If you're looking for a pub with a difference in the South Kensington area then you'd be making the right decision in going to the Duke of Clarence.
Situated a short walk from multiple London Underground stations, the pub caters for those looking for a quiet drink, and maybe a few slightly louder ones, with colleagues or friends.
The pub recently underwent renovation work and on September 6 hosted a relaunch party to celebrate.
Attending the special event, I sampled a large portion of the food menu as well as a variety of the drinks the Duke of Clarence had to offer, while listening to the excellent band The Shirt Tail Stompers.
As it was a taster evening, we've taken a look at the food, drink and general atmosphere separately.
Food
Air dried British ham with olives
Ham is one of my favourite foods, in particular Italian, and the cut of British ham resting on the bar caught my eye immediately after entering the pub.
When you see food, you imagine what it will taste like and the ham was even better than I imagined it would be, reminding me very much of Parma ham. It was absolutely divine.
Rabbit and burnt corn cake tomato jam
Now the pet owners among you may screw up your faces at the thought of eating a rabbit but it was a delight to eat with the tomato jam adding flavour to the gamey taste of the meat.
I'd never eaten rabbit before but certainly would consider having it again as I liked it.
Pork and black pudding croquettes with English mustard mayo
The black pudding flavour is the more dominant, with the pork adding to the flavour nicely. It was an interesting combination that, to my surprise, worked.
Buttermilk chicken, potato waffle, maple and chilli sauce
Chicken pretty much goes with anything and this was no different. The potato waffle added some weight to the meal, while the maple and chilli sauce ensured a sweet and sour after-taste.
Slow cooked ox cheeks, green chilli, crispy shallots, crème fraiche and cauliflower rice
The ox was flavoursome and a new experience for me. It's something I'd certainly consider having again.
Slice of beef
With steak featuring prominently on the menu, slices of their beef were available to try.
After tasting one, I would be hard pressed not to have steak if I was to return. It reminded me of a nice French restaurant I found in Montreal earlier this year.
Rosemary treacle tart, whiskey cream
I enjoyed the taste of this with it rounding off the meal selection nicely.
Regal biscuit and vanilla cheesecake sandwich
I am a big cheesecake fan but having it in a sandwich was new to me. It certainly is something I'd eat again as it was delicious.
Drink
FourPure Indy Lager
Despite coming from a can, it didn't have the metallic taste that I've come to associate with drinking from such goods compared to bottles.
Although I'm not a lager drinker in general, preferring cider, this was a very smooth drink and enjoyable.
Espresso Martini
I'm neither a coffee drinker, nor a martini drinker normally, however I thought it'd be rude not to try the drink.
You could taste the coffee so if you're a fan of strong coffee you would enjoy. It's certainly worth trying.
The atmosphere
The interior is bright and welcoming and everything is clean and tidy, which is what you want in any establishment.
The facilities were clean as well and you got the sense that it was well maintained, which is always important to me.
Would I go back? Yes, if I was in the area and wanted a quiet drink with a friend. I'd also look to have some rabbit.
Factbox
Price: From £20
Address: 148 Old Brompton Road, Kensington, SW5 0BE
opening hours: 11am-11pm (Monday to Saturday), 12-10.30pm (Sunday)
Telephone: 020 7373 1285
Website: thedukeofclarencesw5.co.uk
Parking: Street
Dress code: Smart Casual
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