Review of 'Clockjack Oven (NOW CLOSED)'

Having read a review of this chicken restaurant I knew we had to try it - Rotisserie free-range chicken cooked traditionally? Absolutely.

The small restaurant is located in something of a back-alley around the corner from Piccadilly Circus that may be overlooked unless you are wandering in the area looking for somewhere to eat…Which, given the area, is quite likely! The small wood-floor interior at first seems a bit clinical but ended up quite warm largely due to the comfortable seating and the welcoming, fun, staff. Pride of place is the rotisserie itself behind the bar where the chickens stand proudly at attention waiting for the big time…Which, for us, came soon enough.

We were greeted with a (complementary) bowl of “Root vegetable crisps” (on the menu for £2.45) which were nicely seasoned and the small bowl quickly disappeared. I decided to try the “Clockjack Torpedo” (£6.95) which was wonderfully juicy, flavourful, deep fried chicken pieces with salad in a buttermilk (torpedo) bun topped with my choice of dressing (ranch - very nice and not too overpowering). I had a side of the “House coleslaw” (£2.95) which was the only minor disappointment of our meal being a bit (a) LARGE and (b) not terribly tasty (but very crunchy, no mistake). My wife had the “4 Pieces” of chicken (£8.95) which she had with a side of “Double Cooked Chips” (£2.95). The chicken was wonderful and tender with SO much flavour. The chips were perfectly seasoned and went well with the sauce she had chosen for the chicken (ranch again). We were also given a pot of the “Chilli” sauce which was also very good - Spicy but not overwhelming. Very nice.

I think they liked us because as we were finishing our mains they brought us out two more pieces for us to try! Perhaps they heard us commenting on the meal as we fawned over it…

Having seen another diner order it, we had the “Chocolate tart” (not on the menu but £4.45) which was served with vanilla clotted ice cream which was absolutely amazing! Rich, thick, dark chocolate on top of a wonderful pastry crust and the Purbeck Dorset ice cream was (as always) wonderful - rich and very sinful!

Did I say they loved us? Even while we were paying the bill we were presented with a gift (to sample) of the “Stuffing balls” (on the menu served with a salad for £3.95) which were amazing - They were served piping hot and very, very rich.

The staff throughout were helpful and very appreciative of our compliments. The price was reasonable and we were very happy. Will definitely be back. Clockjack is now, officially, our favourite “chicken and chips” place in London!

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2013-03-09

Cuisine: American/British

Address: 14 Deman Street, London W1D 7HJ ENGLAND

Public Transport: Piccadilly Circus

Location: London (England) - Piccadilly Circus

Map:

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 287 5111

URL: http://www.clockjackoven.com/