Full Breakdown
Café Clement’s First Two Months: A High-Profile London Brasserie Tested
8/23/2026, 9:12:13 PM
Core Event – Opening and Early Reception
Café Clement, the all-day restaurant on the ground floor of Nick Jones’s St Clement Hotel, opened in June 2026 at 180 The Thames (also cited as 180 The Strand). Celebrity diners such as Stanley Tucci, Nick Grimshaw and Paul Mescal visited within days, and reviewers praised the décor, service and a menu that mixes classic European bistro dishes with elevated twists.
Background & Context – Jones’s Hospitality Expansion
Nick Jones, founder of the Soho House club chain, launched the St Clement Hotel to extend his brand into full-service hotels. The hotel will fully open in early autumn 2026, when rooftop venue Lunette, headed by chef Florence Knight, joins Café Clement. The property sits on a Thames-side stretch undergoing new development, positioning the restaurant for both tourists and locals.
Data & Statistics – Numbers Behind the Experience
- Staffing: Approximately 345 employees work across front and back of house, unusually high for a single-floor venue.
- Pricing highlights: Summer beetroot side £7; shared chocolate mousse for two £18; other dishes such as spatchcocked chicken, Dorset crab and steak haché sit in the mid-range for central London brasseries.
- Comparative cost: The River Cafe charges £51 for starters, £46 for pastas and £69 for mains, underscoring Café Clement’s modest price point.
Official Statements & Responses – Vision from the Owner
Jones describes Café Clement as an “all-day bistro” offering “exceptional produce” without extravagant garnishes. The open kitchen behind glass screens and the south-facing terrace aim to showcase culinary transparency and a relaxed atmosphere. Chef Danny Bohan, formerly of the River Cafe, anchors the kitchen’s approach.
On-the-Ground Reports – Atmosphere and Service
Patrons see white linen, vintage Cassina chairs and a rear garden. Staff hired for personality manage busy service with ease. The open kitchen lets diners watch dishes such as oeufs mayonnaise, lobster omelette and a cheese soufflé that “stands upright, luscious, deeply cheesy.” The chocolate mousse for two delivers the “energy of an unstructured brownie,” a memorable sweet finish.
Timeline – Key Milestones
- June 2026: Café Clement opens within the under-construction St Clement Hotel.
- Early autumn 2026 (scheduled): Full hotel opening, including rooftop restaurant Lunette under Florence Knight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Address Discrepancies
The review lists the address as both 180 The Thames and 180 The Strand, creating uncertainty. Staff numbers are quoted as “about 345,” but not confirmed by an official source. No further details are given beyond the “early autumn” timeframe for the hotel’s complete opening.
What’s Next – Future Outlook
The full hotel launch and Lunette’s debut are slated for later in 2026. As the Thames-side district develops, Café Clement will face rising demand and competition from other high-profile London eateries.
