L'Enclume

We tried the lunch menu as a treat for my wife’s birthday. Wow is all I can say, everything is thought about and delivered in meticulous detail. We will definitely going back for the full evening dinner experience. By far the best restaurant we’ve been too.

Didn’t stay at L’enclume but should imagine it’s great if the restaurant is anything to go by. Was a few years back now but I remember it well because it was so special. This place is somewhat of a pilgrimage for UK foodies, and if you haven’t been yet, you must! Incredible taster menu lost count of the courses… maybe like 16 or something? Every single one was a delight! The service was unrivalled, organised with military precision, superb professionalism. Scottish guy who dished out the caviar was particularly brilliant! The sommelier was about 12 lol! (Okay maybe 20?) and was incredibly knowledgeable, recommended some nice Bourbons for me. Vibes in there, such a quiet, peaceful dining room, smallish and full but somehow remained intimate. I loved every minute of it. The wine was amazing, they even had cigars, which I was tempted by but smoking a whopping robusto can take more time than we had. Also… I mean, I could go on about the various clever dishes, the rhubarb and beetroot dessert the meaty chicken of the woods course, the seafood macroon… etc… etc… but one of the most memorable was a bread & butter in-between course. Well actually bread and dripping, freshly made that day. Stunning. What a place!

I don’t usually leave reviews, but I had the unparalleled joy of a table last Friday. From the moment our party of four entered we were greeted by a series of welcoming and exceptionally attentive staff. We were seated by the assistant manager, awaiting the theatre- like production that is their dinner service. Everything from the synchronicity of serving the plate to each waiter’s individual knowledge of the 15 course menu was nothing short of exceptional. We went for my daughter’s 18th, and the incredible Tom N helped to assemble the whole kitchen so she could have a photo with them. I don’t think it is fair that L’Enclume is restrained to the confines of a 5* Google review, as they are sublime in every sense of the word.

That's nice restaurant

very nice experience.

I first remember hearing about L'enclume and Simon Rogan about a decade ago. At the time I remember him being one of the early English adopters of the then new Scandi style. Noma type locality and seasonality. Lots of pickles, tiny courses, foraging etc. There are still hints of that but eating the 15 courses feels like something much more British and original. A style of its own. A style much imitated itself. In fact, having now eaten there, I've realised many of the courses I've had at much worse restaurants have been pale imitations of some of the courses here. My wife and I had the 15 courses that everyone gets. There are seasonal changes, and most of the ingredients are picked daily from their own farm so repeat visits are recommended. My wife had the matching wines and I had a gewurtztraminer that I asked to pour myself. I won't go into detail, but if this sounds like something you'd like then it was as close to perfect as something in hospitality could possibly be. At one point I was eating a food of a very delicious and British style, looking out at a sunny English garden with a view of a priory church behind and I felt quite proud to be English. Especially with a very impressed French man at the next table. He even seemed impressed by the cheese course that my wife also had. The service is incredible. Friendly, efficient and not at all formal or intimidating. We paid £760 Theoretically, if you went as a couple, had a £60 bottle of wine between you and a couple of £5 coffees with the petit fours you could do it for about £630. Extremely expensive but by the end of a luxurious experience, felt strangely cheap.

Good food amazing experience

Good

Nice