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Clerkenwell Road is part of a route linking east and west London, yet with its quiet passages and historic square it has the character of an intimate neighbourhood. It’s also home to a variety of foodie venues serving Clerkenwell’s creative community. Here's some of our favourites.
Bea’s of Bloomsbury and Banh Mi Bay on Theobold's Road
Bea’s of Bloomsbury
Bea’s ‘cake boutique’ is the original tea room for this booming business. They make all their products on the premises; try their famous cupcakes, or the unique duffin (a cross between a doughnut and muffin). Or, indulge in their afternoon tea – a three-tier extravaganza of scones, cakes, treats and mini-baguettes.
As for Banh Mi Bay just down the road, baguettes come in different shapes and sizes at this Vietnamese restaurant, which has pioneered traditional banh mi baguettes in the UK. The French loaf was introduced to Vietnam during colonial times and has evolved into a light elongated roll with a crispy crust. Order a lemongrass chargrilled steak banh mi – it’s a brilliant twist on a steak sandwich.
Baguettes at Banh Mi Bay
Leather Lane Market
This historical market offers a solid mix of street food faves, such as Crosstown Doughnuts, which started trading in the market in 2014. Their doughnuts have since gone viral, but despite their success, the business still has the vibe of a street market start-up.
Crosstown Doughnuts always sell out
Leather Lane is also home to the legendary Grill My Cheese. They change their grilled-cheese sandwich menu daily but I would recommend ‘the classic’. It’s perfect.
Nishma and Nisha at Grill My Cheese
Tongue & Brisket has also done the market proud. They sell their delicious salt beef in generous portions on a deli-style white rye. Ask for some brisket to take away – it makes superb corned-beef hash.
Salt Beef at the Tongue & Brisket
Terroni on Clerkenwell Road
Terroni is the oldest Italian delicatessen in England. It’s full of genuine Italian produce, including crumbly fresh ricotta, packs of farro and an entire wall of DeCecco pasta.
Antipasti at Terroni of Clerkenwell
Cloister Gardens, Museum of the Order of Saint John
Located just off Clerkenwell Road on Saint John Street, The Museum of the Order of Saint John is home to Cloister Gardens, where you'll find a fragrant, medicinal herb garden beautifully planted around a 200-year-old olive tree. Try to catch one of the occasional gin cocktail evenings held during the summer - they’re lovely.
Cloister Gardens in St John’s Square
Wander up St John's Square into Jerusalem Passage where you’ll find the ultra-exclusive Sushi Tetsu. It's tricky getting a reservation, so you can always resort to Plan B – a Belgian beer and moules frites at the Dovetail next door.
The Dovetail on Jerusalem Passage
Gourmet kebabs from Chifafa
Back on Clerkenwell Road is Chifafa, one of several new gourmet kebab outlets that have been making the news. Chifafa is aiming to save the reputation of the kebab – so out go the greasy rotating spits and in come the Big Green Egg barbecues. The food is so good you’ll never need to feel guilty about buying a kebab again.
Chifafa gourmet kebabs
Still hungry? Check out why a foodie should walk around... Seven Dials.