Vesper Exmouth Market Review: Jackson Boxer’s Stylish New Restaurant in Clerkenwell
In this Vesper Exmouth Market review, we visit Jackson Boxer’s latest London restaurant to see whether it lives up to the hype. Located on one of Clerkenwell’s most popular dining streets, Vesper combines a stylish dining room, inventive modern British cooking and a menu packed with tempting dishes.
We opted for a leisurely late lunch rather than a counter seat. As a result, we had plenty of time to settle in, catch up with friends and explore the menu.
Vesper Review: At a Glance
Cuisine: Modern British Bistro
Chef: Jackson Boxer
Location: Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell
Price: £££
Best Starter: Spring Onion Pancake with Raw Tuna & Cantabrian Anchovy
Best Main: Roast Half Chicken, Bread Sauce & Cedro
Must Order: Duck Fat Fries
Best Drink: Vesper Martini (closely followed by the Sgroppino)
Atmosphere: Stylish, buzzy and effortlessly cool
Good For: Date nights, long lunches, cocktails and sharing plates
Vegetarian Options: Available
Low & No Alcohol Options: Excellent selection
Would We Return? Without hesitation
Overall Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Cocktails at Vesper
Naturally, we began with two Vesper Martinis while waiting for our guests to arrive. Served in crystal glasses, the signature cocktail combines gin, vodka and vermouth before being finished tableside with a delicate lemon perfume spritz.
Meanwhile, the cocktail list also features a Dirty Negroni (£12), Gooseberry Margarita (£12) and an excellent Sgroppino (£9). The latter quickly became a favourite of mine. Mr was equally impressed by the gluten-free Braybrooke beer and the thoughtful low and no-alcohol selection.
Wine List Highlights
The wine list deserves recognition in its own right. Not only are there excellent-value wines by the glass, but there is also a well-chosen selection of half bottles and English wines.
To begin, our friends ordered glasses of Hundred Hills sparkling wine from Oxfordshire (£33). Crisp and dry, it made an excellent aperitif.
Meanwhile, Mr opted for a low-gluten Braybrooke beer (£7.50) from Market Harborough. Light in body, it offered lively carbonation and subtle citrus notes from the hops.
We chose a bottle of Feudo Montoni Catarratto (£50). This organic Sicilian white is made from one of Italy’s lesser-known grape varieties. However, it proved to be one of the highlights of the meal. Fresh and mineral-driven, it offered notes of bay leaf, mint and citrus. Furthermore, it paired beautifully with both of our mains.
To finish, our friends enjoyed a glass of Prunotto Moscato d’Asti (£16). Mr, meanwhile, was delighted to discover Green Chartreuse (£12.50) on the drinks list.
Standout Starters
The first dish to arrive was the spring onion pancake topped with raw yellowfin tuna and Cantabrian anchovy (£16).
Inspired by Chinese scallion pancakes and Korean pajeon, it resembled a luxurious hash brown. The base was crisp and golden. By contrast, the tuna was cool and delicate. A lightly spiced pepperonata added brightness, while the anchovy brought a welcome salty depth.
Overall, it was one of the most memorable starters we’ve eaten this year and a perfect match for the Vesper Martini.
Equally impressive was the deep-fried potato pizzette topped with stracciatella, mortadella and sweet mostarda. Cut into quarters for sharing, it was rich, comforting and hugely enjoyable.
Fans of Jackson Boxer may recognise the dish from Dove in Notting Hill. Nevertheless, it remains every bit as good here at Vesper Exmouth Market.
Sharing Mains Worth Ordering
Although the menu includes tempting dishes such as liver agnolotti, veal chop, halibut and seasonal vegetables, it was the sharing plates that caught our attention.
First came the roast half chicken with bread sauce and cedro (£46). The meat was remarkably tender and carved effortlessly. At the same time, the cedro added bright citrus notes that cut through the richness of the sauce. As a result, the dish felt both comforting and surprisingly light.
Alongside it, we ordered the green leaf salad with Spenwood cheese (£8). Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most effective. Here, crisp leaves and generous shavings of nutty ewe’s milk cheese added freshness and balance.
If you’ve never tried Spenwood before, think of a British cousin to aged Manchego or Pecorino.
Our second sharing dish was the pork chop (£56). Sliced for the table and easily large enough for two, it delivered exactly what you hope for from great pork. The balance of meat and fat was spot on. Consequently, every bite was packed with flavour.
The Duck Fat Fries Everyone Should Order
The duck fat fries (£6) deserve a section of their own.
Piled high, golden and glistening, they arrived with a crisp exterior and a fluffy centre. Fried in duck fat and perfectly seasoned, each skinny chip delivered a deeply savoury crunch.
Put simply, these are some of the best duck fat fries in London.
If you’re visiting Vesper on Exmouth Market, ordering them is non-negotiable.
Dessert and a Near-Perfect Finish
Although several desserts were available, I returned straight to the Sgroppino.
Vesper’s version combines watermelon and lemon verbena in a lightly sparkling frozen cocktail. As a result, it is both refreshing and indulgent. Think of it as a sophisticated slush puppy rather than a traditional palate cleanser.
Mr attempted to order clams for dessert, much to the amusement of the staff.
However, the table eventually settled on the Guinness and Champagne Cake (£10). Beautifully presented and generously portioned, it was popular around the table.
Final Thoughts
Vesper feels exactly like the sort of restaurant Exmouth Market has been waiting for. Jackson Boxer has created a space that feels polished without becoming pretentious. Moreover, the service is warm, the cooking is confident and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between special occasion and neighbourhood favourite.
From the outstanding tuna pancake and roast chicken to the excellent cocktails and unforgettable duck fat fries, there is plenty here to justify a return visit.
Ultimately, if you’re searching for the best restaurants in Clerkenwell or wondering where to eat on Exmouth Market, Vesper deserves a place near the top of your list.
Vesper
8–10 Exmouth Market
London EC1R 4QA
Total bill for four: Approximately £360, including cocktails, wine, beer, desserts and four bottles of sparkling water.
