The underground restaurant movement has been going in London for quite some time now. For those not in the know the term ‘underground’ refers to the fact that restaurants are opened in unconventional locations such as residential properties, rely on word of mouth rather than formal advertising for publicity and do not go through all the red tape like regular restaurants.
Here at Culture Vulture we believe we have tracked down the one and only underground restaurant in the city- The Secret Tea Room, and managed to get a quick word with ‘Bakelady’ who runs it.
So what is so secret about your tearoom?
The Secret Tea Room is operated out of my own home. It gives my guests the opportunity to sample my home baking and the chance for them to meet like minded people whilst sharing the table with total strangers. I ask only for suggested donations to cover the cost of the ingredients.
How did you find out about the underground restaurant movement?
Through reading MsMarmitelover’s blog ‘The English Can Cook’ She is one of the pioneers of the movement in the UK. I was amazed at how popular these Underground Restaurants were in London, so I decided to have a go myself with a Tea Room.
Why a tea room and not a more formal restaurant?
I’m a home baker and love to bake. I didn’t have any money to open my own formal place, so I thought having guests in my own home would be more interesting and exciting.
It must be hard work- what do you get from it?
I get the satisfaction of planning an event and all the baking involved. I love to meet my guests old and new. I also get to play Hostess for the day. The washing up afterwards helps me to wind down after being on the go for several days before and during the event.
But is it not a bit strange having people you do not know coming into your house?
Yes, it is strange, but exciting at the same time. That’s the ‘Underground’ movement for you. It must be equally as strange for my guests to book a place at one of my events, not knowing where it is until a few days before.
What has the response been like to your first few events?
Very positive indeed. People didn’t understand the concept at first, as this is something very new to Yorkshire. But once I explain what it’s all about, people are excited by it and want to come back again. In fact my next two events are fully booked up.
What would your top tips be to anyone else thinking of doing the same?
1) Decide what you are good at,cooking or baking.
2) Plan a menu and at your first event only make what you enjoy cooking/baking.
3) Invite a few friends to your first event and ask them to bring people they know but whom you don’t know. This will give you the added confidence of dealing with a variety of people.
4) Be prepared for a lot of hard work, not just on the day but several days prior to the event.
5) Just go for it, after all you may just enjoy yourself
Anything else you would like to add?
I would suggest people complete a credited Food Safety in Catering Course, get your Kitchen registered with the local Authority and check out that you have Public Liability insurance. This gives added reassurance to your guests.
Finally enjoy yourself.
I was lucky enough to attend Bakelady’s last Secret Tea Room event. You can read a full review here on Leeds Grub