UCC Clockwork: My Kind of Cafe in Blue Bay Walk

Whenever I want to hang out, catch up with friends, or just have a good time, I go straight to coffee shops and cafes. You could say that coffee shops and cafes to me, are like bars and clubs for others. And I'm so glad that my boyfriend shares the same sentiments. Call us cafe-hoppers if you may, but this is where we're most comfortable at. ( ˘▽˘)っ♨♨c(´∀` )

UCC Clockwork Blue Bay Walk

UCC in the metro has been satisfying us with not just coffee, but also with their food -- be it the Vienna Cafe, Park Cafe, or Cafe Terrace concept. However, the newest addition to their family of cafes is probably my most favorite among them all. UCC Clockwork at Blue Bay Walk.

Unlike the other UCC stores, UCC Clockwork adopts the "third wave coffee" concept -- a global movement that aims to produce higher quality coffee, mostly single-origin, and put back the artistry in coffee-making. So yup, don't expect ice-blended frappe drinks here.

Clocks at UCC Clockwork Blue Bay Walk
UCC Clockwork ain't called clockwork for nothing!
Bar at UCC Clockwork
A peek at UCC Clockwork's bar
UCC Clockwork
Stairs to the mezzanine level
Mezzanine at UCC Clockwork Blue Bay Walk
View of the mezzanine just after climbing the stairs
UCC Clockwork Private Room
This is just one of the private rooms at UCC Clockwork.
Smoking Area at UCC Clockwork
They even have a spacious smoking area on the mezzanine level!
There are quite a lot of spacious cafes in the metro. However, UCC Clockwork is probably the biggest I've seen in recent memory. There are a few tables on the ground floor, and a wide dining and lounging area on the mezzanine. They even have about three or four private rooms perfect for meetings. And the high ceilings, they make the place feel even more spacious!

I actually wanted to take more photos of the spacious interior, but my phone battery already died. And it didn't help that I only have a 40mm lens on my dslr at the moment. (¬,¬”) (I only use my phone when taking photos of resto signages and interiors.) Been checking out ZALORA for power banks, since I'm in dire need of a heavy duty one. Which do you think should I get?

Push Button Server Caller
Worried it'd be hard to call the attention of the staff?
Push button callers are installed all over the cafe.
When we got inside the cafe, I knew I wanted to sit at the counter tables lined on the edge of the mezzanine. It was the perfect spot to appreciate the spaciousness of the place, and take in the industrial feel of UCC Clockwork, while getting a nice view of the bar area below.

Anyhow, here are the things we ordered from UCC Clockwork's menu...

Brazil #2 Single-Serve (P170)
✓ Brazil #2 Single-Origin Coffee (P170)
The boyf asked for their bestseller, and he was recommended the Brazil #2. And upon taking a sip, I couldn't agree more! This hand-drip coffee tasted great! It was pretty light, full-bodied yet far from acidic. It also had sweet, nutty notes and even hints of bittersweet chocolatey flavor. This is by far the most delicious-tasting coffee I've ever had. And please, if you love coffee, don't add sugar or cream to this serving. It's already perfect the way it is!

Hot Matcha Latte (P170)
Hot Matcha Latte (P170)
As for my choice of drink, I had the matcha latte since I was craving for matcha so badly. This cup was nice and creamy, although I would've preferred if the matcha flavor was stronger. Thinking back to when we visited UCC Clockwork, I wish I'd ordered one of their single-origin coffee instead... Oh well, this just calls for another visit then! And hopefully, soon. Dominica Nuevo Mundo Typica (P240) -- orange & nuts with a hint of floral notes, I'm eyeing on you!

Sausage Al Tartufo (P320)
Sausage Al Tartufo (P320)
The boyfriend loves his pastas, so when he saw this on the menu, he didn't even think twice about ordering it. Al dente-cooked linguine with white truffle oil, sausages, parmesan and mushrooms in bechamel sauce, served with garlic bread on the side -- this dish tasted as good as it looks and sounds. Every forkful gave off soft yet firm pasta goodness with just the right amount of creamy, mushroomy and truffle oil flavors. However, I thought the dish lacked a pinch of salt. After asking for some salt and pepper, the boyf seemed to dig it more.

Fresh Corned Beef with Kimchi Rice (P350)
✓ Fresh Corned Beef with Kimchi Rice (P350)
I would've settled for a light salad if I weren't too hungry. But since we were out for brunch at 12 noon (yup, haven't had breakfast yet), I was craving for something with rice. And rice I did have. Homemade corned beef with kimchi rice, poached egg, dijonnaise, and a side of salad -- you'd think a girl as small as me wouldn't be able to finish this plate. But I did! It was THAT good. The corned beef was quite thick and chunky, yet tender, savory and simply delish. And although I initially felt like there was not enough corned beef and too much kimchi rice, I can't complain 'cause I wolfed down the rice like nobody's business! Everything on this plate, or serving board rather, was great. If only there was another piece of corned beef. Teehee!

Oh, no dessert from UCC Clockwork since we went to Yamato Bakery next door and had Sumiyaki Coffee Jelly, which I think is also on UCC Clockwork's menu. But meh~ It was too late when I realized it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

THE VERDICT

UCC has been one of my favorite cafes, but I've honestly been tired of the same old items they have on their menu. So I'm so happy that there's UCC Clockwork to freshen things up and give the younger, hipper market, as well as the more serious coffee enthusiasts, a new place to hang out at. And although we've only tried one of their single-origin, pour-over coffees, we were so impressed that we'll definitely go back for more. Their food, as expected of UCC, is of good quality and taste too. And how can I not mention the industrial, steampunk vibe (that I love) oozing from the interiors? If only the servers would smile more and exude more warmth, then I won't be hesitant to say that UCC Clockwork is my most favorite cafe to date.

Taste 4/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 3.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5


UCC Clockwork, Blue Bay Walk
Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA,
San Jose, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 843-4383
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36 comments:

  1. I want to try Matcha Latte on my next visit. I wonder if they can serve it cold though?

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

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    1. Hmm.. That one, I'm not too sure. ^_^ But it never hurts to ask. :D

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  2. I've hanging out at UCC Café (I'm usually at UCC Forbestown) its ambiance is quite relaxing, unlike the busy Starbucks. Coffees are well-brewed too!

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    1. UCC in Forbestown is a Cafe Terrace concept though. UCC Clockwork is a whole lot different, so I hope you can give it a try when you find yourself in the area. ;)

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  3. You said you're so glad that my boyfriend shares the same sentiments so there will never be a problem going to the cafe.

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  4. The food looks amazing, my only problem is the clocks all around. When I go to cafes I want to forget about time. aahaha I just want some me time when I'm alone or be indulge with the people with me when I'm with friends in the cafe. However, for curiosity sake, I might visit this cafe. haha

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    1. Haha! Don't worry, you'll still get lost in time when you visit. Although there are lots of clocks, they're more of a decoration. When we visited, we barely looked at the clocks for their function rather than for aesthetics. XD We were actually surprised to find out we've been in the place for hours already!

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  5. Love UCC coffee, though I haven't visited this cafe before. The food looks great!

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  6. I like the concept of the clockwork cafe. It's a good place for blogshop photography!
    As for the food, I like green tea latte, but the bright green colour looks odd!

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    1. Definitely! It's a good place to chill and do some blogging work too. :) Oh, and I think the bright green color is from my camera + editing. >.< The matcha latte looks quite normal in real life. :D

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  7. Now I know where to go when I'm at the Blue Baywalk area. :)

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  8. the outlook of the cafe looks really cozy and will be a good place to snap a lot of photos! but manila is not really on my to-visit list, but if i were to visit manila, i'll definitely look for this place!

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  9. Agree with you, love your coffee don't add any sugar or milk in it. Taste the original. Their food look delicious too.

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  10. The pictures of the food and drinks are fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I like the measuring cup, haha.

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    1. We loved it too! :D It was a really nice quirky touch!

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  11. Corned beef with Kimchi rice looks good but expensive. Is that serving good for two?

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    1. It can be shared by two, but I think it's more recommended to be consumed only by one. >.< Yeah, UCC cafes has been known to have offerings that are more on the expensive side.

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  12. This sure is a coffee place that takes there coffee seriously. The decor sure is very inviting and full of freshness...I like the concept of buttons to get attention just like in flights.. :)

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  13. Oh wow the ambiance looks fantastic and so refreshing. High ceilings bring the effect of elegance to the place. The push button callers seem very effective in calling out the attention of the staff. I'll try the hot matcha latte soon since I'm just near here! :)

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    1. Can't wait to read your review on the place soon, then! :D

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  14. wow this place looks amazing, I simply adore the whole interior.

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  15. My partner and I love hanging out in coffee shops. Our kind of date - coffee and some conversation. Will definitely drag him here. Although I don't frequent Manila (commuter problems LOL), this will definitely be worth visiting. :D

    xoxo,
    Gelleesh.com

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    1. In case you find yourself in the area, do try it here! :) I'm sure you'll love it! ;)

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  16. Oh, their coffee is quite expensive compared the usual price I pay for coffee. I guess that bestseller is worth the price. I do love to hangout in coffee shops just to chitchat with friends.

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    1. Their single-origin coffee is pretty pricey compared to most coffees since they're not just single-origin but also hand-poured. :) Artisan coffee, as most call it.

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  17. What a cool idea. Everything clocks with some really delicious looking food thrown in. I love the artsy feel of the place.

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  18. Cozy place Sumi and the foods sounds delicious. Yung fresh corned beef with sushi is some stuff I really love to try.

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    1. Papaleng talaga! :D Kimchi po, hindi sushi. Hihi~ But yes, the place is really cozy and the food was pretty delish.

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  19. Hot Matcha Latte seems so delicious and beautiful! The Clockwork seems like a spectacular place to visit and hang out with friends, the menu offers tasty food and nice artistic ambiance.

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  20. i want that hot matcha latte. the interior has a nice welcome feel

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  21. Beautiful place! Used to eat at UCC often because it was near my workplace then. I'm pretty sure the menu is updated and offers much more diverse coffee. Would love to check this location when I come and visit.

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    1. Yes, do try this location/concept when you're in the area. :) It's unlike the other UCC concepts. ;)

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  22. I have been wanting to try this place for the longest time. I hope it's open until late night. :)

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  23. Looking at the logo, I was wondering where I saw it then I realized... YES! It is in Blue Bay Walk. I've seen this before but didn't pay much attention. Who would have thought they had a great interior inside! I'll definitely be trying them anytime this month.

    The pasta did look like it lacks some taste. And looks too creamy?

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  24. im a coffee lover and will definitely visit UCC branch in bluebay, besides its juast 30mins away from my house.

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