Spring at Clarke’s
April 11, 2018
Spring is finally here – though as I write we are dodging the raindrops!
We can all be thankful that the snow, (at least in the south) has disappeared for another
year, that the chocolate Easter bunnies have all been eaten, and the last few slices of our
fabulous Simnel Cakes, hot cross buns and Colomba are being finished off – with a glass of
Madeira (if you are my mother!) or with a cup of tea or mug of coffee by the rest of us.
The Italian and Frenchmarkets are certainly showing us that there is a little warmth in the
air –peas, fava beans, asparagus (no English of course yet),wild garlic leaves, purslane, yellow,
white and purple-sprouting broccoli and, believe it or not, the very first strawberries –
gariguette from France.
New on the menu in the shop please find our ‘Trillionaires Shortbread’ –made with bitter
Valrhona chocolate and a sprinkling of almonds, hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds. The Cake
Room is also producing coffee, pistachio and chocolate éclairs following requests from
many of you. As always, if you need a special size or quantity of any of the shop items, it
is best to order in advance. If you have a lunch or dinner party planned, we can help you,
especially if you give us a little notice.
The Production Kitchen continues to keep up with demand of our takeaway items, from
soups, braises, chicken pie, grain and vegetable salads, fishcakes, sausage rolls and the
ever-popular soufflé Suissesse. Again, if you require something in particular, please let
us know.
Looking ‘over the road’, during the Easter break, the floors of the dining rooms were
sanded, re-varnished and polished – so beautifully that it looked almost like a dance floor!
We have now made it look like a Restaurant again though, with the addition of fresh flowers,
blossoms, crisp white linen and polished cutlery! Remember that our Private Dining Room
seats 12 – 30 comfortably, and is available for your event, be it a Lunch, Dinner, Reception
or Cocktail party. Simply email us with the date you have in mind and we will arrange to
meet you to discuss the menu, wines, flowers and the layout of the tables. Please see images
of the Private Room on our website – and also the rave reviews from past hosts of birthday,
anniversary and wedding events.
Sunday Lunch is back on the menu! From April 15th we will be open every Sunday from
12.30, the menu offering a broad range of items to suit all the family, from a classic roast,
to baked Cornish fish, shellfish, beautiful salads, ice creams, tarts and more. Remember
that the Restaurant is also open for Breakfast, Lunch andDinner fromMonday to Saturday –
often taking ‘walk-ins’ as well as those who prefer to reserve in advance. Call 020 7221 9225
or email restaurant@sallyclarke.com or reserve online at www.sallyclarke.com
Finally, our BIG NEWS this Spring is that we have managed (after over a year of trying)
to secure the lease of one of the most beautiful corner sites in Kensington. As most of you
will know, our friend Robert Kime moved his fabulous shop to Pimlico a few months ago,
and we miss having his taste and style on our doorstep, along with his wonderful fabrics
and furniture. Wish us luck as we design the interior workings of the 2 little shops – and
do press your noses up against the windows from time to time to chart our progress!
And so, as we steady ourselves for the busy run-up to the summer months – when we
shall be preparing for the influx of extra visitors to London for the Chelsea Flower Show,
hampers for the various opera festivals, picnics for Wimbledon, Ascot and all, we wish
you a very happy continuation of Spring.
Sally Clarke Shop 1 Campden Street, London w8 7ep 020 7229 2190
shop@sallyclarke.com
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8–8, Saturday 8–5, Sunday 10–4
Clarke’s Restaurant 124 Kensington Church Street, London w8 4bh 020 7221 9225
restaurant@sallyclarke.com
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday
Breakfast 8–10 (11 on Saturdays) Lunch from 12.30 Dinner from 6.30
Sunday lunch from 12.30 from 15th April
www.sallyclarke.com