Chambers_: Gingerline’s latest immersive adventure is utterly bonkers

Characteristically known as the pioneers of London’s immersive dining adventures, Gingerline presents its fourth instalment of Chambers of Flavours, bringing multi-dimensional food exploration to a secret location in Hoxton. During the event intrepid explorers are invited to traverse through parallel realities whilst encountering whimsical characters and incredible set design and sampling five delectable courses.

The experience is divided between five separate chambers and based upon the findings of the fictional scientist Sir Lionel Stirling Grey, who originally created this steam-powered chamber prototype back in 1882. He then set up the mythical Chambers of Flavourology in 1901 so it became a dining machine and we are transported through each portal in our 120-minute allocated time-slots.

Guests receive their location via text and access through a corrugated metal warehouse that bears the Chambers insignia upon it’s rather ominous entrance. Creaky wooden stairs lead up and we are greeted by our “research assistant” and offered a sparkling port-infused welcome potion before forming into our crew of culinary cartographers.

Prior to the voyage, participants can choose from a list of cocktails, like the minty Kumqautum Theory, beers, wines and soft drinks and the bar team will put them into a portable sealed bag for them take upon their travels; then, be prepared to strap into the slightly claustrophobic Transportal and get the lowdown from Z (senior researcher), as the utterly bonkers culinary journey begins. Encouraged to dress for comfort and offered bumbags to hold our worldly goods in, we weave our way through the confines of a UV-lit tangled walkway, a pastel-hued workhouse where we are encouraged all to “Teambuild”, followed by some wonderfully authentic theatrical improvisation on our part, before some ubiquitous neon decor, strobes and flashing lights, all sugarcoated by the subsequent flow of gastronomical delights.

The veritable feast from the Flavourology team cleverly slots into the action as tiny morsels of fermented vegetables pair well with offerings from the sea, land and gardens, depending on dietary requirements, before we slide into the colourful, kaleidoscope-style afterparty for the delicious fruity finale.

If the theatrics of Punchdrunk are your thing and you’re a died hard Lewis Carroll fan, then this journey is pitched perfectly at you. Leaving a team of ruddy explorers with smiles upon their faces, Chambers_ is a fun, frivolous experience that suits adventurous couples or smaller groups of friends.

Ezelle Alblas
Photos: Rob Greig

Chambers_ is at a secret London location until 28^th September 2019. For further information or to book visit the event’s website here.