The highlight of London’s food scene can be summarised by glamorous institutions forcing the next exacerbating food trend down any throat it can snatch into its clutches. Too often the latest pop-up offers a culinary mirage that promises gastronomic ecstasy but often delivers overpriced mediocrity. Waffles instead of burger buns, ink-dyed pizza and slamming fifteen slices of meat together in a bid to demonstrate how un-vegan a place is. It can all get a bit too much.
When a curious tourist comes to our fateful city to get a feel for the quintessential British supper, there are only so many times you can send them to a chippy and let them be on their way. Fortunately, off the quiet street of Clerkenwell Close, there’s a welcoming set of double doors that bring forward the best of British in the heart of London’s multicultural epicentre. The aptly named Clerkenwell Kitchen brings complexity in simple ingredients taking merit from good home cooking and locality only expert culinary connoisseurs can offer.
High-quality, Homely, British Dining in the HEArt of London for a reasonable price
History
The Clerkenwell Kitchen is a beloved neighbourhood eatery that has been a staple of the Clerkenwell district in London for many years. Nestled in the heart of Clerkenwell, a vibrant district known for its creative industries and historic architecture, The Clerkenwell Kitchen stands out as a culinary gem. This charming restaurant offers a delightful dining experience, showcasing a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Set up close to two decades ago with a focus on leveraging the produce of domestic suppliers, they presented London’s historic Clerkenwell area with ready-to-eat homely meals and a cosy environment to match. The exposed brick walls, vintage lighting, and comfortable seating create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s intimate size adds to its charm, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal with friends or a romantic dinner.
The restaurant was established by Emma Miles and Laura Hearn, both passionate about sourcing quality ingredients and building relationships with local producers. Emma had previously worked with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at River Cottage, a renowned advocate for sustainable food practices at his many restaurants across the country. Whilst Laura Hearn formerly worked as head chef at La Fromagerie, an award-winning cheese shop in Marylebone. Not really sure how that worked, however, the experience gained is demonstrable in the culinary prowess of The Clerkenwell Kitchen.
The Grub
The menu at The Clerkenwell Kitchen is a celebration of British cuisine, with a focus on seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the natural flavours of each ingredient, resulting in a menu that is both satisfying and innovative. It offers homely flavours to those yearning for the feel their mother’s cooking used to provide.
For breakfast, you can indulge in hearty classics like full English breakfasts or opt for lighter options like poached eggs on sourdough with avocado and hollandaise sauce. Lunchtime offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and mains, including grilled salmon with roasted vegetables and homemade burgers.
Dinner features a more extensive menu to suit any palate, with options such as roast chicken, lamb shank, and pan-seared sea bass. The grilled salmon is cooked to perfection, flaking effortlessly with each bite. The accompanying side dishes, such as roasted vegetables and herby potatoes, complement the main course beautifully. For a heartier option, the slow-cooked beef short rib is a must-try, falling off the bone with tender ease. The dessert menu at The Clerkenwell Kitchen is equally impressive. The sticky toffee pudding is a classic that never disappoints, while the chocolate brownie is rich and decadent.
The Burden of Locality
One of the highlights of The Clerkenwell Kitchen is its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible, reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. This dedication continues to be evident through its many inclusions of high-quality vegetarian and vegan options.
The search to consistently supply a homely British meal to the masses also brings its drawbacks. While there’s a vast array of regional British dishes, limiting the menu to traditional fare can restrict the culinary options and reduce the ability to cater to diverse tastes. The standard taste of British cuisine indeed can be the case with many cuisines, often gets tired, especially for those well versed in the cultural flavour. It can often feel with the Clerkenwell Kitchen that, for better or for worse, the dedication to British flavour can cause culinary stagnation as food trends fluctuate in the big city.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the food menu is that it changes nearly enough daily. Rather than offering a static menu, the restaurant takes pride in showcasing the freshest ingredients available. This means that each day, diners can expect a new and exciting culinary experience. They manage this by using leftover ingredients creatively in their dishes and curating the menu depending on what is available.
Verdict
Whilst not overtly mentioned throughout the article, the staff are a highlight of the place. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and valued. The feeling of coming into a restaurant as if you’re back at home is reason enough to visit the Clerkenwell. Although the prices at around £20 a meal may quickly bring you back to reality despite the cost not being unreasonable for a London restaurant.
For those wanting a true taste of British cuisine, especially those who haven’t grown up with these classic dishes: the Clerkenwell Kitchen is the perfect place to sample the food, culture and surroundings that many of us were fortunate to grow up with in the domestic country of Britain. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and excellent service, The Clerkenwell Kitchen is a must-visit.
