Duke of Clarence Hampton Hill — Restaurant in London

For me it was some of the interesting dishes "boasted" on the menu:

Wagyu Burger. The Duke Scotch Egg.

Challenge accepted!

Starters:

The Duke Scotch Egg for me and Mussels for my wife. Unfortunately the mussels were off the menu but the "Specials menus" (which oddly was not mentioned when ordering but mentioned as an alternative) had oysters; given the choice my wife (and I would always choose the oysters).

The oysters were excellent, my wife preferred the "Duke cucumber" dressing over the traditional shallot dressing; I have to admit it was a nice alternative.

Mixed feelings regarding my "Duke Scotch Egg". The yolk was perhaps 60 seconds overdone and therefore solid(ish) as opposed to runny. If it was £3 to £4 for the egg I would let it slide, but at £8.50 a pop, it needs to be cooked "right".

Mains:

My wife had the "roast monk-fish wrapped in bacon". She thought that it was too oily but to me it was acceptable, so the court is out on this one. We both agreed that it was very flavoursome due to the bacon but I will have to agree with her that the bacon was undercooked. I would still eat the bacon without complaint but I can see how many other "Brits" would consider it "almost raw".

My Wagyu Burger on the other hand was delicious. I had it without the suggested "bacon and cheese" as it would mask the flavour of the meat; bacon and cheese are there to enhance the "blandness" of a generic supermarket burger, why would you add ketchup to "wild smoked salmon"?

Even if it wasn't Wagyu beef, it was the best tasting burger that I've eaten. Initially I felt that it was overcooked as there was no "pinkness" in the meat, but it worked well and I was left satisfied.

Service:

Excellent service from all of members of staff that we interacted with. Special kudos to the staff member that sorted out the issue of the "missing alcohol" from my wife's "Decaf Espresso Martini". Also "Nick" (I hope that's correct, there were several large glasses of red wine involved on my part) who negotiated a good price on the oysters.

My only gripe is "background noise".

The background music volume is on the "high side". Conversation is difficult as other patrons are raising their voices to be heard over the music. In my opinion, background music should be exactly that: "In the...

I had the most delightful dining experience at this gastro pub restaurant in London! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly combined the charm of a traditional pub with the sophistication of a gourmet restaurant.

The menu offered an impressive array of options, from classic pub fare to creative and innovative dishes that showcased the chef's culinary expertise. I decided to start with the charcuterie board, which was a delightful assortment of artisanal meats and cheeses that were bursting with flavor. For the main course, I opted for the slow-cooked lamb shank, and it practically melted off the bone. The balance of flavors and textures in each dish was impeccable.

The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who were not only knowledgeable about the menu but also eager to make recommendations based on personal preferences. They effortlessly created a welcoming and relaxed environment, making it a perfect spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

The drink selection was equally impressive, boasting a wide range of craft beers, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtfully curated beer list, featuring local and international options that paired beautifully with the food.

What truly set this gastro pub apart was its commitment to sourcing high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Each dish felt thoughtfully prepared and presented, and the attention to detail was evident in every bite.

In conclusion, my visit to this gastro pub restaurant was an unforgettable experience. It's a gem in the heart of London that captures the essence of both traditional British pub culture and modern culinary excellence. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience that combines comfort and sophistication, this is the...

A pretty generous 2/5. Very overpriced with a pint of ale and half a draught Coke costing £9.55. Sadly the bearded chap behind the bar didn’t chance the manners to thank me for spending the money. If you’re going to charge the earth at least try and pretend you want to work in customer service.

It felt like a confused effort at providing table service to some parts of an empty pub and being a bit gastro without really being a pub or restaurant. They should focus on being one or the other as it probably will end in disappointment for most. Having a sign by an empty garden to check in with staff to be seated was hostile and unwelcoming.

The only saving grace was the Harveys was well kept. The prices of Madri (a posh Coors light rebrand) and Moretti Sale de Mare (an even worse version of the usual Moretti) at nearly £7 was a bit of a joke. The dated random music and tired music selection didn’t add to the atmosphere either.

There are far better and more reasonable pubs in the area. It was by the bus stop which was the main plus point to escape.

Edit: Appreciate the reply. I’d have certainly offered my feedback in person if the chap behind the bar wasn’t so rude. Best to take the hit and not return with such an attitude. Hopefully the feedback helps improve the...