I recently went to the launch of a London restaurant's membership and left feeling very impressed. 

I visited Piccolino in Heddon Street for the launch of Club IR, a membership-based experience hoping to evolve dining-out. 

Piccolino is just one of 31 restaurants that form the Individual Restaurants group's new approach. 

Club IR aims to personalise the restaurant experience for its members, who can choose from three different membership tiers - club, black and diamond. 

Each tier unlocks new membership benefits. 

East London Advertiser: The chef came to provide more details on the ingredients in the courses and flavours.The chef came to provide more details on the ingredients in the courses and flavours. (Image: Club IR)

This idea of a restaurant membership and tier system was completely new to me but was pleasantly surprising. 

Guests at Club IR's launch were shown to a private room downstairs fitted out with its own bar and tables. 

We were met with our favourite cocktail which was a lovely touch and something promised in the Club IR memberships. 

The chef came to explain the menu and the flavours of each dish for the wine and food pairings. 

We started with the antipasti - bruschetta classica, which was deliciously fresh with the basil, garlic and tomatoes. 

The antipasti was paired with Whispering Angel rosé. The clean crispness of the rosé paired very well with the fresh acidity from the bruschetta.

East London Advertiser: The bruschetta was the perfect antipasti.The bruschetta was the perfect antipasti. (Image: Olivia Carter)

The primi was risotto al pomodoro with creamy arborio rice, roasted cherry tomatoes and basil pesto. 

They also served a tomato gnocchi which was my favourite of the two pasta dishes. 

We paired this with a glass of Pinot Nero Bericanto, which was a very delicate and enjoyable red. 

My secondi was a grilled cauliflower 'steak' which was paired with a glass of Chianti Sant'ilario which again was a light tasting red wine. 

East London Advertiser: The primi was deliciously rich.The primi was deliciously rich. (Image: Olivia Carter)

All wine pairings were introduced and explained by Piccolino's head sommelier. 

After this, we were treated to a mojito-making masterclass which was thoroughly enjoyable and added to the experience. 

Dessert was a fresh strawberry sorbet which was the perfect way to end the evening. 

East London Advertiser: The mojito making experience was a highlight for me where we were able to make our own mojitos after watching a quick and light-hearted demonstration.The mojito making experience was a highlight for me where we were able to make our own mojitos after watching a quick and light-hearted demonstration. (Image: Olivia Carter)

My first experience at a membership-led restaurant has definitely changed dining out for me with the personal and attentive service that Club IR offers. 

I wasn't sure what to expect at first but found myself enjoying a great evening. 

Club IR definitely provides another level of service I find is rare to come across. It remained a humble experience but was an elevated evening anyone would enjoy. 

It was an intimate and genuine example of a great restaurant experience.