In a large pot, saute the bacon until it starts to soften, do not brown the bacon.

Add the onion and celery and continue to saute until vegetables soften.

Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaves, clams and clam juice. Bring to a boil, turn heat down and let simmer.

In a medium skillet, melt butter and then add flour and cook for 5 minutes.

Add butter/flour mixture to boiling clam mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Add the cooked potato, heavy cream, sherry, salt and pepper

Simmer for 15 minutes and serve with chowder crackers or saltines.