Following a memorable lunch at Portland in Marylebone last summer catching up with an old friend from Germany, I could not resist for long when I heard that Will Lander and his team had opened a sister restaurant around the corner, eponymously named Clipstone. After four attempts I finally managed to secure a table a couple of weeks ago on a Monday evening. And it was well worth waiting for!
A unique atmosphere strikes you from the first minute you enter the place. The chairs look like they’re from your primary school canteen, there’s a selection of wines on tap and a lively open-kitchen, a real modern eatery. You can select your own 3-course meal from the menu but the staff wisely suggested that we order various plates to share, about three per person. It could be approached as a modern British interpretation of tapas but is definitely more of a tasting and sharing experience. You just get the chance to delight your palate with more different combinations of flavours and aromas this way.
Tortellini - Clipstone Restaurant
We ordered a selection of the staff favourites including Jerusalem artichokes, tortellini of parsley root & ricotta, Saddleback pig, ox heart and Longhorn beef. As the plates started coming to our table at a perfect rhythm, we were amazed by these well-presented culinary creations, showcasing the quality of raw seasonal ingredients through a variety of subtle scents, pleasing textures, great balance and light seasoning.
Ox heart - Clipstone Restaurant
We drank a delicious bottle of Sokol Blosser from the Evolution winery in Oregon, a blend of various grape varieties from different vintages that made an excellent earthy, juicy and versatile red wine.
If I had to describe Clipstone in a few words, it would be fine cuisine in a laid back and sharing environment. Great food, friendly staff and affordable prices make it a perfect place to catch up with old friends and relatives, a real treat for any Bon Vivant living in London.
