The Clerkenwell Dining Room and Bar

I went with my wife and another couple on Saturday 1 September. Only 3 or 4 tables full when we arrived but was probably 70%full by the time we left.

Service was fine, if not hightly skilled and I was brought a jug of tap water without demure, which is always a good test.

Starters were large:my octopus was a little lost in the various accompaniments, I snatched a tasty tempura prawn and the tomato consomme with garden veg was particularly appreciated.

Mains were equally ample, if again with a few too many ingredients. My halibut was much better than the last ime I'd ordered it (20,July at Inside SE10), though I would have sooner had more fish and done without the oxtail ravioli. Everone else seemed happy enough though some comments in the same vein from the rabbit eater in the group.

Obviously 90% on the Saturday night i.e. non-business customers are here on 50% off the food deals. My personal taste would be to have things 50% simpler and charged on a straightforward basis. Don't refuse an invitation to eat there though.
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John McNally
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Monday, September 03, 2007

My wife and I had dinner at the clerkenwell on Saturday night; we both thought the food was fantastic, excellent combinations of favours and the menu was very diverse in choice. We will surely be back offer or no offer.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 12, 2007

My friends and I had dinner at the Clerkenwell Dining Room yesterday, taking advantage of a top table offer (50% off food). As we were a bit early, we started the evening with a drink in their so-called lounge: a few dining tables in the back of the room. The "lounge" was empty and depressing. We quickly moved on to our table.

Food was OK but way to complicated for that kind of restaurant. It is fine to mix as many herbs, fruits, meats and other flavors as possible is you are going for your second or third Michelin star but it will take this restaurant a few more years and a new chef to get there. The result is therefore arrogant and very disappointing. The mackerel, the salmon ravioli, the octopus, the pork belly, the smoked duck, the lamb, the mascarpone berry tart and the strawberry bavarois just did not taste good... When executed that way, fusion food (or modern european) just tastes like confusion food.

Service was ok, staff, even though friendly, was clueless as to what we should order and how to properly pour wine (ie, in a glass, not on the table).

Conclusion: for £50 each including the offer, we will never go back again.
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Gibert Santer
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, July 04, 2007

With tasty and reasonably priced food (at least with the 50 per cent discount), modern but unpretentious decor, and attentive service, the Clerkenwell comes highly recommended. From the a la carte menu, my oxtail ravioli starter was good and filling, while my partner's foie gras was creamy and succulent. As for mains - the rabbit wrapped in parma ham was quite superb; juicy and flavoursome, although the dish did contain two small bones. The bream with mussels was also a treat. The wine list is extensive and not outrageously priced, with some cheeky new world bottles. The portions are well sized so neither of us could make room for desserts, but the vintage port was a fine alternative. Service was charming and highly attentive until the end of the meal, where we had to ask twice for the bill - although the restaurant was completely full by this point. Atmosphere lively but a point was docked on general principal for indigo-haired irritant Joss Stone being played a little too loudly on arrival. Overall, an excellent night at a very fine restaurant - only one or two minor quibbles, and with the generous discount you really can't go wrong with the Clerkenwell.
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Andrew Ewart
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 27, 2007

Very happy to have chosen this place for a dinner with friends. The food was lovely - delicious and very flavoursome tiger prawn tortelloni followed by sea bream in a creamy saffron sauce scored very highly indeed. Dessert was possibly the least successful course - a couple of the party shared another reviewer's complaint about a rather sour passionfruit creme brulee, which was in contrast to my incredibly sweet white chocolate mousse. But desserts were elegantly presented (as were all the courses), and probably only suffered when set against the high standards the starters and mains had set. The house red was also a couple of notches above average.

The room was a very pleasant place to spend an evening - fresh flowers scented the air throughout the evening, which is a very nice touch. Service was also delightful, among the best I've experienced.

The only caveat is the price. We went on a toptable 50% off deal, and were very happy when the bill arrived. But I'm not sure I'd like to return if I have to pay the full whack.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Went there last Sat, the service was excellent..

I had the squid for starter and pork belly for main course, and both was cooked to perfection. The creme brulee was a bit too sour, but nevertheless, I still managed to finish it!

I think the only disappointing dish out of the 5 of us was the Rabbit.. It was very chewy though thankfully not dry.

I would certainly go again.
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TT
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

We went to the Clerkenwell about a week ago for my daughter's 18th birthday - a group of people ranging in age from 16 to 82, with tastes ranging from the completely carniverous to vegetarian. The daughter wanted to try somewhere different for her birthday dinner and we found this restaurant. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent - the staff could not have been more helpful. In fact, I would say from the moment I initially phoned the place they could not have done better - I spoke to Erin who was very friendly, giving the impression that they would be delighted if we chose the Clerkenwell for our dinner - well of course, given some of the other responses I had to my enquiries, this was the one.

I had asked for everyone to be given a Kir Royal on arrival and all this was in place. Beate was on duty that evening and had everything organised to a T. Our order was taken promptly, and the food arrived at sensible intervals, giving us plenty of opportunity to relax and chat, without making us feel as though we were waiting too long between courses. I'd also asked them to arrange to serve a cake instead of dessert and up came the most gorgeous chocolate confection, glimmering away with the candles and indoor sparklers I'd brought - I guess the kitchen staff had a lot of fun with that! The food was, I thought, excellent - I had roast rump of lamb - and the vegetarian said it was one of the nicest meals he'd had. The quality of the food was extremely good. Without exception, everyone enjoyed their meal, the atmosphere, the welcome we were given and the kindness and courtesy of all the staff. Bear in mind we were a party of 11, taking advantage of the 50% offer - they could not have been nicer! Would we go back? Silly question, even without that 50% bonus!
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Gillian
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

What a way to celebrate one's youth as a bachelor, and the forecoming life as a gentleman and husband! My friends and I had a splendid meal with champagne, wine, coffee and port. The selection of food was a delight with all 14 of us able to deliberate over many a dish. I had salmon which was perfectly textured with great taste. The presentation of the food, and the kindness of waiting staff made the whole occasion very special indeed. Expensive restaurant, but worth every pound!
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David
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, March 12, 2007

the food is good, but nothing out of this world. quite average in reality especially keeping in mind the relatively high price tag. But with top service and pleasant atmosphere the chances are you'll come away feeling good about your time there. Especially recommended if you can get yourself on the 50% off offer from London-Eating
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Simon Priest
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, March 07, 2007

We visited the restaurant for the first time at lunch time on a Monday. It was surprisingly busy but the service staff could not be any more helpful. They were attentative without being overpowering.

The food was excellent. The starter was superb and as for the main course. Out of this world. The beef was cooked to perfection and just fell apart. The dessert was lovely. The lime sorbet left you speechless due to the sharpness but that is what it should have been.

It is definitely a place to go whether there are just two of you or a crowd. The decor is calming and spacious. So all together it is now one of my favourite restaurants.
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Mel - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, February 15, 2007