Harden's survey result
Summary
“Top-end, creative dining without pretensions” has carved a global reputation for Daniel Willis, Isaac Mchale and Johnny Smith’s “relaxed” blue-tiled chamber within Shoreditch’s fine old town hall (whose renown is sealed by achieving the UK’s highest position in the ‘World’s 50 Best’, ranking at 33). The results from the open kitchen via a five-course or ten-course tasting menu focus on British-sourced produce and are “phenomenally good, exceptionally interesting and always innovative”. As well as “inspired wine pairings”, the forward-thinking approach is shown by “(surprisingly) good non-alcoholic pairings” too. “Staff have amazing knowledge of the food and wine” and their “real care” adds a lot to the experience (“my veggie boyfriend never feels like he’s an inconvenience here like at so many other restaurants”). Gripes? The setting is quite “Spartan”. More significantly, whereas most reports say it “exceeded our sky-high expectations”, ratings here softened this year, with the chief complaint being a feeling that it’s becoming “hugely overpriced”: “even if the food’s a wow, it’s so expensive”, and some feel “it’s beginning to rival the River Café for non-value!”.
Summary
Isaac McHale’s temple to “fine dining Shoreditch-style” sits in London’s culinary Top-5 nowadays, and his “theatrically presented” 5-course and 10-course menus offer “an absolute balance between sophistication, simplicity, and creativity”. The space itself within the fine old town hall is “a bit urban-ascetic” (no table cloths, of course), but is “not too archly hipster” and the “relaxed yet professional service” creates an appropriately “chilled out” yet “truly memorable” experience. Very progressively, there’s a “brilliant non-alcoholic drink match” alongside the more conventional wine pairings.
Summary
“Beyond amazing!!!!” Isaac McHale’s “playful” and “exquisitely crafted” cuisine provides one of London’s best trendy gastronomic experiences. Despite the hipster street cred of this “slightly sparse and echoey” chamber inside Shoreditch’s fine old town hall, staff are “attentive and not overbearing”, but the “pay-in-advance policy” can seem “irritating”.
Summary
“Deserving its many awards” – this groovy pop-up-turned-permanent in Shoreditch’s fine old town hall wins kudos for its “incredibly interesting” cuisine, “perfectly matched” wines and “casual” approach. The setting can seem “Spartan” though, service is a little “earnest” and to some diners “the new ticketing system for reservations smacks of hubris”.
Restaurant details
The Clove Club Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I think this place is getting better. The food is 2 star quality and some of the wine pairings are absolutely superb. A great place to go on your own and sit at the counter."
Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London, EC1V 9LT
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Opening hours
| Monday | 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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