Surya Anthony reviews her raffle prize meal at The Clerkenwell Tavern.
A £5 raffle ticket at The Peel turned into dinner at The Clerkenwell Tavern.
They’d put up a meal for two as part of the Christmas raffle. And I won. Community spirit for you. So I took a mate along with me.
Day of the week: Friday.
(I wonder if I’m the only one who gets a little giddy when I see my name reserved on a table. VIP energy.)
The food: Solid 9/10
What we ordered: The platter comes with two sandwiches, fries, and gherkins. So we went for two Reubens. Added some buffalo chicken on the side. And a bottle of bubbly.
Hot take: I’ve always thought a sandwich as a pub main felt like an American thing. One bite in and I was straight back at a pub by the Boston Marina. Not fact, just my opinion.
Ambience: Excellent
Very modern, yet still steeped in history. The walls are lined with vintage ads and drawings dating back to the 1800s. With 150 years under their belt, you know it’s not some fake, curated vintage look. It’s the real thing.
Location: Corner of Exmouth Market and Farringdon Road
It was one of those warm March evenings where suddenly everyone’s outside like summer’s here to stay. So we grabbed a couple more drinks and sat out, taking in the sounds and sights of a Friday night in Clerkenwell.
Staff: Extra friendly
Shoutout to Russ for setting it all up for us.
Fun fact: At some point, a very fluffy dog started doing laps of the tables. Possibly the pub mascot. If not, they should give him the job. He had everyone’s attention.
The raffle got us through the door, but The Clerkenwell Tavern stands on its own. Good food, great staff, excellent atmosphere.
What a way to give back.
