The weather in London last week was absolutely amazing for once! Summer here is all about random pop-ups and Supper Tub is definitely random. Its exactly what it sounds like – dinner in a hot tub.
British weather is never reliable though and of course on the day I went to the launch evening, we had seen the sorely missed rain. Luckily the rain had passed by the time we arrived and I wasn’t letting a tube strike get in the way of me and my dinner. Food and I have an unbreakable bond.
I loved the concept but at the same time my OCD self was also very sceptical. “What if food ends up floating around in the water” or “What if people start getting a bit too comfy to go to the toilet after a few drinks” (and other thoughts which I shall not disclose). Despite this, I took my sister with me and off to Hackney Wick we went. Supper Tub is located in the outdoor area of Number 90 Bar, right by the lovely canal.
Thanks to the strikes, we were one of the first people to arrive which meant we had a whole tub to ourselves for a while. It felt like we were on holiday, where else in London can you do this?
Each tub fits 8 people and there are three of them. You have the option of renting the whole tub for two hours for £150 or get a pair of tickets for £50, no single options are available. Its advised to arrive slightly earlier to get changed etc. given that you have a 2 hour limit. Apart from flip-flops, swimwear and a towel, I’d also say bring a robe if you don’t like sharing a wet used one… The toilet is located inside of the bar and obviously you can’t run around in a bikini so you have to wear a robe.
People finally arrived and it turned out to be a great social experience. Luckily the ones in my tub were very well behaved so no funny business. Pisco sours, food and conversation were all flowing. Random boats on the canal were passing by thinking what the hell is going on here? We greeted them by throwing rubber ducks across to their boats, pirate style.
Let’s not forget about the food. It turns out that they had thought it through properly and the courses were served as one bite appetisers.
Ceviche served in one bite crisp cups
* Sea bass, applewood smoked chilli pepper, red onion, leche de pantera
* Tiger prawns, pink grapefruit, applewood smoked chilli pepper, coriander, leche de pantera
*Avocado, applewood smoked chilli pepper, red onion, leche de pantera
Skewers from the gill
* Organic British rump steak marinated with pisco and herbs, scorched in the grill and drizzled with lime and herb oil
* King prawn grilled and tossed with pomegranate molasses and scallion £4.5
* Halloumi and water melon salad skewer dressed with minted oil £3.5
Desserts
* Water melon balls dressed with passion fruit and orange blossom £3.5
* Strawberries dipped in Peruvian spiced dark chocolate £3.5
If you want food and a drink included, there is an option to buy a set course for 2 at £35. This will amount to £42.5 in total each. The canapés were good, especially the tender lamb skewers. However if you ask me, £42 for food included is a little steep considering its all finger food and I personally didn’t get full.
The overall experience was fun and very different. Supper tub runs every Thursday – Sunday until the end of August.
90 Main Yard, Wallis Road
Hackney Wick
E9 5LN London
** I dined as a guest of Supper Tub
