Smart dining in Clerkenwell

As the “Bill’s” empire grows and grows, serving healthy breakfasts and interesting lunches, the upmarket variant, Granger & Co, has opened a branch in Clerkenwell  (there’s another in Notting Hill) – an altogether different proposition.  After meeting up with M&G in the nearby Crown Tavern (itself a splendid venue), we walk round the corner to the restaurant.

As we enter, we’re struck by the light from the huge windows, overlooking the churchyard. The décor is also bright and fresh, light wood, suited to the Australian origins.  The young, keen staff show us to our table, and the waitress points out an offer on Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc – which has to be done as their winery was where we had one of the best lunches on our NZ tour together.  Mind you, at £22.50 for a half bottle carafe it’s no bargain even on offer.


The menu is brilliant – it’s very tough to decide what to have.   G has the lamb pizzetta: this is a 6”x3” rectangle of pizza dough topped with tasty spiced lamb, halloumi and ricotta with pomegranate seeds. M raves over her  kim chee, spinach & ricotta dumplings. B has the tempura shrimp, which is very lightly battered with a flavoursome shrimp inside, and a sizeable portion. My grilled squid is melt in the mouth, served with coriander and rocket.

The main courses continue the high standard. G’s parmesan crumbed chicken schnitzel is rich and tasty; M has the yellow fish curry, with spiced butternut squash; B chooses the  turmeric spiced chicken, which is also rich and deep with flavour; my beef shin mole, served with rice and breads is a more modest portion, but easily tasty enough.

From the appealing dessert menu, we decide just to share a panna cotta between us. After the Pegasus Bay, we have a Gascony SB – “Le Potager du Sud” (£25) – and a Spanish red - ribera del duero (£24.50).  With 12.5% service this is just over £200 for the four of us – well worth it for such a relaxed, tasty and enjoyable evening.