The Rise of The Underground

Well folks, after a hectic week of contacting various influential food people such as the charming Pete Luckett and the esteemed Peter Brears i'm feeling refreshed, and inspired. Rather than feeling woeful about the cultural climate, I've come to realise that I can't wait for opportunity to come to me- I gotsta make my own! And so comes the inspiration for the following article.

It hasn't taken television production teams long to latch onto the up and coming trend of people setting up their own restaurants or 'pop up restaurants' from home. These underground restaurants, or supper clubs are popping up all over the country and beyond, challenging the aesthetics of dining, taking a more back to basics approach.

Usually set up by a small group of like-minded people, these supper clubs are becoming as popular as Channel 4's 'Come dine with me' where people play host, chef and entertainer for the chance of a prize. Celebrities have leapt at the chance to promote themselves as good hosts, and youtube users have even gone to the lengths of re-creating their favourite show (see below).



Another show that's caught on is Virgin 1's 'Restaurant in our living room' a TV show aimed at beating the credit crunch. The concept involves two couples inviting complete strangers into their homes in a bid to battle it out for a grand prize. At the end of their 'dining experience' customers are asked to leave however much they think the meal's worth in a box outside... but is this fair game?

Realistically, you couldn't do this in a restaurant, but this is the dawning of a new age in dining. People are showing more interest in local suppliers, growing their own vegetables, and cooking a lot more.

The BBC, along with Good Food have explored this uprising and the merging of chef, host and homeowner. Facebook plays social matradee, as people set up pages and groups introducing their new enterprises and arranging themed dining events. The Underground Restaurant
group is one, very popular example of the way social networking and exposure work well together.

Sure, you have to be careful when booking a table in one of these 'establishments', but I think the risks are outweighed by the fact that a revolution in dining is taking place- this is non-exclusive (unless you're a terrible cook) something we can all be part of!

For more information visit: BBC
Good Food