Clocktower Restaurant
and Bar - Epping, Essex
The Clocktower is a beacon of
competence in Epping, a village
which is hardly a mecca for gourmets.
It recently celebrated its fifth
anniversary with a makeover of
the decor which has given it an
appealing central London feel.
Proprietress Rekha Patel and Chef
Daniele Fabbricatore realise that
fashionable culinary fads that
can be found in the West End do
not attract their Epping clientele,
and stick to traditional fare on
a blackboard menu which changes
daily.
On my visit this included skate
wing with pink peppercorn butter,
marinated rump of lamb with roast
garlic, an excellent mushroom and
tarragon risotto and belly of pork
with apple sauce. Starters are
also traditional: mussels, salads,
smoked salmon and chive pancake,
as are puddings, of which creme
brulee was exactly right; a warm
pancake filled with banana, caramel
and rum was very adequate.
Many other standard dishes can
be found on the regular menu: sausage
and mash, confit of duck, lamb
shank and a plentiful supply of
pasta dishes. A three course set
lunch is a mere £12.50.
The wine list is
a short but comprehensive selection
of European and New World,
all modestly priced, with a few
available in half bottles. Staff
are attentive and helpful, and
opening hours 11 a.m. until last
orders at 10 p.m.
Richard Baker August
2007
Clocktower Restaurant
and Bar,
4 Station Road Epping,
Essex CM16 4HA.
Tel.01992 575 707
www.clocktowerrestaurants.co.uk
