Six By Nico - Murder On The Midnight Express

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Last Updated on February 7, 2025

A 6-Course Tasting Menu with a Side of Mystery

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Dining out is always a pleasure, but add a dash of theatre, a sprinkle of suspense, and a six-course feast, and you’ve got something far more exciting. Six by Nico has nailed the formula with Murder on the Midnight Express, a new immersive dining experience. I headed to their Fitzrovia outpost to see what the mystery was all about. Stepping aboard the “train,” we were transported back to the 1930s, tasked with unravelling a fiendish murder while indulging in a menu inspired by classic French cuisine. Six beautifully crafted courses, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of blood-curdling drama – this deliciously fun concept runs until 9th March.

Six by Nico is no stranger to inventive dining. The brainchild of Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone, this ever-evolving restaurant concept serves up a six-course tasting menu that reinvents itself every six weeks, each time inspired by a new theme, destination, or story. With ten locations across the UK and Ireland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Oxford, and Birmingham – Six by Nico has mastered the art of making fine dining both playful and accessible, blending creativity with an unwavering commitment to flavour.

Tucked away on Charlotte Street, just a short stroll from Goodge Street station, Six by Nico’s Fitzrovia outpost is surprisingly spacious. The restaurant extends deep into the building, with a sleek, long bar and a lively open kitchen adding to the buzz. Bold black-and-white diamond tiles, rich dark wood panelling, and plush brown leather banquettes create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, while touches of greenery soften the space with a hint of warmth.

From the moment you take your seat, your table becomes a crime scene. The staff at Six by Nico fully embrace the drama, setting the scene while the kitchen works furiously in the background. Each course comes with a new clue, pulling you further into the mystery and closer to the truth.

Armed with a newspaper and a police evidence file, we quickly set to work, piecing together the mystery of Chef Gustave Laroche’s untimely demise – not as easy as you might think! Recently appointed as head chef aboard the Midnight Express, Gustave met a grisly end, but who was responsible? Was it his wife, fashion designer Veronica Laroche? Or perhaps Vivienne La Rue, the enigmatic waitress? Then there was Phillip Sinclair, his brother-in-law and employer, and Victor Duvall, the couple’s trusted private doctor. The suspects lined up, the clues in front of us – it was time to crack the case.

There’s the option to pair your meal with wines or cocktails – we went for the cocktails, which added an extra layer of fun to the experience.

Kicking things off was The Silent Assassin, a martini-style mix of apple gin and dry vermouth, setting the tone for the evening.

The first course set the crime scene with a velvety goat’s cheese mousseline, its richness contrasted by salted and pickled raspberry and the earthy sweetness of heirloom beetroot.

Then to Room 3 where we tucked into a rich and tender smoked ham hough terrine with pork blanquette, delicately shredded and laced with tangy mini gherkins, bathed in a silky pork foam. The dish is lifted by the aromatic tarragon oil and the gentle sweetness of vegetables à la Grecque, creating a perfect balance of flavours.

At The Restaurant, ‘Tartiflette’ takes potatoes to the next level – crispy Pommes Anna layered with rich Comté Royale, finished with a decadent smoked bacon jam. A mini cheesy potato cake with a touch of sweetness that’s truly irresistible!

Next, it’s on to the Oyster Bar for a fabulous poached Sole with sweet and smoky burnt apple, cauliflower purée, and ‘tartare sauce’ topped with a salty caviar – perfectly cooked and full of flavour. We chose the added option of the Finishing Touch which was well worth it – two beautifully crisp oysters served with a luscious roast garlic emulsion. An absolute treat!

The penultimate course took us to the Engine Room, where luxury was in full force. A rich and velvety chicken ballotine was paired with earthy Jerusalem artichoke and a striking charcoal emulsion, adding depth and a hint of smokiness. The dish was elevated by a luxurious truffle café au lait, bringing a silky, aromatic finish to this beautifully composed plate.

And so, the final act unfolded in the Coffee Lounge – a luscious, rich, and utterly indulgent tiramisu. Layers of chocolate Cremieux, warm vanilla espuma, and coffee-drenched sponge came together in a dessert that was both decadent and perfectly balanced. The final pairing? A bold vodka espresso with a hint of chocolate mint – because every great mystery deserves a strong finish.

And did we crack the case? Just in time!

Each course came with a cleverly placed clue, masterfully woven into the experience, keeping us engaged (and well-fed) throughout. The cocktails added yet another layer of intrigue. Cocktail Phillip’s Favourite, a mix of cranberry gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, had all the complexity of a negroni but with a tart, festive twist. The Messenger, a delicate blend of elderflower, peach, and sparkling wine, was light, floral, and effortlessly elegant. And, my personal favourite, Ashes of the Clue, a smoky, spiced mix of rum, mezcal, ginger, and lime, brought just the right amount of mystery – though I do have a soft spot for mezcal.