Secret experiences and immersive theater have become very popular activities in recent years and we’ve enjoyed a few of them, so when we heard about The Grand Expedition from Gingerline, we were looking forward to it.
We weren’t sure what to expect other than a five-course dinner and a show. If you are looking for a unique dining experience in London, I don’t think you will find a better one.
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Disclaimer
Part of the reason this experience is so special is because no one knows what to expect. To maintain the element of surprise, this post is not as detailed as usual. It’s difficult to write about something that’s supposed to be a secret! If you’re interested in going, don’t worry – there are no spoilers here.
Update: The Grand Expedition has closed but Gingerline is working on creating more experiences like this, so stay tuned.
What is the Grand Expedition?
The Grand Expedition can be summarized as a five-course immersive dinner show, but it is more than that. Gingerline describes it as a floating, falling, feeding dream, and this is a pretty good summary. It’s a multi-sensory experience: The show is imaginative & unpredictable, coupled with 360-degree projected backdrops, subtle lighting changes, audio narration – and of course the delicious food. Visually it was dreamy!
Where is the Grand Expedition?
This is a closely guarded secret. As they say on their website, it is somewhere along the Victoria Line. A few hours before the show, you will get a text with instructions on how to get to the top secret location. Don’t worry – there is a number to call if you don’t get the text or get lost. This is unlikely though, as the instructions are pretty clear and the location is only a short walk from the tube.
The Setting
We didn’t have any issues finding the hidden location, so we arrived about 15 minutes early. After a few minutes, they checked our names off the list (note: you don’t need to bring printouts of your confirmation) and lined us up to enter.
A few minutes before 7 pm, we were escorted in and offered our welcome drink. Then, we were taken to our table. The tables are arranged for groups of eight, but everyone has plenty of space.
When I entered the main dining room, I felt like I had been transported to a magical dream. The lighting made it feel romantic, perfect for a date night. Russell described it as “1930s aeronaut fairytale,” although he also felt that didn’t quite do it justice. It is was more like a place where childhood dreams and wonder meet. The decor is even carried through to the bar and the restrooms.
The Show
No matter where you sit, the show will happen all around you. Don’t expect to stay in your set all night either. It is an interactive show, but don’t worry you won’t be asked to do anything embarrassing.
It’s a multimedia production that kept me entertained and guessing. In case you were wondering, we never guessed right, but that is all part of the experience! The multicultural aspects of the show were colorful, dramatic, and took place all around the room. You were always looking around to see what some of the performers were doing over your shoulder. It was well paced though, so although there was a lot going on, we always had time to concentrate on the food.
The Food
Speaking of food, it’s a five-course meal so be sure to come hungry. Each course was themed to accompany the performances and served by the cast. All the dishes were creative, artistically presented and tasted delicious. There was no menu provided on the table because that would spoil some of the surprise of The Grand Expedition, so each course came with a card that included information about what we were eating.
They can cater to any dietary restrictions, just be sure to tell them when purchasing a ticket. Two ladies at our table were vegetarian.
The Beverages
When you arrive, you are greeted with a welcome drink (beer) that is included with the ticket. During the meal, there is the option to purchase wine and cocktails as pairings or a la cart. There is a bar just off the main dining room. Russell and I shared a bottle of sauvignon blanc. The wine and the welcome drink were enough for me although several of the cocktails looked tempting.
Overall Review
The Grand Expedition was a unique experience. I was impressed by all the thought that went into the details of the production and the food. There was always something going on and it seemed like there was never a dull moment. .
The high-production values, delicious food, and overall experience make it one of my favorite experiences ever! If you go – suspend your disbelief, embrace the fairytale nature of the show, sit back and enjoy an evening that tastes as delicious as it looks.
When you think about the fact that you get a five-course dinner in London, welcome drink, and entertaining live show, the prices are quite reasonable.
Is the Grand Expedition Suitable for Kids?
While I think the show is suitable for all ages, kids are not allowed at the evening performances. Kids 12 and over can attend the matinees. The food menu might be a bit sophisticated for some children.
Showtimes and Tickets
The Grand Expedition has evening shows that start at 7:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and matinee shows at 12:00 pm on Saturday. The show lasts three hours.
Tickets range from £60 to £75 per person plus a booking fee. Purchase tickets online in advance here.
About Gingerline
Gingerline are pioneers of London’s immersive dining scene, they have been producing similar events since 2010. They aim to create the ultimate dining experience. Gingerline was the team behind Chambers of Flavour.
There are lots of questions about the Grand Expedition that aren’t answered here. It’s another reason why you need to experience it for yourself.
Have you been to the Grand Expedition or anything similar?
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for the Grand Expedition
- Come hungry, you will get plenty of food.
- Be prepared to get out of your seat and join in on the fun.
- Help keep the secret and don’t share too much about your experience on social media.
Disclosure: Gingerline invited us to attend the Grand Expedition in exchange for social media shares. We enjoyed the experience so much that we wanted to share more about it on the blog too.
Last Updated on March 5, 2021
What a lovely post this is. It sounds like you had a great time at this hidden gem. I had never heard of Gingerline until reading this post and would love to visit it next time around I am in London. Thanks for such a detailed and informative post.
Aditi – So glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you get the chance to experience the Grand Expedition.
Great Adventure Anisa. Looks like you had an amazing time. I had been following your instagram feed to check out the details of this adventure. I had been to a restaurant called Dans La Noir. You sit in pitch dark and eat. You do not know what is being served. You can mark out you allergies and whether vegetarian or non vegetarian food, and you will be served accordingly. I would love to try this expedition out. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ushasita – Thanks, yes we loved the Grand Expedition. I have heard of Dans La Noir before. There was one in NYC but it closed before I had a chance to visit. Which city did you visit Dans La Noir? I would love to do experience the dining in the dark too.
I love the part where they keep the location a secret and only revel it a few hours before the experience starts. I think it’s exciting to unravel a mystery. It piques the curiosity.
Soujanya – Yes it’s one of the things that makes it unique.
This is such a cool concept! Love that it’s a surprise and you doing your best to keep it that way by still letting us know about it. We will be in London in November and can hopefully check it out!
Hayley – Thanks, I hope you get the chance to experience it.
So interesting! I don’t think these immersive dinner/theatrical shows have really caught on where I live, but next time I’m in London, I’m definitely checking out The Grand Expedition from Gingerline!
Angelica – Glad you enjoyed the post. Where is it that you live? I hope you get the chance to check out the Great Expedition.
I loved your dining experience at Gingerline in London as it has superb and unique interiors. The roof and walls are are very photogenic. It is great that they caters to any dietary restrictions. Being a vegetarian, I find such choices very limited and therefore it is great they can customize the food according to my choice.
Yukti – I agree. I think these days it’s important that the food offerings can work for those with dietary restrictions.
Oh wow, I’m very intrigued. Sounds like it is definitively worth checking out. I may be passing through London later this year and this sounds right up my alley.
I want to know more, but I guess the best way is to experience it for myself. Great article.
Rosemary – You would love it! It’s such a unique dining experience.
A secret location – wow! I´ve never heard of Gingerline but I love both multi-sensory experiences and fine dining! Pinned and placed on my London bucket list! P.S We just need to find where to leave the kids lol
Anna – It was so much fun. Definitely worth getting a babysitter!