An American food enthusiast was left astounded after dining at a unique London restaurant that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
The city is brimming with eateries to satisfy every palate, and for those with a penchant for seafood, Tuna Fight Club might just be the ticket. This exclusive venue has earned accolades as “the craziest dining experience” where patrons can watch staff carve up a large tuna fish, freshly caught off the Spanish coast the previous day, just moments before it’s served.
Chris D’Sylva, the proprietor of the Notting Hill establishment, initiated this unique tradition at his local fishmonger shop, which he co-owns. He later converted it into a high-end supermarket amid the Covid-19 crisis.
The team brought on board chefs who had lost their jobs, collaborated with Cornish fishermen, and started an event at Supermarket of Dreams in Holland Park. Here, diners are invited to witness and savour the bluefin tuna.
Jack, a viral food critic better known by his TikTok handle Jack’s Dining Room, where he commands an audience of 1.7million followers, recently visited Tuna Fight Club to sample its offerings.
“Honestly, this is one of the most insane things I’ve ever seen in my life,” he exclaimed. “It doesn’t really get fresher than this, they break it down two inches away from your table.” The tuna was served in a variety of ways including seaweed wraps, sushi with fresh truffle, and cooked with caviar on top.
One eager foodie expressed their excitement to visit, stating: “London has the BEST restaurants in the world!” A professional fisherman chimed in, saying: “As a tuna fisherman, this is so cool to watch.”
“This is my dream meal,” another follower gushed. “Wow this looks and sounds absolutely amazing,” echoed another.
Another fan enthused: “Broooo! This is amazing. I need to go there! Just wow! You really put on for the people. Bless man.” Another admirer added: “Looks amazing! I’d so try this. What an experience.”
However, not everyone was as enthusiastic. One sceptic admitted: “I just…don’t know about this.
“Raw fish? No way,” another declared. “Nah, this is wild,” a third agreed. “Anybody thinking, oh my god that poor fish?” one user questioned. “The tripping blood got me…,” another concurred.
“I wouldn’t eat raw fish for anything,” a final critic stated.
How to visit Tuna Fight Club
A visit to Tuna Fight Club comes with a price tag of £250 per person, which includes a welcoming glass of Krug Champagne and caviar throughout the evening. Tickets are currently available for August.
A spokesperson for Tuna Fight Club stated: “Due to overwhelming demand, you will no longer be able to ‘race’ online for tickets. To eliminate the resale and trading of Tuna Fight Club tickets, regulars can purchase through direct channels and first timers/newbies will need to be invited, in person, by visiting one of our brands. Tuna Fight Club is earned.”
They further explained: “We have introduced a new system, with Monday night only for first timers/newbies and Tuesday night for regulars. Tickets will be offered in tranches of two or four. Priority will be given to tranches of four tickets per purchase. First timers: will only be able to secure tickets in person (IRL) by coming to eat at Urchin, Dorian or Eel sushi, This won’t necessarily entitle you to tickets but ‘charm is the currency’, entitlement is punished!”.
“If you’re a nice the team will invite you to purchase tickets.”