Death Row Dinner Pop-Up Causes Controversy In UK

From the recent photographer's project that showcased last meals of death row prisoners, to the dozens of written accounts analyzing the food requests from convicted murderers, we seem to have a morbid fascination with this topic. But has this pop-up restaurant gone too far? Death Row Dinners is a month-long event popping up in London around Halloween that will allow diners to experience (in a real penitentiary!) a five-course feast prepared by top chefs, and inspired by the real last-meal requests.

But the somewhat-spooky pop-up dinner experience has caused some controversy; critics are the dinner tacky, or even disrespectful. Twitter exploded with angry responses over the dinner, with one user tweeting "You're not sorry. You're using people about to be murdered by the state as props. At least be honest. You're bad people."

In response, it looks like the pop-up, which was scheduled to take place each night between October 24 and November 29 and cost £50, may actually be canceled.

"We're shocked and saddened by the response to Death Row Dinners and are genuinely very sorry for any offence caused," said the pop-up representatives in a statement. "The pop-up is intended to explore the concept of last meals; anyone who has ever been to a dinner party has probably had this conversation — what would they love their last meal to be. In light of the response to the idea we are considering our next steps and will update everyone with our decision."

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi