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
"The Clove Club is in Shoreditch Town Hall, the rooms of cool and tall with big windows. The ambience is cool. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The food is beautifully provided and portions are moderate but perfect. There is a definite touch of whimsy in the presentation. I enjoyed the Aylesbury Duck and beetroot particularly. The house champagne was very pleasant."
"Some wonderful dishes - the beef, the desserts - and a woeful mixture of tasteless young vegetables with an insipid turnip milk (wozzat?). Over cooked sea bass. Excellent wine pairings thoughtfully explained by lovely staff. Really great staff. But the bill; I pay readily for good meals and last night I felt too much. Ridiculous actually for what it was, even in London. "
"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."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £65.00 |  |
|
|
|
| Dinner | £145.00 | |
|
|
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London, EC1V 9LT
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
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 |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Mayfair
British, Traditional restaurant in St James's
French restaurant in St James's