The Clove Club
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"Relaxed Atmosphere but Disappointing Drink Pairings"
Unlike many fine dining spots, the environment here was refreshingly chill and laid-back. The starters were enjoyable and gave a promising first impression. However, things took a downturn with the mains, especially due to the drink pairings. We opted for the juice and tea pairings, but some of the drinks were difficult to finish—almost feeling like a challenge rather than a complement to the food. This significantly affected the overall experience.
"Anniversary Dinner at Plates: Good Food, Uneven Wine Experience"
We chose Plates to celebrate our wedding anniversary and opted for the tasting menu with a wine flight. The staff were professional and attentive throughout the evening, and the food was enjoyable. However, we were disappointed with the wine service. There were noticeable differences between my glass and my husband’s with each pour—mine consistently being the smaller measure, despite us both paying the same price. When we brought it up with the sommelier, the concern was brushed off, which felt dismissive and out of step with the otherwise polished service. Given the higher-end pricing, you expect both the food and overall experience to meet elevated standards. While the meal was good, the imbalance in the wine service detracted from what should have been a seamless and celebratory evening.
"A Warm Welcome and Exceptional Dining—Always Worth the Journey to Shoreditch"
It’s always a pleasure to return and be so well taken care of by the wonderful team at Plates. The space is cosy and inviting, the service is seamless, and the food remains one of the most unique yet comfortingly familiar culinary experiences I’ve had. Though slightly off the beaten path in Shoreditch, it’s absolutely worth the trip. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Rhys and his team for delivering a spectacular degustation menu, to Keith for the thoughtful wine pairings and deep knowledge, and to Paolo and his colleagues for their attentive and joyful service. Already looking forward to the next visit!
"Outstanding Food, But Service Falls Short of the Same Standard"
The food at Plates was truly fantastic—creative, beautifully executed, and clearly made with top-quality ingredients. Each dish was a delight, with the exception of one that we felt was under-seasoned. The venue itself is stunning, and the open kitchen adds an engaging touch to the overall experience. However, while the service was friendly, it didn’t quite meet the same high standard set by the food. Our waiter forgot the additional bread he had offered, and it took an unexpectedly long time to bring the card machine when we were ready to pay. When it came time for coffee or tea, we were informed that the espresso machine was out of order and were given a pot of filtered coffee instead. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as good as promised—and we weren’t even asked whether we wanted milk or sugar. Overall, an excellent dining experience in terms of food and atmosphere, but the service could benefit from a bit more polish and attention to detail.
"A Smooth and Delightful Dining Experience at The Clove Club"
I had an excellent experience at The Clove Club. The tasting menu comes without any options, so be prepared for that. The service was impressively quick, with friendly staff who were attentive and prompt in refilling drinks or checking if we wanted another round. The food was consistently excellent—well-cooked and beautifully presented throughout the meal. While the interior is understated and low key, the overall experience is top-notch. I would definitely recommend a visit!
"Cozy Atmosphere and Thoughtful Gestures, But Timing Needs Improvement"
The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and tasty food made for a pleasant birthday celebration. I especially appreciated the special touches like the birthday card and a chocolate to take home — a lovely and thoughtful gesture. However, there are a couple of areas that could be improved. The pacing of the meal was uneven: while the start was smooth, it slowed down significantly midway, leaving us waiting for quite some time. Although the staff apologized and served us bread during the delay, it took nearly three and a half hours to complete six courses—about an hour longer than expected. Additionally, the timing of staff interactions felt a bit overwhelming. We often found ourselves surrounded by staff, making it difficult to have a private conversation for more than a minute. While it’s clear they aim to provide attentive service, a better balance between presence and discretion would improve the overall experience.
"Good Experience but Falls Short of High Expectations"
Having seen Clove Club featured on the 50 Best Restaurants list, I came in with very high expectations. Overall, the meal was good, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype. While everything was well-executed, nothing truly blew me away or made me feel an immediate need to return. I opted for the tasting menu, and my favorites were the fish dish, the foie gras, and an interesting raw scallop preparation. However, the pacing was slower than I expected, which affected the flow of the experience. Considering the price point, I’d rate it around 3.5 to 4 stars — a solid outing, but not quite the unforgettable meal I had hoped for.
The Clove Club
Modern British tasting menus. Offers bespoke vegetarian menus on request.
Address
Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT, United Kingdom
Website
http://thecloveclub.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+442077296496