I visited the gorgeous restaurant on Tuesday night with three colleagues, and from the moment we stepped aboard the figurative ‘Midnight Express,’ we were immersed in a world of mystery, 1930s intrigue, and exquisite cuisine.
The six-course tasting menu whisks diners back in time, serving up French-inspired dishes alongside an unfolding whodunnit tale.
Each course is a clue in a web of deception, making the evening as much about solving the mystery as it is about savouring sensational flavours.
The experience is centred around Chef Gustave Laroche, who has met an untimely end onboard the eerie train.
Suspects range from his wife to his brother-in-law and doctor, and it was our job to piece together the puzzle while indulging in a feast worthy of the crime.
Our journey began at the Crime Scene, where we devoured a Goat’s Cheese Mousseline with salted and pickled raspberry and heirloom beetroot.
An elegant and refreshing start—light, tangy, and perfectly paired with a glass of crisp white wine.
As we read through the suspect profiles, a real-life train conductor roamed the restaurant, dishing out clues and adding to the immersive experience.
Course two took us to Room 36 – a setting for illicit affairs, apparently – where we tucked into a rich smoked ham hock terrine with pork blanquette.
Then came The Restaurant (course three), which delivered pure indulgence: ‘Tartiflette,’ Pommes Anna, smoked bacon jam, and Comté Royale.
Luxurious, creamy, and rich, it was a standout moment – though it had some stiff competition with The Oyster Bar (course four), where I had quite possibly the most delicious, battered oyster of my life.
The mystery runs until March 9, so you’ll have to sleuth it out for yourself.
Course five led us to The Engine Room, by which time our bellies were full and our wine glasses well-travelled between white, red, and everything in between.
This dish – my personal favourite – featured a stunning chicken ballotine with Jerusalem artichoke, charcoal emulsion, and truffle café au lait.
Comforting, luxurious, and packed with flavour, it was the perfect penultimate act.
Finally, The Coffee Lounge (course six) brought the curtain down with a decadent tiramisu featuring chocolate cremeux, warm vanilla espuma, and coffee sponge.
Sweet, rich, and deeply satisfying, it was the kind of dessert that makes you wish you had room for seconds.
The immersive experience is priced at a reasonable £50 for the six-course tasting menu, with the option to add matching wine for £35 or matching cocktails for £45.
Murder On the Midnight Express at Six by Nico is an absolute triumph.
The combination of clever storytelling, stellar cooking, and a sleek, atmospheric setting made for a truly memorable evening.
Whether you’re a foodie, a mystery lover, or just looking for a dining experience with a twist, this is one express train you won’t want to miss.
