I must admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for the London Underground . Most Londoners would describe it as a necessary evil rather than a joy, but I beg to differ. Yes, it's noisy, crowded and not always clean, but it's also quick, handy and stops me from being glued to my phone all day.
There's something oddly comforting about its maze-like network of tunnels and echoing corridors. So, when I discovered you could dine in an old tube carriage, I was eager to give it a go. Nestled at the end of the Victoria Line in Walthamstow, inside the Pumphouse Museum, sits a decommissioned 1967 Victoria Line tube carriage that has been transformed into a snug dining area.
The original advertisements, TFL signs and poles are still intact - the only difference is that the seats have been swapped for cosy two-seater tables and a long communal table towards the back of the carriage. The lighting is warm and subdued, making it an ideal setting for a romantic evening. Supperclub.
tube, run by head chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño and her team since 2018, offers a six-course tasting menu inspired by Latin American flavours. Bea, originally from Bogotá Colombia, personally introduced herself, her team and her menu at the start of the meal before announcing that dinner was served. The first of the six courses, heavily influenced by corn as Bea had mentioned, was then brought out.
From scrumptious corn tamales to vibrant salsas and succulent chorizo, every course was a culinary delight. But it was the tuna ceviche in the third course that stole the show for me and my partner. The fish undergoes a fascinating transformation, "cooked" by the chemistry of lime juice, tamarind, and ginger, then paired with crunchy quinoa which adds an irresistible texture contrast.
The result was a dish where the delicate taste of the tuna held its own against the bold ingredients, creating a perfect medley of firm yet melt-in-the-mouth fish with texturally satisfying quinoa crunch. My only gripe? Wishing I could have devoured my boyfriend's share as well. Tucked away in an old tube carriage, the unique setting had a magical way of making you forget you were even above ground.
As someone who is practically glued to their phone, I found myself blissfully ignoring it throughout the entire three-hour feast – a true victory. The atmosphere was simply enchanting, complete with convivial staff and tastefully chosen background music. With a price tag of just £67 per person for a six-course journey of tastes, it's certainly not a wallet-emptying endeavour.
Should you be in search of a quirky and memorable date night, this underground dining adventure offers just the ticket – reservations can be made here..
Food
I ate a six-course meal in a tube carriage and one dish is still haunting me
The 1967 Victoria Line tube carriage has been converted into a cosy dining space