Formerly French spot The Bonneville, this Clapton bar and restaurant has been restored to its Hackney heyday taking back its original name, The Elephant’s Head. It’s an old-school boozer, oozing with charm thanks to its unique stained glass ceiling, stripped back interior and plush velvet curtain entrance. This neighbourhood joint knocks up more than your average pub grub. We got stuck into their scotch egg, with spiced pork meat, crunchy shell and soft gooey egg centre, a real winner. The scallops with fennel, chilli and lemon, sourced from Scotland, came served in their shell with bacon from Wales and they were super tasty with a sauce that we’d happily of drunk in a glass.
Whilst the crispy cod cheeks and chips (AKA posh fish & chips) and the massive burger looked super tempting, for the main event we went for the beef wellington for two, with chips, green beans and red wine gravy and boy it was a good choice. Tender, juicy meat encased in light, flakey pastry with a mound of chips that finished us off. So much so, we couldn’t even think about the dessert menu.
[easy-image-collage id=104808]There are also ample cocktails on the menu, like their homemade Bloody Mary that comes in 3 flavours, along with what looks like a mighty roast. A crackin’ pub with great food, welcome back The Elephant’s Head.
The Elephant’s Head, 43 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0NS
elephanthackney.com