February 2023 Update: Clockworks is now permanently closed.
Wolstenholme Square is currently a bustling building site but that hasn’t stopped a new bar & restaurant – Clockworks – from opening right in the heart of it.
To help you navigate to the venue there is a huge Clockworks mural (by Zap Graffiti) outside bringing some much needed life and colour to the square and things get even better inside.
The 200 year old building which houses the restaurant is full of character, which owner Jordan Bergson has maintained to a stunning quality with exposed red brickwork, iron pipes and sleek wooden floors. Jordan points out that he is aiming for a Steampunk theme, dating back to the Victorian era, it’s a reworking of old industrial materials into something new. You can see the thought that has gone into the place with up-cycled cinema seats and tea light holders made from bike chain, you’re sure to spot other features that support the Steampunk concept.
The reworking also shines through in the menu, as traditional dishes are given a modern twist.  The ‘Coca Cola slow cooked belly pork with braised red cabbage and mustard mash’ really stood out and my dining partner made it quite clear that he had his eyes firmly set on ordering this mouthwatering dish. It wasn’t difficult for me to find other equally enticing items on the menu and after some deliberation I ordered the ‘Buttered chicken breast, sweet potato mash with bacon wrapped asparagus & red wine gravy’.
The menu includes a good breakfast and brunch range with hearty cooked breakfasts to fresh stacked waffles or porridge. The enticing sandwich selection includes the Peasant Po’Boy – slow roasted pulled beef brisket smothered in its own roasting juices with baby gem, tomato and mayonnaise. There’s also pies, small plates like Salmon fishcakes with thai chilli sauce and the larger plates that we opted for.
While we waited for our food to arrive I sipped on a cocktail called Mulberry Lane (gin, cherry, Mulberry syrup, lemon & soda water). There were plenty of other Clockworks cocktails to choose from which all sounded good, as well as some classics to suit all tastes.
When the food arrived I was surprised to see just how generous the portions were. Now I don’t say this lightly but this was the best meal I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time. Every aspect was full of flavour, the asparagus was cooked with just the right amount of crunch. The sweet potato mash was lovely and creamy and the red wine sauce was a delicious accompaniment.
My partner loved his main with the coca cola adding a sweetness to the wonderfully cooked belly pork. The mustard mash and the zing of the red cabbage complimented it perfectly. We even managed room for dessert in the form of an amazing triple chocolate brownie served with ice cream. It was rich but manageable when sharing. If you have a big appetite then I’m sure you could manage one to yourself!
Clockworks has only been open a matter of weeks but by the standards they have already set, they will be in their Wolstenholme Square home for a long while to come.
For more information find Clockworks on Facebook here.Â
Clockworks, 11 Wolstenholme Square, L1
