10 Quirky Restaurants for Hen Parties

With  Spring being one of the most popular times for hen-dos (before the wedding season kicks off in May), here’s a quick look at ten of the best quirky restaurants for a hen party that’s a bit different.

Fancy a four course meal being served to you in bed, watching acrobats swing from the ceiling or perhaps you’d enjoy a spot of opera during dessert? For hens that would like a night to remember, try something a little bit alternative and choose from one of the UK’s more unusual restaurants.

If you’re looking for a feast for all the senses, party planner Josie Kerr from hen weekend company Maximise has put together her top recommendations, ranging from the extravagant to the just plain odd.

 1. Fancy dining in a converted prison?

The Mal Brasserie is located in the atmospheric dungeon-esque basement of The Malmaison Oxford, a hotel housed in a former jail. The private dining takes place under the bricked arches of former prison cells. Thankfully the inmates are a little more palatable than those of yesteryear, and the only bars you’ll be stuck behind are the ones serving up delicious cocktails.  Malmaison, Oxford

2. Dine in the dark

Never mind all that atmospheric candle lighting – why not just go the whole hog and dine in the pitch dark? At Dans le Noir you can do just that. The Clerkenwell restaurant serves diners in total blackout, for an extra sensory tasting experience.  Dans le Noir, Clerkenwell, London

3. The library with a difference

The Library bar & grill is a beautifully transformed library and is one of Norwich’s best known dining spots. Sit amongst the oak book shelves whilst dining on locally sourced food. The venue has an amazing atmosphere and is big enough to host a large group. There are no rules on how loud you can be in this library, so it’s perfect for a hen do with a twist. The Library, Norwich

4. Go back in time at The Medieval Banquet

From sword fighting knights & dancing wenches, to contortionists and minstrels, hens will be in for a night of true medieval entertainment. Dining in the company of Henry VIII, hens will be served a four course banquet then can dance the night away. The Medieval Banquet, St. Katherine’s Dock, London

5. Experience a traditional Braai grill

At the South African themed restaurant Shaka Zulu, Hens will be transported to an African land with 20ft high warrior statues and carved wooden murals. There is a champagne bar and cocktail lounge where hens can chill out after dining on an adventurous menu of crocodile and Ostrich. Shaka Zulu, Camden, London

6. Be entertained at a Burlesque Cabaret dinner

Cafe de Paris is London’s most famous Cabaret and has been running since 1924. It may be 90 years old but this glamorous venue is still as beautiful as ever with many of its original features intact. With a range of different themed nights, playing host to the UK’s top DJ’s and a menu that is one of cabarets finest, hens will not be disappointed. Café de Paris, Leicester Square, London

7. Dine in bed at Supperclub

The granddaddy of lavish dining experiences is the Supperclub, but don’t wear your PJ’s. Although the club describes the atmosphere as informal, guests include a string of hot A-listers and it’s requested that you’re ‘dressed to impress or to distress’. Supperclub, Notting Hill, London

8. For flips with your dips try Circus

Circus serves pan-Asian dishes and cleverly crafted cocktails, along with acrobats swinging on hoops from the ceiling, fire-eating dancers and other charming little bursts of cabaret delightfulness late into the night. Think glamorous escapism, prepare to be entertained and don’t be scared to join in when you’re invited to dance on the table. Circus, Covent Garden, London

9. Indulge in the theatre of it all at Sarastro

Sarastro is a Mediterranean/Turkish restaurant where you’ll experience opera, dancing waiters and a swirl of visual excitement in a bustling atmosphere. Seating includes ten distinctive opera boxes taken from English, Gothic, Rococo, Ottoman and Byzantine styles.  Sarastro, Drury Lane, London

10. Take control of your menu

At Inamo you can take control of your dining experience with interactive table menus. This futuristic experience lets you order your meal, choose a virtual table cloth and watch the chefs on a ‘Chef cam’. With influences from Japan, China and Thailand the Pan-Asian menu offers a variety of flavours that are high quality and tasty! Inamo, London

From different restaurants to bar tours and wine tasting, see more nightlife inspiration for hen party activity ideas here.