Sandwiched between Angel and Farringdon, this historic part of London has been a bustling spot ever since the Romans first landed here. Over the years it's been a place for nuns and monks, where Shakespeare rehearsed his plays and, more recently, a hotspot for social reform in the 19th century. Now it's become a place best known for its restaurants, cafes and bars - a place where independent businesses thrive.
Inspired by the video that TopJaw created for Square, we've come up with an addendum to their picks. An also-see if you will, of some of the great classic and new offerings that the area has to offer.
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The Quality Chop House
92-94 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA
It would be hard to mention Clerkenwell without a shout-out for this venerable institution, along with its newer counterpart, Quality Wines. This 'working-class diner' has been around since Victorian times. Head chef Shaun Searley creates a daily-changing menu inspired by what British produce is looking great at the market that day. Nothing else in London looks quite like this.
Passione Vino
58 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE
The newest spot on our list, this Italian-led wine bar opened up just before Christmas. Owner Luca Dusi took over the old tattoo parlour vacated by his artist mate Mo Coppoletta and has transformed it into a cosy spot to sit and enjoy good wine. There's no list, so you just tell staff what you like and they'll recommend something to get you out of your wine rut.
Moro
34 - 36 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE
The restaurant that launched Exmouth Market as a foodie destination, Moro was opened by husband and wife team Sam and Sam Clark back in 1997. It's been busy every day since, with a menu that takes inspiration from dishes that came about during the Moorish occupation of Spain. The menu is always changing, so you could come back every day and find something new.
The Eagle
159 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3AL
This is the OG gastropub that began a movement that's still going strong today. There's a distinct Mediterranean bent to the menu here. And while you can never expect to find the same menu twice - it's written up twice a day, five minutes before service begins - there is one constant, their legendary steak sarnie.
Sessions Arts Club
24 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0NA
One of the most beautiful restaurants in London, Sessions covers the top floor of what used to be the old courthouse on Clerkenwell Green. Now it's a shabby chic spot beloved by London foodies for its modern European menu and Instaworthy interiors.
Morchella
86 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4QY
The sibling restaurant to the perennially popular Perilla in Stoke Newington, Morchella brings Mediterranean influences to the fore. Lodged in a former bank, it's now a light-filled modern restaurant with a separate wine bar. Roam the southern Med without leaving the borders of EC1, but don't leave without ordering the spanakopita.
Luca
88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
One of the forerunners to the Britalian food movement now gaining traction in London, Luca describes itself as an Italian restaurant using British produce. So the crudo might feature Cornish bream, and a salad will feature both Italian and British seasonal leaves. It's also one of London's most gorgeous dining rooms.
Sushi Tetsu
12 Jerusalem Passage, London EC1V 4JP
You can consider yourself extremely lucky if you manage to score a reservation at this, one of London's smallest but also best known sushi restaurants. There are only seven seats here, but Toru Takahashi and his wife Harumi will serve you up some of the city's best omakase offerings.
More about Square
Square have been teaming up with TopJaw to explore London’s best hidden restaurant gems, places you might not have discovered yet, but absolutely need to. Along the way, they show how Square makes it easier for these spots to thrive, from the way they take payments to how they run their business behind the scenes. Expect the usual TopJaw deep dives, killer food, and chats with the people making it all happen.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @squareuk
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