Occasionally you come across a menu that has so many desirable meals on it that deciding on a starter and main is a genuinely confusing, panic-inducing decision. This is the case at The Well Pub in Clerkenwell.
Full of rich hearty dishes such as sautéed monkfish cheeks with black pudding, smoked haddock grain mustard croquettes and slow braised short ribs with glazed parsnips, there will be no wrong decision, however you’ll most likely find yourself eyeing up dining partners meal and gravitating your fork towards their plate for a taster.
One of 13 sites owned by Ed and Tom Martin of the ETM Group, The Well offers a vibrant, social atmosphere with tables for two, along with catering for larger groups. Spread across two floors the upstairs area has rustic charm and a friendly pub-like feel, while the downstairs bar is set up to cater for parties and events.
For starters we had sautéed monkfish, samphire, black pudding and pickled apple, a rich sumptuous dish with a salty buttery kick. Wild rabbit and grain mustard pappardelle came with rich flavoured rabbit ragu hugging the thick al dente pasta.
Slow braised shoulder of goat, creamed polenta, savoy cabbage, wild mushroom and bacon jus replicated much loved Italian flavours, while the pot roast guinea fowl with bacon and bean cassoulet with its rich stock-infused beans is definitely a dish you will want to revisit.
The Martin brothers have teamed up with a vineyard in Italy to produce their very own wine, labelled and sold specifically at The Well. Rich reds and fresh whites pair elegantly with the Italian, French and British fusions that make up the menu. There is also a choice of craft beers, ciders, stouts, cocktails and of course a decadent selection of desserts such as sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce.
Events at venue include a popular Tuesday quiz night, the winning prize being a £100 bar tab, Brunch Bingo on Saturdays with a £50 bar tab prize, and 2-4-1 cocktails Monday – Thursday from 5 – 7pm.
The Well is an all round great neighbourhood joint to visit for an after work drink, get together with friends or elegant meal in a relaxed happy environment.
The Well Pub in Clerkenwell
180 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JY
reservations: 020 7251 9363
Written by Justina Terese, Food Writer and Recipe Developer www.foodforaking.com