Gok Wan recently hosted the launch of an unconventional dining experience. This multi-course fine-dining concept, inspired by modern Asian cuisine, ditches traditional plates in favor of serving dishes on a pristine vinyl surface right next to diners’ feet. The new restaurant, named FLOORS, is located in Angel, London, and provides adventurous food lovers the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and enjoy a truly unique dining experience by making eating off the floor a central part of the experience.
Instead of traditional tableware, the dishes are presented in protective casings crafted from natural, sometimes edible materials, artistically placed directly on the floor. The tasting menu boasts delicacies such as lychee ceviche served in a chilled oyster shell, lotus leaf steamed meats with black bean-peppered beef, duck and oyster mushroom with black sesame mochi cake, fuyu sour cream, and an edible rice paper receipt.
This daring concept was developed by Bosch, who surveyed 2,000 adults and found 75% of people would never eat food that had fallen on the floor in a restaurant, but 23% would consider dining somewhere where food was served off the floor if they could be assured it was completely clean.
When asked about the prospect of booking a “Floor Dining Experience,” 64% of people said they’d find it weird—even if the floor was sparkling clean. Still, Bosch is optimistic about changing perceptions.
A spokesperson said:“This dining experience is all about pushing boundaries and reimagining what’s possible. With the right tools, even the floor can become the star of the dining experience.
“We’re excited to challenge perceptions and bring a new level of cleanliness to unexpected places.”
Interestingly, more than one in 10 people admitted they see no issue with eating food off the floor during a dinner date, as long as the five-second rule applies. But a much larger majority said this was an absolutely no while dining at a restaurant.
Meanwhile, 42% of respondents stated they believed their home floors were clean enough to eat off, though 31% had their doubts.
Gok Wan said he loved being the host and shared: “I’d eat most things off the floor – in five seconds – if I knew how clean the floor was, unless it was soup. Many of us wouldn’t eat food if it’s fallen on the floor, especially in a restaurant – but personally, I’m not that fussy.”
For those curious about the concept, the one-night-only Floor Dining Experience will open its doors on Friday, May 9th – you can book here.