The Clove Club – London's "Top 1" Restaurant? 🍽️✨

📍 Location: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT 💰 Price: ~£200 per person My journey with The Clove Club began back in 2017 during my first London trip. A Chinese influencer’s rave review had me desperate to try it, but alas—my mom doesn’t eat fish, so we skipped it. Fast-forward to now: I’ve moved to London, and my roommate insisted we go for my birthday. Spoiler: It was an experience. The Vibe 🎉 Hidden gem energy: The unassuming entrance opens into a buzzing, intimate space. Personal touch: A handwritten birthday card awaited me (yes, it’s standard, but still chef’s kiss). Kitchen theater: Our table by the open kitchen let us watch the magic unfold. The Meal (Prepare for a Marathon) ⏳ We opted for the 9-course tasting menu (£££), but surprise—there were multiple bonus amuse-bouches! Highlights: "Green Potion" Fail: The first bite was a leek-and-seafood broth that tasted like herbal medicine… I took two sips and tapped out. 🥲 Standouts: Fried chicken with pine salt (iconic for a reason). Dorset crab with clementine—bright, fresh, perfection. Aged duck with turnip and black truffle (rich but balanced). Unexpected Delights 🤯 Hot towels?! Rare in London, but here they were—twice (pre-meal and post-finger-licking snacks). Sparkling water service: Refilled relentlessly (and only £3 total?! Bless.). Timing: Booked for 7 PM, left at 11 PM. Do not bring anyone you dislike. Final Thoughts 💭 After enduring London’s wildly inconsistent dining scene (looking at you, Park Chinois with your disposable chopsticks), The Clove Club felt like a warm hug. Was it life-changing? No. But for one night, it made me forget the city’s culinary sins. #LondonFineDining #TheCloveClub #MichelinStar #BirthdaySplurge #FoodieReview