The Clove Club

New height?

Smoked trout, almond, roe

Pre Covid, The Clove Club was one of the hardest fine dining restaurants to secure a table in the capital. In 2021, the restaurant was rated no 32 in the World's 50 Best lists and retained its Michelin star. It also had a makeover with tablecloths is now a thing, with a range of art pieces installed, which feels like is a gear up for a proper fine dining experience for diners. I have eaten at Clove Club a few times in the past, and I think chef-owner Isaac McHale has indeed got something really special going with his restaurant, turning out modern British cuisine in such a clean and elegant manner. I once again opted for the long-tasting menu for my 4th visit.

Scallop, hazelnut, truffle

Sardine, ginger, chrysanthrmum

Cuckoo ray, butter, capers

The black truffle scallop is a well-known dish at The Clove Club and is easy to understand why. The scallop was refreshing and clean, the cep offered a crisp texture while the truffle delivered a soft earthy aroma which worked wonders with the scallop. Another high-standard dish was the middle white pork jowl, perfectly cooked, super tender, and moist. I also really enjoyed the garnish of the apple and red cabbage. It was classic but done in a modern and refined manner. The dessert of mont blanc was pretty average sadly, felt like it was from a standard cake shop. I feel like the whole of London is really lacking skilled pastry chefs since Brexit, as is hard to come by a good dessert even in a top fine dining restaurant.

Pork jowl, red cabbage, apple

Deer, celeriac, wild mushrooms

mont blanc

The service, as expected, was of a high standard. Food-wise, my 4th visit was very similar to my 3rd from 2 years ago, having got the chance to taste some of the same dishes again. Since the restaurant underdone a mini makeover post lockdown, I was expecting something new so I got to admit I was a little disappointed when everything remained largely the same. Having said that, the quality still remained high and the signature scallop dish was still a world-beater, which totally warrants the Michelin star status, in fact, I would rate The Clove Club to be one of the top 1 star restaurants in the capital. 

 

Food 4/5

Executive chef: 
Isaac McHale

Average cost without drinks and services:
£145 tasting menu

Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT

https://thecloveclub.com/