Taste Film Jaws Experience at The Parlour, Kensal Green — Great Vibe, Shame About the Food

Imagine sitting down to rewatch Steven Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece Jaws, a thriller that still makes every swimmer second-guess a dip in the ocean, while a multi-course tasting menu is served in precise synchronicity with the iconic scenes unfolding on screen. That is the promise of Taste Film, a pop-up immersive dining experience taking London by storm.

On paper, the premise is pure cinematic genius: sensory storytelling elevated to art, pairing bite-sized culinary nods with legendary film beats. But does the execution live up to the high-concept buzz?

Tucked away in North West London, The Parlour in Kensal Green serves as the backdrop for this aquatic screening. The pub itself is a triumph, warm, stylishly rustic, and oozing neighborhood charm. The staff were impeccably welcoming, setting a lively tone as moviegoers settled in with drinks ahead of the famous opening chords of John Williams' iconic score.

As for the film itself? Jaws remains an untouchable titan of cinema. Watching Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss spar aboard the Orca on a cozy night out is a five-star experience in its own right.

Where the evening faltered, unfortunately, was right on the plate. For an event centered explicitly on the food, the culinary offerings fell flat.

While the thematic timing of each dish was clever, the actual food was distinctly underwhelming. Portions were minute, flavors were hit-or-miss, and the overall execution felt far more like a gimmick than a well-crafted menu. Given the premium ticket price, you expect dishes that match the grandeur of the film. Instead, the courses felt lightweight and left a lot to be desired.

The Reality Check: You are paying for the theater and the novelty—not a fine dining experience.

Taste Film has stumbled upon a brilliant, highly inventive concept, and hosting it at a gorgeous local venue like The Parlour makes for an inherently fun night out. But if you’re expecting to leave feeling culinary satisfaction, prepare for disappointment.