THERE can't be many stranger places to eat a venison carpaccio than a prison. While I tucked into my thinly-sliced Bambi, I was surrounded by panic alarms, metal bars - and inmates. I enjoyed a three-course lunch at The Clink restaurant inside category-C HMP Brixton in south London back in September.
![[After showing ID and going through airport-style security, diners are led en masse to the old governor's house]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing-attitudes-transforming-lives-creating-954192187.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Former inmates at the lock-up include Mick Jagger, the Kray Twins and reality star Stephen Bear. One of the oldest prisons in the UK, Brixton houses around 700 men - including 200 sex offenders. Last year Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said Brixton's "tiny, cramped and dilapidated" cells were among the worst he had seen.
![[Among the classy touches are leather chairs made by inmates at category-A HMP Frankland in Durham]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing-attitudes-transforming-lives-creating-954192181.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A week after I visited, Brixton was one of many prisons forced to release dozens of inmates early to ease extreme overcrowding. In other words, it might seem like an odd place to go for a fancy dinner. But The Clink has often ranked as one of London's Top 10 restaurants on TripAdvisor.
![[The restaurant was set up to help prisoners work towards catering qualifications]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing-attitudes-transforming-lives-creating-954192189.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It scooped a Travellers' Choice Award in 2022, placing it in the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide. This is certainly a restaurant like no other - as I found out for myself one lunchtime. The restaurant was set up to help prisoners work towards catering qualifications as they take their first steps towards life outside.
![[The dining room is as slick and stylish as any other posh restaurant]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing-attitudes-transforming-lives-creating-954192190.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Inmates cleared for contact with the public work as chefs and waiters - chatting openly with diners. There are strict rules for diners to follow, which if anything adds to the strange charm of the place. The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton. Bill plus donation: £53.34.
