creative cocktails in a mysterious low-lighting environment.
Park Row isn’t the first venture for Wonderland Restaurants, with the company working on a number of restaurant concepts and products with award-winning global brands. It has also recently launched Wonderland Studios – a creative experiences solution providing innovative drinks and food trolleys, gadgets and inventions to the hospitality industry, adding yet another string to its bow – so if you’re not familiar with the name, then it’s time to get acquainted.
In the meantime, do yourself a favour and book yourself a table at Park Row for a unique experience you’re unlikely to ever forget – and that you’ll be raving about to fellow DC fans for years to come.
Factbox
Address: 77 Brewer St, London W1F 9ZN
Website: parkrowlondon.co.uk
Phone: 020 3745 3431
