You might think sophisticated Japanese cuisine, creative cocktails and a disco loo that starts up with the push of a red button don’t exactly match up, but at Rika Moon in Notting Hill they do, and it is brilliant.
I was having dinner and drinks at the new Japanese fusion resturant when nature called, as it sometimes does.
And while I don’t think I’ve ever started a piece of writing detailing a trip to the toilet, this was a stand-out moment, so I guess there has to be a first time for everything.
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I was seated with my dining partner in the upstairs section of the restaurant which features a large bar, a few tables for eating and one bathroom cubicle.
As I headed to the cubicle, the waiter advised I go downstairs instead, telling me to press the red button when I'm down there.
With a smirk, he added that I shouldn't spend too long down there, even though people usually can't help themselves.
It was an intriguing and curious suggestion. Why was my waiter telling me which toilet to use? Why was he telling me how long to spend in there? And was I going to be abducted by aliens when I pressed said red button?
Granted, I listened to the waiter, who had been nothing but attentive to our table previously, so why not trust him?
I headed to the stunning downstairs of the restaurant where there were more tables for seating – notably in a gorgeous pink in colour – and another bar.
I followed the toilet signs, went in to the mirrored cubicle, and reluctantly, nervously, and excitedly clicked a large red button which stuck out of the wall next to the toilet.
Rihanna's Please don’t stop the music blared as multi-coloured lights dominated the room.
I felt like I’d been transported into a club, it put a great big smile on my face, and I was left feeling quite mesmerised having never witnessed such a fun trip to the toilet before.
Each time the button was pressed, different songs played, and each time, I sung along and smiled more and more.
I eventually dragged myself away and went back to my table, winking the waiter the wink of someone who is now in on the secret.
While I could have paid the disco loo another leisurely visit, our dinner and drinks were pretty hard to resist too.
We ordered an array of starters, sushi dishes, salads and fish – and not one thing disappointed.
We chose to select our own dishes, but there is also the option of the Omakese menu, where the waiters take the decision of what to eat largely out of your hands.
The food was of a high quality, the drinks matched perfectly and I had an evening in a cool, sophisticated, aesthetic restaurant which didn’t lose its hint of fun.
Despite the sophistication of food, drink and design, Rika Moon is a warm and effusive spot with a dog friendly policy which stems from their namesake ‘Rika’ – the family dog.
So, if you're in the mood for a long lunch, a date night dinner or a bit of a boogie while you nip to the loo – Rika Moon is your place.
Address: 120 Kensington Park Road W11 2PW
Website: rikamoon.com
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