Prisoners can invite their wives or partners for a cosy dinner in a jail bistro in a ‘ Come Dine With Me ’ scheme - with table service included.
Inmates at HMP Nottingham, home to 900 inmates, can apply for a table in the prison bistro and invite their ‘partner, spouse or family member’ for a slap-up meal.
Prisoners and their guest are then served a three course meal by jailbird ‘waiters’ - tucking into curries, fish and chips, spaghetti bolognese, and variety of other dishes.
The idea, based on popular Channel 4 TV show Come Dine With Me, has been a massive success, with inmates and family members saying they were fantastic.
The scheme was revealed in a report out this week by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).
It stated: “The prison continued its schemes to help with family contact, such as birthday cards and children’s activity packs, and introduced ‘Come Dine With Me’ visits.
“Trusted, enhanced status prisoners apply for a ‘Come Dine With Me’ visit for their partner/spouse/family.
“Their visitors join them for a table-service meal in the prison bistro, with the opportunity to then spend time together on games and fun activities as appropriate.”
The report states that small donated gifts can even be handed to loved ones, adding: “(These visits) have been highly praised by prisoners, families and staff.
“One visitor reported that it had been the best experience they had ever had of visiting the prison.
“And one prisoner reported that it had been the best thing that had ever happened to him in prison.”
The Come Dine With Me meals take place every Wednesday, with prisoners applying for a table on electronic kiosks dotted around the prison.
A prison source said: “It’s a long way from porridge for breakfast and a stodgy curry for dinner.
“Some prisoners can’t believe it really - having a date night with their partner, but I suppose they have to go back to their cells alone afterwards.”
An announcement of the scheme by HMP Nottingham stated: “Excited to announce our ‘Families Come Dine With Us’ initiative.
“An opportunity for families & loved ones to come together in our bistro & have a sit down meal. Prisoners can apply on the kiosk. Spaces are limited.”
