Back before Covid, we reported that the old Grade II courthouse on Clerkenwell Green was being turned into a really interesting new restaurant. It was part of the redevelopment of the building into a creative studio comprising a restaurant, wine bar and art gallery space. The people behind it are artist Jonny Gent, the famed Jon Spiteri, architect Russell Potter (SODA) and brothers Ted and Oliver Grebelius of Sätila Studios.
At an earlier point, ex-Rochelle Canteen chef Alex Vines was being touted to take on the Head Chef role. He's since gone to Lighthaus in Leyton leaving the role open for the most interesting of chefs, Florence Knight, to take it on.
For those of you who are newish to the London food scene, Florence first came to our attention as head chef at Russell Norman's Polpetto - first in the old French House space and later in its own digs on Berwick Street. Having been garlanded with praise, she left back in 2015 and since then has made a name as a cookery book author and food writer.
Now she's returning to the kitchen in style - we're told her menu for the Sessions Arts Club will be "a refined, seasonally led menu inspired by British, French and Italian cooking".
In practice, that means dishes like:
- Sardines with lemon thyme & extra virgin olive oil
- Potato and chard croquettes with lemon aioli
- Clams and cimi di rapa orecchiette
- Lamb sweetbreads with lovage and peas
- Sole, verjuice & sorrel
- Ricotta and cherry tart
The dining room does sound like it'll be rather lovely. With room for 60 diners, it looks out over the building's roof terrace and infinity pool.
Accompanying Florence's menu will be a wine list curated by Terry Kandylis and Keeling Andrew & Co (that's Keeling as in Noble Rot).
More about Sessions Arts Club
Where is it? 24 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, London EC1R 0NA
When does it open? 11 August 2021
How to book: Email dining@sessionsartsclub.com.
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @sessionsartsclub.
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