IT’S the mystery food craze that has swept the capital.

Now Oxford’s only ‘underground’ restaurant – where chefs host meals in their own homes – is to break out into the city centre for one night only.

Oxfork will present a five-course dinner for 80 people in the Old Bookbinders, off Cowley Road.

The not-for-profit venture is part of celebrations at the former bookbinders, which closes on Saturday, March 26, prior to being demolished.

Underground restaurants are advertised by word of mouth and through social networking websites.

Tickets are often hard to come by – some have even been known to require passwords or references to gain access.

The mysterious Oxford eaterie is the work of two chefs, Chloe and Becky, who are remaining anonymous to protect the ‘exclusivity’ of the scheme.

They previously worked at one of Oxford’s most prestigious restaurants and will be displaying their talents for one night only.

Chloe said: “We run an underground restaurant at my house and it is doing really well. We have sold out every single one.

“The idea was once we had the formula right, to try it somewhere else. We have just been looking for a venue.”

Chloe said: “The Old Bookbinders seemed like a logical place, as it is only around for a short time too.”

The menu includes potato and celeriac gratin, purple sprouting broccoli with lemon and chilli and beetroot soup with sorrel and feta salsa.

Chloe said: “It is going to be fun. The tables are big and can seat 12 so it’ll be great for meeting new people. We hope to get a good melting pot of people.”

She added: “It is just a completely unique experience and a great way to meet new people, sample local produce and have a great night.”

The meal is on Thursday, March 24. Tickets cost £25.

Old Bookbinders spokesman Drew Brammer said: “We are delighted to have Oxfork coming to The Old Bookbinders.

“They are doing something really different and exciting, not London, not New York, but right here in our very own Oxford.”

  • For tickets, click on the link below.