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12 March 2010
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Behind The Pale Blue Door

By Imogen Eveson published on Thursday, 23 April

A fairytale for the credit crunch age, set designer Tony Hornecker has transformed his home and studio into a pop-up restaurant, creating something strange and beautiful in the process. Win tickets to this enchanting and immersive dining experience!

 (Click any image to enlarge it)

The pale blue door lurks in an East London back alley that belies the fantasy waiting behind.

Dinner is set with mismatched crockery on chequered tablecloths sourced from vintage shops; candlelight glows and ashtrays are poised. Toys hide in corners and taxidermy birds loom from the ceiling. Ladders lead to the upper echelons of an almost life-sized doll’s house, where agile guests must pass through small cavities to reach their place settings upon tiny tables and children’s beds.

Everything is slightly off-kilter at The Pale Blue Door; the lilting tones of Nick Drake and Tim Buckley filter through softly and food is served in a friendly, low-key manner. Our host Hornecker was once a chef before he turned his talents to fashion set design, thus the food is as delectable as the surrounds.

The mood shifts as the music halts and Greek drag queen extraordinaire A Man De Pet slinks into action, providing diners with an eyeful of entertainment. She busts out ‘Tina’ later in the evening, working up a storm to classic track Simply The Best and returns in a handful of other fanciful guises.

Spirited away from the outside world, The Pale Blue Door feels like London’s best-kept secret. Originally intended as a one-off weekend event, its underground success means it will carry on over the next two weekends to cater for those who missed out on the magic.
 

To win two tickets for Sunday 26th of April simply email editor@jotta.com with the name of the creator of Behind The Pale Blue Door in the subject heading.

The Pale Blue Door 5 Glebe Road E8 4BD
 
For bookings email thepalebluedoor@hotmail.co.uk and specify your date, time and table request.
Friday 24th April - 8.00pm or 8.30pm
Saturday 25th April - 8.00pm or 8.30pm
Sunday 26th April - 7.00pm or 7.30pm
Friday 1st May - 8.00pm or 8.30pm
Saturday 2nd May - 8.00pm or 8.30pm
Sunday 3rd May - 7.00pm or 7.30pm 

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  1. Rob commented on Thursday, 23 April

    where is it located and what are it’s hours of operation?

  2. Editor commented on Friday, 24 April

    The Pale Blue Door 5 Glebe Road E8 4BD

    email thepalebluedoor@hotmail.co.uk and specify your date, time and table request.
    Friday 24th April – 8.00pm or 8.30pm
    Saturday 25th April – 8.00pm or 8.30pm
    Sunday 26th April – 7.00pm or 7.30pm
    Friday 1st May – 8.00pm or 8.30pm
    Saturday 2nd May – 8.00pm or 8.30pm
    Sunday 3rd May – 7.00pm or 7.30pm

  3. chris commented on Tuesday, 28 April

    dunno..looks intriduing but a little unsavoury!…

  4. Imogen commented on Tuesday, 28 April

    I suppose that depends on your appetite for semi naked drag queens served up with your starter but otherwise it was all in very good taste!

  5. mandi martin commented on Sunday, 03 May

    Looks AMAZING! I have sent your link to all my mates. Sadly I am severely claustrophobic, so I don’t think I could give the experience justice….but LOVE IT! Genius! Mandi xxx