If you thought the pop-up and secret restaurant trend had abated then think again. A genre-defying fusion with the cabaret, burlesque and all manner of performance arts of the supperclub phenomenon has led to a whole new oeuvre of fun and frivolity in the shape of Maison du Chien at Bumpkin Notting Hill and Full House at ... well ... if we told you we’d have to kill you and that would be illegal!
Town meets country club, Bumpkin restaurant in London’s uber-trendy Notting Hill has got a new tenant until 1 April and its attic space has gone to the dogs in the form of new pop-up members’ club, Maison du Chien.
We’re talking doggie wallpaper, deliciously comfortable chesterfield club chairs and fabulous ‘Dogtails’ served at the bar from Poodle Punch to Dogiepolitan or Chase the Squirrel if you’re feeling frisky. It even serves up house snacks for the peckish in dog bowls previously reserved for Pedigree Chum.
Maison du Chien is the brainchild of Medium Rare, a collective of performance artists established by Mat Whitley and Milly von Westenholz back in 2003. Eschewing the faddish pull of burlesque in favour of a broader approach to entertainment – part circus, part freak show and part plain crazy, expect divas, dancers, hula hoopers, trapeze artists and acrobats, mimics and even table-top roller skaters – hailing from all corners of the globe.
And while we’re not sure if actual dogs are welcome, we guarantee that the evening will give you plenty of paws for thought ... Woof!
But if you fancy something a bit more substantial than doggy treats with your entertainment, then look no further than the Full House Pop-up Restaurant. A six month project, Full House is a new kind of supperclub hidden in a secret location revealed only on the day.
Events will be catered by well-recognized professional chefs including Sophie Wright, Valentina Harris and Patrice Yango who all have their own books and TV features. Seating just 12 people, each intimate dinner is all about interacting with chef and fellow guests and interactive demonstrations are followed by a five to seven course dinner.
But this is a whole lot more than a faddish diversion for foodies bored of the restaurant scene.
Designed with a performance element in mind, the space features surreal interiors by Matteo Bianchi of Daruma Design and the prestigious Viabizzuno and there’s even a stunning roof garden for film projections and secret garden parties in the warm up to the festival season.
Food photographers exhibiting their work on the venue’s walls is sure to whet the appetite and diners will find themselves entertained by live music and acts by both established and emerging artists.
What did you do last night?!
Maison du Chien at Bumpkin, Westbourne Park Road, W11, 020 7243 9818, www.bumpkinuk.com
Full House, tasting menus £35-£55, see www.fullhouse.squarespace.com
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