The Clove Club Shoreditch

It is worth noting that a meal for two at The Clove Club costs about the same amount as a small mortgage repayment. If you can get someone else to treat you (thanks Mum), do that. If you are the one doing the treating at least you have been forewarned. We visited sans baby for my 34th birthday.

Housed in the formidable Shoreditch Town Hall, The Clove club is spacious, light filled and tasteful. It’s very fancy but not stuffy. The service is attentive, knowledgeable and warm. We were served by many different people throughout the tasting menu, instead of having one dedicated server, with each person bringing their own personality and experience to each dish or drink. The food is unquestionably excellent and also a surprise on the day. When booking you are asked to be specific about any allergies and then the kitchen team create a customised menu just for you. The Clove Club make an effort to know you, to anticipate you. They make a very quiet, civilised fuss of a special occasion, which is exactly the sort of fuss I like.

If you’ve ever been to a tasting menu meal before you’ll probably remember that the accompanying wine flight will have you on the floor. At least that’s what has happened when I’ve been allowed to drink 8 – 10 glasses of wine with dinner. The Clove Club offer a soft drink alternative to this which is helpful if you’re breastfeeding or just a lightweight like myself. I was hugely impressed by the accompanying juices, kombucha and tea reductions with each course, they complimented each dish beautifully and broadened the experience. I’ve never seen soft drink pairings anywhere else in this way and honestly I think I preferred it to booze. We did have a little champagne too but I was still able to parent when I got home.

What’s good? Everything. No lie. Everything was perfect. The warm potato mousse, caramel ice cream and coffee is fully astonishing. The soft drink pairing was excellent.

Kid friendly? Our server explained that as a general rule they do not allow children under the age of three, however, for a very well behaved child they would consider making an exception. I wouldn’t take the risk personally, even with Max who is pretty good at being chill in a restaurant, due to the cost of the meal.

✗baby change facilities

✓highchairs available

✓cool with breastfeeding

✗loads of other parents

✓space for buggies –

✗children’s menu

✗toys/play area

Rating ??

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *