The Clink, Nationwide

What…/ Redefining our perception of prison food, The Clink gives everyday diners a taste of life behind bars with a network of restaurants within prisons across the UK! Tell me more…/ If you're conjuring up images of prison bars, scary waiters and plates of slop, you couldn't be further from the reality.  The Clink is an incredibly admirable charity funded network of restaurants that aim to rehabilitate prisoners by training them in the arts of hospitality.  Practically all staff (aside from a couple of Head Chefs and restaurant managers) are inmates – from the cooks to the waiters. On the menu…/ The initiative goes way beyond cooking with much of the produce also cultivated by inmates within the prison network.  This ensures that dishes champion quality seasonal and local ingredients. The menu and cooking itself is of the standard you would find in any respectable gastro-pub.  Starters include Chargrilled asparagus with burnt onion & chive mayo and Beef carpacio with a herb salad and truffle oil; mains feature Lamb Wellington and Crab linguine; and desserts include Chocolate crème brulee with chilli popcorn as well as freshly made ice cream. Being a prison, there's no booze allowed, but that's no loss given the overall experience. Just don't mention porridge! The venue…/ Entry into the restaurant is through the prison itself, so voyeurs amongst you will get a peek of life behind bars.  You might even be lucky enough to experience some Prison Break style security alarms! The venue is designed to replicate a proper restaurant, so expect an open kitchen, mood lighting, exposed brickwork and artwork by the prisoners. We went and here's why you should go…/ Dining experiences don't get much more interesting than a meal at The Clink.  Throw in the incredibly worthy cause and a good standard of food and you've got all of the ingredients for a memorable lunch or dinner. How much…/ Regional gastro-pub prices, so around £6 for a starter and £14 for mains. Where…/ Restaurants around the UK, including in Brixton, Sutton and Cardiff. http://theclinkcharity.org