Wonderland Restaurants have opened the world’s first-ever immersive DC-themed restaurant experience in Soho, London. Located in the basement of a glamorous Art Deco building in Soho, this 330-seat venue occupying 18,000 sq ft will invite guests on a provoking journey where they can indulge in delicious food accentuated with stunning storytelling theatrics. 

Taking inspiration from DC Comics “multiverse”, this brand new gastronomic experience will feature iconic heroes and villains including Batman, Superman and Harley Quinn. Named Park Row after the area of Gotham City that was home to Batman’s arch enemies, this sensory experience will include five spaces for guests to enjoy, all of which are uniquely themed with their own signature style.

Guests can immerse themselves in the origins of DC characters and delve deeper into the narratives surrounding their stories. The experience begins via a secret door in Wayne Manor, where guests descend into the Batman’s lair. Beyond the Batcave, guests are welcomed into the British themed lounge bar named Pennyworth’s after Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred.

Founded and operated by the infamous Oswald Cobblepot, the Iceberg Lounge is reminiscent of the decadent 1930s era and is the largest of the five areas. This stylish space displays a huge sculpture of the Penguin himself, forming a memorable centrepiece for this arena. 

The exhilarating Monarch Theatre is a 20-seat venue that presents a truly one-of-a-kind gastronomic show, with carefully crafted staging and fully immersive courses that play with the senses. The harmonious fusion of audio, floor-to-ceiling screens and 360-degree projection mapping, all culminate to create the perfect stage for the eleven-course tasting menu. The entire menu is synchronised with themes, visual accents and audio narratives that punctuate the food being served. Additionally, a vibrant ‘glow’ effect achieved using UV lighting illuminates certain dishes as part of their sensory script. 

Guests can also lavish in cocktails and food at the Rogue’s Gallery. Fine art connoisseur and curator Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, hosts – with the help of master forger Roscoe Chiara - an exhibition of specially reproduced stolen paintings and sculptures commemorating the DC Super-Villains who call Gotham City home. The restaurant within the gallery is designed in soft, sensual pinks and greens and boasts a menu of culinary masterpieces, giving its elite clientele a treat for the eyes and the palate.
 
Opening in September is Old Gotham City, a villainous late night no-reservations bar secreted away at the back of Park Row. This den of iniquity boasts creative cocktails, plush décor and low lighting is perfect for a little after-hours entertaining. Signature cocktails include the rum-based Blackgate Batida, served alongside snacks like lobster rolls, fried chicken and caviar.

Atmospheric soundtracks enliven the beautiful scenery, creating the perfect stage for the enhanced aromas, incredible flavours and visual delights that infuse this otherworldly experience. The showcase of choreographed lighting further complements these sensory tones to truly bring to life the stories of Warner’s DC Comics. 

Collaborating with Wonderland Restaurants, Sysco Productions supported the design, development and integration of the multi-layered audiovisual elements, also partnering with ISO Design who provided the imaginative and creative media content for this innovative masterpiece. Sysco also worked with project managers Fraser Randall, as well as Epson whose world class projection technology further intensified the impeccable finish for this visually dynamic experience.

Teresa Juncosa, Engineering Director at Sysco Productions comments: 
“This has been an incredibly exciting and unique project, and it’s one that gave us a real scope for creativity in that its goal was to push the boundaries of the sensory dining experience. Working with Wonderland offered an amazing opportunity to collaborate with a team who were equally as passionate about designing the perfect show technology that would enhance the DC Comics story narrative, and deliver an extraordinary experience.”