Long time pop-up pioneers, Disappearing Dining Club, are settling in for a six month stay with a new “Back in 5 Minutes” secret dining room on Brick Lane.
Invited along to a Back in 5 Minutes press preview, I had a lot of fun. To be honest, much of that fun had more to do with the fact that I finally got to have a nice, sit down dinner with my girlfriend (we have both been so slammed lately we’ve hardly seen each other) than the actual setting or food. Also, we were pleasantly surprised to run into another couple we know and had a really great time catching up with them (hey y’all). But the feel of the venue was certainly conducive to catching up with friends. It was good for mingling too. If I hadn’t been so busy chatting away with the folks I already knew well, there would have been plenty of chances to strike up convos with the other people seated at our convivial table.
The food was, for the most part, delicious. An assortment of starters to share pleased; I enjoyed the potted ham hock with grain mustard and loved the creamy texture of the chicken liver parfait. Ample amounts of slow roast pork shoulder wowed as a main (maybe its accompanying salsa verde was a bit to oily for my tastes though). Superb crackling! Puds (orange and black peper panna cotta with poached rhubarb) weren’t all that but seemed to demonstrate the aspirations of a chef keen on innovation. Wine was alright but just so. Service was accommodating and delightful.
The dining room itself, set in the back of a retail clothing outlet, was a pleasant space that’s maybe more suited for rainy days and cold weather that the summer’s eve of my visit. No windows and candlelit, it was lovely but I felt like it was taking me away from the wonderful extended daylight of a night in late June. Obviously, as autumn encroaches (and summer continues to sputter), such a seasonal consideration will cease to matter. On a blustery day or dreary night, the venue would be a desirably cosy haven. The furnishings and décor suggested a mid century modern vibe heavy on the shabby chic and had the sense that if I’d especially liked a particular table, seat. clock, book or whatever, I could have bought it at a reasonable “East End” price.
Back in 5 Minutes is now taking regular restaurant bookings of one to 30 guests for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for Sunday lunch. The Wednesday Dinner Club features a three course, family style sharing menu served to all guests at 7.30pm. This midweek repast is £30 per person and includes a welcome Grey Goose Le Fizz cocktail on arrival.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Back in 5 Minutes is open for restaurant bookings and walk-ins from 6.30pm. The a la carte dinner is two or three courses for £25 or £30 per person, with a welcome glass of Grey Goose Le Fizz. Sunday Lunch is served at 1pm, with 2 or 3 courses for £25 or £30. At other times, Back in 5 Minutes is available for private lunch, dinner and drinks parties, and is perfect for breakfast or lunch meetings, team getaways, groups of friends and special occasion dinners.
The press release for DDC’s Back in 5 Minute restaurants suggests it’s an ideal “private work and play space for East London and the City.” I can see that. The place has WiFi, DJ facilities, wireless mic and PA and “pretty much anything else” you might require or a standard meeting.
Visit DDC online and find out more about Back in 5 Minutes at disappearingdiningclub.co.uk.
