Clove Club

The Clove Club, situated in the historic Shoreditch Town Hall in London, has firmly established itself as a beacon of modern British cuisine. Since its inception, it has garnered significant acclaim, including a Michelin star in its first year and a second star thereafter, reflecting its commitment to excellence. **Ambience and Setting** Housed within the Grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall, The Clove Club exudes a minimalist yet welcoming atmosphere. The dining area is characterized by high ceilings and large windows, creating an airy environment that complements its open kitchen design. This layout allows diners to observe the meticulous preparation of their meals, fostering a sense of connection between the kitchen and the dining experience. The absence of traditional tablecloths and the presence of azure-tiled kitchen accents contribute to a relaxed yet refined setting. **Culinary Experience** Under the guidance of chef Isaac McHale, The Clove Club offers tasting menus that highlight seasonal British ingredients with innovative flair. Dishes such as buttermilk fried chicken, marinated in buttermilk for 24 hours and fried using tapioca and polenta flours, have been lauded for their exceptional flavor and texture . Another standout is the smoked wild Irish char paired with sour cream and rye, noted for its delicate balance and subtle smokiness . The restaurant's commitment to showcasing British produce is evident in its menu selections. For instance, dishes featuring white asparagus, monkfish, chicken, and Aylesbury duck are prepared with precision, though some critics have expressed a desire for more luxurious ingredients at this price point . **Service and Hospitality** The service at The Clove Club is often described as attentive and knowledgeable. Staff members, including sommeliers, are praised for their expertise and friendly demeanor. However, there have been instances where service missteps occurred, such as a venison sausage rolling off the grill and into a diner's lap, with the staff appearing flustered in their response . Overall, the service is generally well-received, contributing positively to the dining experience. **Beverage Pairings** The Clove Club offers wine pairings that are both unusual and interesting, enhancing the overall dining experience . Additionally, the restaurant provides tea pairings, though some diners have noted that the teas presented had a similar, weak profile, lacking the robustness expected from their descriptions . **Value and Pricing** Dining at The Clove Club is a premium experience, with tasting menus priced accordingly. Some patrons have expressed concerns regarding the value, particularly in relation to the luxury of ingredients used . Nevertheless, many diners find the innovative cuisine and overall experience to be worth the investment. **Conclusion** The Clove Club stands as a testament to modern British gastronomy, offering a dining experience that combines innovative cuisine with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. While certain aspects, such as ingredient selection and beverage pairings, have received mixed feedback, the restaurant's commitment to showcasing seasonal British produce and delivering attentive service continues to attract both local and international patrons.

We went for a birthday dinner, and we couldn't have been happier. From the moment we walked into the dining room, the staff were warm and welcoming. The menu flowed at a great pace, and the dishes were executed perfectly, flavours were outstanding of every dish along with their descriptions. We must thank Em our Sommelier on the night and Paolo for their amazing hospitality throughout the night. We were super happy with the wine choice! It was truly memorable.

Loved the food, and the service was really outstanding. As a teetotaller I also enjoyed my mocktail. Dietary requirements were also perfectly catered to.

Fine but overpriced and nothing remarkable. At a 2 Star restaurant I expect at least one of the dishes to leave me thinking that’s the best thing I have tasted in ages. Though everything was beautiful and well prepared nothing really hit that top standard. As other have said VERY expensive for what you get. A few too many tables so slightly close to other diners which means it was a bit noisy. Nit picking I know but for a total bill of £1,500 for three of us I think there really shouldn’t be any nits to pick.