Gaudi (Bar, Restaurant)

As with many things in life there is something to be said for being in the right place at the right time and with Clerkenwell restaurant, Gaudi, it certainly boils down to location, location, location.

Situated in the midst of a range of trendy bars and beside the infamous Turnmills club, Gaudi is a small, intimate venue where the food is second to none.

Boasting a range of home-cooked meals with a very Latin/Spanish theme, Gaudi has built up quite a reputation since it opened in 1996.

Settling down and pursuing the menu, what leaps out is the range of exotic-sounding dishes which, almost without exception, are an adventure for a British palette. When was the last time you had griddled swordfish with sautéed wild mushrooms, soy bean sprouts, green beans and aioli mousse? Answers on a postcard please.

Starters and mains are available in a range of meat and fish dishes with a very Continental twist. What will also wet the appetite of most of our readers is the range of aperitifs, sherries and brandies that will accompany your meal. Of particular note is the Cardenal Medoza which is a very dark old sherry brandy – quite a kick after a good meal.

Now, be warned, Gaudi is a quality restaurant and the prices reflect this. Starters alone range from £7.50 to £12.00. Main dishes range from £12 to £21. However a three-course set meal is available for £35 and for parties of ten or more a four-course set meal weighs in at £45.

In short, good restaurants are not hard to come by in London but if you fancy a spot of luxury, with quality alcohol to boot, then Gaudi is worth a visit. Needless to say, once you have finished there are a wealth of bars and pubs in the area which you can move on to....read more