Core by Clare Smyth

Nasir Khan★★★★★★★★★★5.04 months ago

My generous sister-in-law bought me a gift voucher for my birthday last year, I was very excited to visit as this was a restaurant high on my list. The day finally arrived this past Saturday in late January. We arrived pretty much as soon as the restaurant opened and were greeted by the lovely and attentive staff. We opted for the Classics menu which was adapted for my wife who preferred a pescetarian menu. Even then they allowed substitutions between menus, the flexibility and ability to adapt the menu seemed so effortless but would have been difficult for many restaurants to allow. My wife swapped a main and both of us swapped our desserts to the Core-teser which I had heard great things about. The thing that struck me was the attention to detail, with truly immaculate presentation, and some of the best sauces I've ever tasted. The famous dishes, such as Potato and Roe, and the Core-teser dessert were home runs and lived up to their exceedingly high reputation. The roasted cod dish was also phenomenal. If I had one small pointer the beginning of the meal felt ever so slightly rushed but some of that is out fault as we were suitably hungry and probably wolfed down the snacks in a ravenous fashion. Overall this certainly lived up to it's sky high reputation, I must again give thanks to my sister-in-law, and if I could visit again some time soon if be very happy indeed.

Natalia Jacob★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

absolutely incredible experience at Core last night with my husband. every course was excellent and the restaurant itself is simply breathtaking. neither of us have any notes besides the most genuine “well done” for chef Clare and her team. having worked in fine dining and under michelin star chefs before, we know how much goes into providing an experience such as the one we enjoyed. each member of staff was well informed, friendly, extremely professional, and perfectly tuned to the atmosphere and elegance of this restaurant. from being greeted by every person we walked past to the quickness to respond to any need we had, i would give the staff alone more than 5 stars if i could. there wasn’t a moment where i felt i needed to ask for something before someone was already at our table to help. the food was indescribably delicious. as we made our way through one dish thinking “it can’t possibly get better than this” we were proven wrong each time the next one was given to us. the flavors and presentation of every single thing was beyond beautiful. as i have particular dietary needs, i was given a special menu to accommodate them, and that i certainly did not expect. it was yet another way, on top of the many others, that Core went above and beyond to provide the best hospitality they could. i greatly appreciated the personality and individuality of each member of staff, all of them displaying their own uniqueness that added to the experience. it is such an honor to have been able to enjoy this moment. we know how much love and respect is put into providing something like what’s given at Core, and to be on the other side of this style of service is a gift that we will remember forever.

Eddie Prilepsky★★★★★★★★★★2.03 months ago

The example of this restaurant proves the Michelin ratings do not have any objective reflection of reality. If this restaurant had 3 stars, then some restaurants without stars should have received 15 stars each. At Core, the service is excellent, even too attentive. Excellent tableware and wine list. But it has absolutely below the average level of food, hiding behind creative stories and non-standard combinations- which are really should not be mixed and not tasty. My wife and I were looking for something to get hooked on, but except for a couple of sauces, the food was simly mediocre. Just not interesting. Out of dozens of Michelin restaurants we have visited, this one is simply the worst - why are there 3 stars? Ledbury with 3 stars is hundreds of miles away from this restaurant in terms of taste and creativity. Certain hype around Core reminds me of queues of a hundred people for a mediocre sandwich, but there was some rapper there. Avoid this restaurant if you don't want to spend you time and money worthless.

Liz Isaacs★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

It really was a one-of-a-kind meal. I enjoyed every minute of it. I went solo and had a wonderful experience. The food was UNBELIEVABLE. Literally every item in the “classic” tasted amazing. Not to mention the sheer work that went into every dish. As a chef of 40 years, I can really appreciate that aspect. Please try this great restaurant. These types of places are a privilege and they will not exist unless we support them. Special shout out to Brent. Who was so sweet and answered all of my dumb questions :)

Sara I★★★★★★★★★★5.07 months ago

A great place for special occasions - the staff is really very careful to make sure you have a great time and that everything about the evening is perfect. Since we were two, we were able to try both the Classic and Seasonal menus. Personally, I think the Classic menu has been perfected - the potato alone I'd come back for. The seasonal dessert was absolutely divine though... So you can get the best of both worlds by getting one of each. The restaurant was small, but comfortable. The temperature was at a good level. The noise level did get a little high at times. The area is quiet, but easy enough to get to, and well connected.