A Story of Home Clerkenwell Area Guide
There are lots of reasons to visit historic and creative Clerkenwell, London. Firstly, there are plenty of gastro pubs and Michelin star restaurants. On weekdays you will find street food at Exmouth Market and in nearby Leather Lane. On to drinking, and there are plenty of rather special pubs and bars, with most now also offering great food. Clerkenwell is also home to museums and various other attractions well worth a visit too. The area is filled with historic buildings and garden squares making Clerkenwell great for an afternoon stroll. See our below guide to a day off in Clerkenwell.
MARKETS GALORE
Exmouth Market is a real gem. It’s hard to believe that it was a rundown street as recently as the 90s. Now regenerated, this pedestrian street market is walking distance of Angel, Farringdon, Clerkenwell and the City of London. It is a lunch time hub for office workers and a great spot for after work drinks or dinner. The market is focused on food, and tends to wind down around 2pm, then the local bars and restaurants take centre stage. Most cafés, pubs and bars lining the street have outside seating and cover making it one of the few London streets that offers a European style street café vibe.
Smithfield Market is one of the oldest markets in London and has been trading for over 800 years. During medieval times there were hangings and scenes of torture. The weekday market traders sell meats, poultry and provisions such as oils and cheese at this busy London spot.
PASS THE TIME
The Modern Pantry is a modern, casual dining space serving breakfast, lunch & dinner throughout the week & weekend. This beautiful, informal space has an extensive menu as well as a small bar serving an eclectic selection of wines & unusual cocktails to accompany the food, which can also be enjoyed from the spacious outdoor terrace on St. John’s Square. A great place for any occasion.
The Modern Pantry, 47-48 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JJ
TAKE COFFEE SERIOUSLY
Grind is a neighbourhood espresso bar, cocktail bar and all-day restaurant, located on the famous Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell. Serving seriously good coffee, Grind has grown to become a cult east London coffee brand. The cosy basement is also available for private hire.
Grind, 8-10 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QA
CYCLING PROFICIENCY
Look Mum No Hands is a great concept for any keen cyclist. Full-time mechanics work on bikes upstairs and fix flat tyres, and they are also on hand to answer any questions about bikes. There is a great outdoor area to sit and relax in the sun with a coffee and food.
Look Mum No Hands, 49 Old St, London EC1V 9HX
“Leadenhall Market London has cobbled streets and quaint surroundings which make this market an attractive place to browse and relax.”
TAKE IN SOME CULTURE
Barbican Conservatory is the second biggest conservatory in London and home to exotic fish and over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees. The Conservatory is open on selected Sundays each month and Bank Holidays from 12 noon–5pm. Afternoon tea is also hosted on selected Sundays. We recommend just wondering around the Barbican and taking in the Brutalist architecture, perfect for Instagram. There is also a 90-minute guided tour.
The Bank of England Museum is fascinating, you can learn the story of the bank from 1694 right up to the present day. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).
The Roman Amphitheatre London is also located in Clerkenwell and general admission is free. Located under the Guildhall Art Gallery, open every day of the week, it offers glimpse into the city’s colourful history.
The Old Bailey London – the general public have access to the public galleries to view real life trials. Admittance to the public galleries is free. You may have to queue to gain admittance to a high-profile case. Sitting times for the Court are 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
TWO PINTS OF LAGER AND A PACKET OF CRISPS
The Jerusalem is a pretty-much perfect pub. Its look is one that many places invest a lot of time and money to imitate. It has wooden floors, an ornate, tiled fireplace, a range of ales from St Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk and staff will happily offer tasters. Sit at the raised bar to get the full view of the pub and soak up the atmosphere.
The Jerusalem, 55 Britton St, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 5UQ
TASTE OF HISTORY
The Quality Chop House is over 150 years old. It is a fantastic restaurant serving decent meaty meals, in a room that is smarter than a pub, but more casual than a restaurant. There are two adjoining dining rooms: the first is lined with rows of dark wooden church pews and is great for groups,w hilst the other is a cosy bistro which is perfect for romance, or a catch-up with an old friend. You’ll also find chequerboard tiles on the floor, low lighting overhead, music and lively chatter.
The Quality Chop House, 88-94 Farringdon Rd, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 3EA
TABLE FOOTBALL
Clerkenwell’s most likeable bar is this table football gem. At Cafe Kick the football paraphernalia is authentic, retro and cool. The bar staff, beers and snacks give the impression you could be in a bar in Lisbon. An open kitchen serves tapas, sandwiches, and charcuterie platters.
Cafe Kick, 43 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, London EC1R 4QL
ALL GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
Sushi Tetsu is small but perfectly formed. Despite being a tiny little restaurant, you will be served some of the best sushi in London. Sushi Tetsu has room for just seven diners, making it one of the harder restaurants to get into. There is a booking system, whereby you call on a Monday and try to make a reservation for the week after that. There are no walk-ins, so your only option is to call and cross your fingers.
Sushi Tetsu, 12 Jerusalem Passage, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JP
