Compton, a new restaurant, bar and deli, is to open on St. John’s Square in the heart of Clerkenwell, London EC1 on 16 June.
Offering diners an accessible yet refined neighbourhood spot from breakfast through to dinner, Executive Chef Michael Shaw and Head Chef Sam Monastyrskyj will work with a number of small-scale, British suppliers to create a menu inspired by the simple yet flavourful dishes of the Mediterranean with quality produce at its core.
From 8am, the ovens will be fired up to offer guests a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries alongside healthy bowls of organic Overnight Oats with British Strawberries and Honey or Homemade Granola with Fruit Compote and Greek yoghurt from Estate Farm dairy.
For those looking for something a little heartier, stacks of Sourdough Pancakes with Streaky Bacon and homemade Maple Butter will be available alongside a toasted English Muffin with Smoked Ham Hough and Grape Mustard Sauce, topped with a fried egg.
True to their ethos of championing local produce, Executive Chef Michael will source smoked salmon from London’s Forman’s fishmongers; curing the fish in-house to put his own mark on the Compton Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs.
For those needing something on-the-go throughout the day, Compton’s deli, tucked away behind the restaurant on Jerusalem Passage, will serve a daily changing takeaway menu of freshly baked pastries, focaccia sandwiches, Salt Beef Bagels, charcuterie and artisan coffee.
Moving through to lunch and dinner, guests opting for something light can choose from small plates such as Smoked Haddock Croquettes, Courgette Salad with Smoked Almond Gazpacho and house Pickled Roscoff or BBQ Cornish mussels with Dashi Broth, Lovage & Crispy Shallots.
Larger plates, perfect for sharing, will include Hand Rolled Pappardelle with Asparagus, Broad Bean, Fresh Peas and Ricotta, Romanesco with Smoked Creme Fraiche and Hazelnuts and a changing BBQ ‘catch of the day’, supplied daily from Cornish suppliers, Flying Fish.
For dessert, dishes such as Grilled Figs with Honeycomb and Fig Leaf Oil will sit alongside a Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Creme Fraiche Sorbet.
Compton’s punchy Boozy Affogato will offer the perfect post-dinner pick me up whilst those looking to end their meal in style will be able to choose from a short but considered list of classic cocktails including Hemingway Daiquiris, Negronis and Palomas, with the drinks served table side on a vintage drinks trolley.
The charming Victorian townhouse, with interiors by London based design firm, Thirdway, will house the intimate 30 cover dining room with blush pink walls, exposed brick and floor to ceiling windows, flooding the room with natural light. Marble topped tables will line the restaurant, with dark green leather banquette seating inviting diners to sit and stay a while. For anyone looking for an al fresco spot, Compton’s 30 cover terrace will be the perfect place to enjoy a meal and drink or two in the summer sunshine.
Alex Kaye says “We’re so excited to open our doors to the community in Clerkenwell and can’t wait to welcome in our guests! Compton Restaurant has been a dream project for myself and Michael.'
Michael Shaw says “We have spent such a long time sourcing impeccable, local produce to ensure we’re offering a menu of the highest quality. We want people to feel like Compton’s is the place they can come to whatever the occasion, whether that’s for a leisurely weekend brunch, a place to grab lunch on the go, or an evening dinner to mark a special occasion, there’s something here for everyone.”