Working Lunch: Clockjack City review, EC3R – former Centre Parcs and Terra Firma bosses open a delivery-only rotisserie kitchen in the Square Mile
Clockjack City
3a Botolph Alley, EC3R
WHAT?
A City-based kitchen devoted to serving organic, free-range rotisserie chicken, wraps and salads to the fine folk of the Square Mile. Everything’s made fresh on site – even the sauces – and there are even some bite-size baked goods from the Ripe Banana Co for dessert, which prides itself on being made using only natural ingredients.
WHERE?
Near Monument station, although it doesn’t have a front of house operation, just a delivery and collection service. There’s been a 50-cover restaurant in Soho since 2012, though, and another 75-cover branch is opening next month in Woolwich.
WHO?
Jerry Goldberg, former COO of Centre Parcs Europe, and Fraser Duncan, a former MD at private equity firm Terra Firma. They originally planned to open a restaurant in the City, but thought better of it after seeing the “exorbitant” property prices. But they noticed that companies like Deliveroo were seeing lots of business from offices and decided to remodel Clockjack to cater to time-poor City workers looking for fresh, hot food.
ORDER THIS…
Chicken plus backing dancers
The rotisserie chicken is the star of the show; marinated in a herby, oil-free base, it’s available in halves or quarters and arrives in a handy, microwaveable tray (in case you want to take it home). Another standout is the coleslaw: vivid purple in colour and shot through with fennel. The spicy wedges are also lovely, especially when dipped in an aioli that packs a seriously garlicky punch.
BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?
Although it’s designed for lunch al-desko, customised corporate platters – with proper cutlery and plates – are also available if you ask nicely. And its opening hours – currently 11am to 10pm on weekdays, with plans to open earlier – means it’s one of the few places in the City catering for workers pulling late nights at the office.
NEED TO BOOK?
View the website and order at clockjack.co.uk/city. You can also order via Deliveroo. For corporate platters and other special requests, email [email protected] or call 020 7621 0226.
Read more: We navigated the Express Menu at Gordon Ramsay's Maze
THE VERDICT…
A simple menu geared towards rotisserie enthusiasts with reasonable prices (for the City, at least). There’s nothing particularly gourmet or surprising about Clockjack, but it does simple, flavoursome fare very well.
ONE MORE THING…
Protein-packed breakfasts, chicken burgers and a selection of marinated wings are on their way. Look out for winter warmers from September.