Where ancient English tradition meets contemporary innovation, Cycene London transforms fine dining into an intimate theatrical experience within a candlelit Shoreditch townhouse. Named after the Old English word for 'kitchen,' this 16-seat sanctuary represents chef Theo Clench's bold vision of modern British gastronomy.

Clench, whose distinguished career spans The Clove Club and Portland, opened Cycene in October 2022 as his debut restaurant, earning a coveted Michelin star within just six months. Partnering with Blue Mountain School founders James and Christie Brown, he created something unprecedented: a restaurant that feels like dining in a private home while delivering world-class culinary artistry. The concept seamlessly blends Clench's global travels across East Asia and Australasia with his passion for British terroir and traditional techniques.

The cuisine centers on a single £195 tasting menu that showcases Clench's mastery of fermentation and aging. Signature creations include langoustine wrapped in wagyu beef with British pork fat, garlic, and ginger; goat ragu with cuttlefish noodles and foraged wild garlic; and Hereford sirloin aged 200 days in-house. Each dish reflects meticulous sourcing, from Shetland cod to Highland wagyu, elevated through state-of-the-art aging chambers and fermentation lockers that develop unique flavor profiles. Saturday luncheons offer a more relaxed exploration of seasonal British produce with Henderson's seafood and Farmer Tom Jones' exceptional meats.

The experience unfolds across multiple spaces, beginning with house-made bread and seasonal broth served in artisanal clay beakers in the ground-floor bar. Guests then ascend to the elegant first-floor dining room, where bespoke wooden paneling and Kvadrat fabric create an atmosphere of refined intimacy. The Hearth Room, adjacent to the kitchen, accommodates groups of four to six for an interactive chef-led experience. The beverage program features minimal intervention wines, craft kombuchas, and house-made drinking vinegars that complement each course's complexity.

Service embodies the restaurant's philosophy of storytelling through cuisine, with staff providing detailed explanations of ingredient provenance and cooking techniques. The sommelier curates pairings that enhance the menu's global influences while celebrating English sparkling wines and natural selections.

Cycene reservations require advance planning due to its intimate size and growing reputation among London's discerning diners. This is destination dining for those seeking an immersive culinary journey that challenges conventions while honoring craftsmanship, making it essential for any serious exploration of London's finest restaurants.