To mark Halloween week, I was invited to the latest immersive dining experience by Funicular Productions – Journey to the Underworld.

Regular readers might recall my previous visit to their whodunnit series, The Murdér Express. I really love their triple offering of drama, design and dining as an experience.

This theme of this production was a love story set in the sinister world of the Dark One.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around Claude, the train conductor who, along with his loyal assistant Gordy, sets on this Journey to the Underworld to rescue his bride-to-be, who has been imprisoned by the Dark One.

There are obstacles on his path and guests (i.e. us) help him outwit the seductive Gatekeeper, the hunched Harbinger, and the damnable Dark One, all whilst trying to stay on the course.

If you think this is just an ordinary love story, let’s just say that none of the characters are humans and leave it at that!

The setting for the story was a luxury train carriage. Our train carriage consisted of eight booths, each with comfortable seating for up to six guests.

The whole mysterious experience is further heightened by a dark themed albeit delicious three course meal by BBC Masterchef : The Professionals Finalist 2017 Louisa Ellis. On the menu:

Amuse Bouche | Butternut Squash Velouté, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds & Chive Oil 

Starter | Black Garlic Gnocchi, Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, Truffle & Nasturtium

Main | Pan Seared Guinea Fowl Breast, Celeriac Textures, Anne Potato, Braised Leek & Arran Mustard Sauce

Dessert | Chocolate Ganache, Honey Ice Cream, Bee Pollen Tuile, Honey Crisp 

The amuse bouche was a nice little dollop of deliciousness. The starter, although not a looker, had the most divine sauce which I could easily have had unlimited helpings of. The Guinea Fowl was decent but not mind blowing. Dessert was probably the most perfect course, especially that tuile. Unfortunately, some of the food had gone cold when it arrived; something they perhaps need to factor in terms of logistics.

The production was made of a talented cast and the performances were engaging. I thought the audience participation was significantly less than The Murdér Express. That’s great if you don’t like being picked on but may not bode well for those who enjoy a bit of interaction with the cast, which is generally the case with immersive experiences. However, I was impressed with their eerily spectacular set design, spooky atmospherics and a few surprises up its sleeves which definitely made for entertaining dining!

Location : Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, London, E1 5BW

Nearest tubes: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Shoreditch High Street

Tickets Prices : from £57.00 – £65.00

N.B. I was invited to review the production as part of Love Pop Ups London