The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton is reopening its doors after a planned refurbishment, hosting a one-off collaboration with Adam Bateman, Head Chef at the Pan Pacific London. The Clink Restaurant is operated by The Clink Charity, giving people serving sentences in prison hands-on hospitality training and qualifications to support them to find work post-release.
On 15 October, with arrivals from 11:15am – 11.30am for a prompt 12pm start, Bateman will cook alongside students training in The Clink’s kitchen to serve a seasonal three-course lunch. Students being trained in front-of-house skills will also welcome and serve guests in the dining room. It is the work of a restaurant service, from food preparation and cooking to front of house, and a chance to put new skills into practice in front of paying customers.
The special menu, curated by Bateman, begins with Salmon Tartare served with horseradish cream, pickled fennel and dill, followed by Chicken Ballottine with roasted squash risotto and sage and chicken jus. Vanilla Crème Brûlée with apple and blackberry compote and shortbread biscuit finishes the meal on a sweet note. Guests can also enjoy a selection of soft drinks, coffees and a welcome mocktail from the menu.
The lunch marks the return of one of London’s most intriguing places to eat. The Clink sits inside a working prison, where people preparing for release train towards City & Guilds qualifications in professional cookery, food and beverage service, barista skills, and food hygiene. Working in the kitchen, bakery and dining room helps students build the skills, confidence, and experience they need to pursue employment in hospitality after release. The restaurant is unique in that it is one of the very few places in London where you cannot bring your phone, making the experience more relaxed and convivial.
For Bateman, who has spent more than 25 years in hospitality, the lunch allows him to inspire and support new entrants into the industry, by mentoring them and educating them about the joy of pursuing a career in hospitality. For guests, it is a chance to be among the first to return to The Clink’s refreshed HMP Brixton dining room and to experience the students’ work firsthand.
The reopening Chef Lunch takes place on 15 October at The Clink Restaurant. Tickets must be purchased by 8th October.
Arrival is between 11:15am -11.30am for a prompt 12pm start. Late arrivals risk no entry
