The Clemments, Cambridge Review

The Clements – A Mixed Experience

We arrived at The Clements with high hopes, diving straight into the menu by ordering the steak and duck, accompanied by a side of honey-roasted carrots. Things started off well: after a short five-minute wait, a friendly waiter brought over a complimentary slice of warm, house-made bread with garlic butter. It was toasted perfectly, though the garlic butter was quite overpowering, it was still enjoyable.

Then came the steak, served to my wife, and wow, it looked incredible. Tender, juicy, and paired with a rich cognac peppercorn sauce, it was everything we’d hoped for.

Unfortunately, the duck didn’t live up to its $49 price tag. I expected a generous portion, perhaps a full breast, but was instead served two small pieces, barely the size of my index finger. The skin lacked crispness, the meat was dry, and it was accompanied by a cube of cornbread that was so dry it felt like it absorbed all the moisture from my body in one bite. Thankfully, my $14 small Peroni helped wash it down.

As for the honey-roasted carrots, they were overwhelmed by what felt like a kilo of dukkah, an unfortunate addition that completely masked their natural sweetness. A real letdown.

Service

We were warmly greeted at the door and promptly shown through the bar into the restaurant. The venue had a charming retro vibe, with a 20s-style royal bar and a lovely view into the courtyard. However, the service was inconsistent. The manager appeared knowledgeable but didn’t communicate clearly with the younger staff, who, while polite, lacked experience. With time, perhaps 6 to 12 months, they’ll likely find their rhythm.

One major concern was being served an alcoholic drink after ordering a non-alcoholic one, with the manager insisting it was alcohol-free. That kind of miscommunication is disappointing and potentially serious.

Venue

The space itself is beautiful, with elegant design and a warm atmosphere. However, the tables felt a bit cramped and we would’ve appreciated a little more distance between us and the neighbouring diners.

6/10