Bar Valette — the latest venture by acclaimed chef Isaac McHale of two Michelin-starred, The Clove Club — has opened its doors in London‘s sonorous Shoreditch district. Located on Kingsland Road, this European restaurant draws inspiration from McHale’s affection for Southern French and straightforward Spanish cuisines, offering a dining experience that is both refined and approachable.
The restaurant’s exterior, painted in a distinctive bottle-green hue, beckons passersby into an intimate 40-seat space. Inside, McHale collaborated with London-based interior design studio Azka Saiyed Design to create a setting that balances simplicity with elegance. Tables are topped with paper tablecloths, and bistro-style curtains provide a separation from the city outside. Notably, the interior preserves original architectural elements, such as plaster walls, which are lined with artworks by William Scott, Sam Francis, and Stuart Davis; adding a touch of artistic flair to the ambiance.
The menu at Bar Valette is a testament to McHale’s culinary philosophy, emphasising dishes that are both thoughtful and unpretentious. Diners can indulge in bar snacks inspired by San Sebastián‘s pintxos bars, as well as hearty sharing plates ideal for convivial gatherings. Signature offerings include the buttermilk chicken with pine — a dish carried over from The Clove Club — and new creations like duck egg and rabbit leg stuffed with rabbit farce and mushrooms. Considered yet casual, Bar Valette is a place designed for interminable dinners fuelled by wine and sherry; where sharing is encouraged, and comfort is king.
With design and culinary offerings uniting to create a space where comfort is paramount, this Shoreditch establishment invites diners to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, fine wine, and warm hospitality.
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Bar Valette Shoreditch Photography, Anton Rodriguez.
