DublinPilot,
Yes is the short answer.
You can be pilot in command. You can log the time as flight by sole reference to instruments in the remarks column of your log book.
You can not fly in IMC and you can not log the flight as IFR (unless something like UK at night).
The aircraft must have full dual controls. The other pilot must be qualified ie be a PPL with appropriate Class rating and current.
The time you log will not count towards the experience required for the isue of an IR (other than an FAA one).
Regards,
DFC