On a chilly February evening, Team Coco’s Fiona Lockwood headed to Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell for the launch of their new menu and found warmth in great hospitality, cosy interiors and delicious cocktails.
The Townhouse in Clerkenwell has an unassuming blue door that hides a whole other world. Speak to any of the team and they will tell you about Aunt Wilhelmina and how her quirkiness and love for travel have inspired the decadent interior and interesting menu. Everywhere you look is a delight for the senses. Floor-to-ceiling is not descriptive enough because even the ceiling has been decorated! The mash of colourful textiles, little objects of curiosity, historical features; it is full of personality, modern yet you’re sure most of it is antique. The Aunt is fictional, but you will be forgiven for thinking otherwise; there is a lushness and tactileness but it isn’t off limits, you feel welcome.
The updated menu was all set for launch, and then Bar Manager, Anas El Bahhaj, returned inspired by a trip to the Philippines by pandan. Pandan leaves are widely used throughout South Asia and South East Asia to perfume rice and curries, create flavourings for cakes and as a fragrant wrapping for baked or grilled foods.
Through a process that includes a sous vide, the team have extracted the flavour to create their Kung Fu Pandan cocktail. It is hard to describe but think slightly flowery, lightly nutty, with a pinch of vanilla sweetness and you may be on track. Along with Pandan rum, Anas has added coconut yoghurt, amaretto and cream, which hits each flavour profile note and creates something that feels like holidays and dessert, yet is refreshing and light. The rest of the menu feels innovative and a journey taking inspiration from across the world. Many have a little bit of theatrics, one has a lot; we won’t spoil the surprise but look for gunpowder!
The short snack menu is filled with food that means whatever mood you are in, you will probably find something. Fancy Moroccan spices, check, after some Asian inspiration – there are tiger prawns and crispy squid. We were treated to the baked Camembert with crusty bread and spinach and Grana Padano arancini; both comforting choices and perfect for sharing.
We left Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell understanding why you could easily become a regular, the team have a true passion for what they do and love to share their knowledge. The service is attentive without being overbearing and the atmosphere is suitable for date night but also with friends. With a team this creative, we’ll be back to try the rest of the menu soon!
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell hosts 13 bedrooms, an award-winning cocktail lounge and two eclectically decorated function rooms, The Dining Room and The Games Room. For more information on the Zetter Group, head to https://thezetter.com/
