Category Archives: Restaurant & Hotel Reviews

BEST MEAL OUT EVER: THE NEW DINING EXPERIENCE AT WINTERINGHAM FIELDS

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It’s always a scary moment when your favourite restaurant announces a new dining experience. Exciting too, but for me the predominant thought was ‘please, please, don’t mess this up.’ Especially when for us, it’s a seven hour drive to get there.

I need not have worried. The friendly welcome from Janet at reception, the freshly baked gluten free cakes waiting in our gorgeous room; our stay started on a resounding high. We even had time for our favourite walk out to the Humber and through the village – a place I love so much I set Endless Skies there.

But dinner was, of course, the main event. And dinner was the part that had changed. A new dining room, now advertised as being part of the kitchen, hidden behind a curtain as you take your pre-dinner drinks and snacks (oh, what snacks!) in a cosy new bar. And when you are ready, you are led down the hallways of the old farmhouse and into the bright, modern kitchen.

We were greeted by James, the sous chef, as Gareth, the head chef, was unwell. He told us not to worry, we were in safe hands, and we definitely were. And this is all part of the experience; you feel you get to know the chefs a little as you work your way through the courses. Think chef’s table, but brought to a whole dining room, and in a relaxed and friendly manner.

After chatting to James over a delicious bowl of lovage soup (food miles are second only to ingredient quality at Winteringham Fields, and lovage had come just a few yards from the bed in the garden outside) we were taken to our table, which had a great view of the pass so we could see and hear everything that was going on. It takes great confidence in your team to open a kitchen to that extent; some guests who hadn’t visited before were even invited to walk around.

Dinner at Winteringham Fields is a lavish tasting menu, and we always play a game where we rank the courses in order. This time there was a clear winner; the Isle of Wight heritage tomatoes with watermelon, ponzu and nori. Tomatoes and watermelon? Who knew? And the consommé was one of the most spectacular things I have ever tasted. Almost as good as the langoustine terrine we had on our first visit… and when I told chef James about this he said he would try to track down the recipe.

We discussed our second favourite course for a very long time, without really coming to a conclusion. The huge hand dived scallop in laksa sauce was genius, but the lamb belly with asparagus, curds and mint such a clever blend of flavours and so completely melt in the mouth, it was hard to separate them. And both dessert (Winteringham Fields’ take on a Solero with mango, passion fruit, coconut and basil) and the lemon, thyme and honeycomb pre-dessert, were top notch.

Each course is brought to the table and introduced by the chef who prepared it, with as much or as little information as you like. It isn’t formal or stiff, there is genuine enthusiasm here, especially from the young lady who cooked the duck. The amount of care and attention poured into the dish was astonishing – and it showed.

So I need not have worried. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s a treat, but I would rather save up to eat here a couple of times a year than have pub grub every other week. Winteringham Fields, once again, you have smashed it!

 

All photos courtesy of Winteringham Fields, who have extended their midweek offers to cover the whole summer. Find out more here: https://winteringhamfields.co.uk/

Brunch at The Biltmore – a review

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Start your Weekend off in the most fabulous of ways with the newly launched Brunch Menu at The Biltmore Mayfair. 

Headed up by the esteemed Jason Atherton, The Biltmore Brunch is certainly an elegant affair. This is a brunch worthy of getting your glad rags on and treating yourself or someone special and you’ll be guaranteed excellent service, ambiance and of course a brunch worth bragging about. 

When it comes to decent brunch in London, it’s like navigating a minefield. There is just so much on offer but when you really investigate what you’ll end up finding is there’s just heaps of bottomless and not enough brunch if you know what I mean. So if like me you’re thinking, what sets The Biltmore apart from all the other brunches in the City? Well, let me tell you… their ‘USP’ is for sure the food. They also had an incredible setting and a stunning band but I don’t ever recall raving about the food after a brunch especially not a boozy one. Café Biltmore certainly dazzles with their dishes making this a foodies brunch heaven. Offering up a number of different brunch and lunch plates, they of course have the classics, eggs, pancakes, etc… but the menu also featured a number non typical brunch dishes but this is what made it so brilliant. I would say, you could even convince the biggest anti-bruncher to brunch along with you after you show them the menu because who could turn down Porthilly Oysters, Wood fired pizza and Fish and Chips to name a few? In fact Paul Walsh, Executive Chef, commented, “Weekends are made for brunch and our menu is guaranteed to have a dish everyone will want to eat on it…” If you’re doing 2 courses or more there is the option to add the free-flowing bubbles package for an extra £25. Rarely are you left thinking I just had a ruddy good meal after a bottomless brunch but Café Biltmore can certainly win this accolade. 

So, what’s included;

So on offer you have the choice of 2 courses for £32 or 3 courses for £38 and of course the free-flowing bubbles upgrade. What you will quickly realise is that this is an absolute steal when you realise the quality and the service which are second to none. We recommend doing the whole sh’bang so make sure you go light on your breakfast that morning. To start there are a number of different Egg dishes, we tried the Confit duck leg with Kimchi and Fried Egg and Calamari to start. For our mains I tried one of the veggie options Sweetcorn and Saffron risotto, Scottish girolles and Parmesan and we also tried the Buttermilk chicken sandwich and I can honestly say, that was the best damned risotto I have ever tasted. Both utterly luxurious and more-ish so much so, that I got distracted writing this thinking about how delicious it was. Of course, if you opt for 3 courses the dessert choice covers all bases with a cheese plate for those who aren’t much of a sweet tooth. The bubbles were certainly flowing thanks to the attentiveness of the waiters who’s service went above and beyond. The setting was just gorgeous, we dined on a cold autumn day but so kitted out with heaters and blankets, the outdoor terrace more than adequately catered to its guests comfortably making it the perfect little secret brunch oasis. Notable mention must go to the talented jazz band who provided the afternoons entertainment with their mellow muzak and dulcet tones. 

 

What’s more is those wishing to dine with their furry friends, Cafe Biltmore’s terrace is dog friendly and pets will be treated to their own treats while you dine. The Biltmore Brunch will really make you wish the weekend couldn’t come fast enough.

The Biltmore Brunch will be available every Saturday from 11:00 – 17:00

For more info or reservations visit;

www.cafebiltmore.com

The Jolly Gardener’s and the Sunday Roast of Dreams. 

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A Northerner and Southerner go in search of a decent roast in London and what do we find…

The Jolly Gardeners and what a jolly good afternoon we had. Not only did it win the approval of my guest, the most discerning Northerner who is for sure the judge and jury when it comes to a decent roast, but they also make a damn good Bloody Mary, have a pretty decent schedule of entertainment and is by far one of the most pristine, welcoming pubs i’ve ever visited in my life!

If you live South of the river, you must pay them a visit. Just moments away from Vauxhall and tucked down a sleepy Lambeth side street you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you happen upon The Jolly Gardener’s. This place is bright and airy, full of foliage, just how I like it. A far cry from the pub which lay here before and perhaps more noticeably known as ‘The Drowning Trout’ from Snatch. Well let me tell you the transformation is epic. As soon as you step inside you’re met with a serene atmosphere, one of relaxation, of family and friends gathering around, big groups enjoying a pint and punters soaking up the joys of a Sunday. It has to be said, i’ve not frequented a pub for a long time mainly because I’m not massively keen on going back to the old ways of queuing up at the bar for hours on end, sticky floors and stale beer but this is certainly not that kind of joint. I’m actually a little bit in love with this place because it offers up all the joys of a pub without all the annoying bits and it’s no surprise really if you look at how this place came about. 

The Jolly Gardeners was the brainchild of five childhood pals who spent their lockdown coming up with their ideal boozer. Jon Kaye, one of the founders quotes, “Having the chance to open the pub with my friends has been the dream for so long. We all grew up in pubs and for most of us was our very first job. It’s great to go back to our roots and build a proper local pub. Supporting other independent businesses is important to us, we have also had so many nice people from the surrounding area helping us build and fix the pub.” Unsurprisingly, a decent meal was the central focus as well as making it welcoming, honest and a great place to enjoy a proper pint with mates. I can vouch for all of those things and trust me if I did live South sides I would be making this place my new local!  

I did mention the roast but let me mention it in depth because this really is one of the best pub/restaurant roasts i’ve had. My guest even went as far to say, “tastes like a family roast”, praise indeed! The attention here really is on the quality of the produce and the kitchen work closely with Lyons Hill Farm in Dorset for high grade meat. We tried both the ‘iron age pork loin’ and the ‘retired dairy cow silverside’ with both tasting as epic as their names. The roast comes with a host of sides including cauliflower cheese, greens, Yorkshires, sweet potato mash to mention but a few and the potatoes….oh the potatoes. The most luxurious but traditional roast potato you’ll get your chops round. Melt in your mouth, pleasure. What I really loved about the beef roast was how thin the meat was cut, i’m not a fan of shoving hunks of meat in my mouth at the best of times but this was just sliced to perfection, slightly reminiscent of how you felt after a school roast… schooliness aside… Please – I’m not doing it enough justice, you’ll have to try it out for yourself. Aside from these offerings there are also a couple of plant based options and a fish dish to try out too. Something for everyone even if you’re just digging into the sides alone – because they were a plenty. 

If a roast doesn’t tickle your fancy or if you’re planning on visiting in the week, they offer a weekly changing menu bringing you the best of what’s around the local area. Notable mention must go to their bread supplier… Alby’s Bakery who are also based in Vauxhall. They specialise in sourdough and was also developed in lockdown by some bread loving mates. I must confess, I haven’t touched the stuff this whole year but when this warm bundle of joy arrived on our table with lashings of butter it would have been rude not to especially seeing as Alby’s have nailed the crust to pillowy dough ratio. Lesson learned ALWAYS try the bread. The sharing plates are also something to marvel at and whilst the dishes may look similar to what you’d find on a pub menu their sharing plates are more reminiscent of tapas coming out of a decent restaurant than a pub and I guess that’s where you see the main attraction of The Jolly Gardeners. 

The food is of the highest quality in both presentation and taste, the place is visually stunning and they had a decent band on too, what a civilised Sunday ! But what makes a decent pub…? we all know it’s a cracking selection of booze. With house-pints for a fiver you might even be convinced you’re not in London anymore but when you check out their exhaustive list of what else is on offer there’ll be something to float everyone’s boat. With local offerings on draught, a whole bunch of speciality bottled beers, a pretty comprehensive list of wines including natural wines and of course a mouth watering selection of cocktails there’s no need to visit a bar or a restaurant because this place really does have it all. Did we mention they also have a secret garden?

So why do we love it? Well… need I say more? The Jolly Gardener’s is family and dog friendly, caters for a restaurant go-er, has the booze of a decent bar and still has the spirit of a good old pub. All that’s left to ask is, how fast can you open one North of the river?

The Jolly Gardener’s is open Tue-Sun and located at;

49-51 Black Prince Rd, London SE11 6AB

 

 

Rudy’s Soho – Proper Pizza and Proper Good Times

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Freedom is finally here and what better way to celebrate then Pizza and Spritz. 

We’re here to remind you:  there’s no need to get holiday fomo as we have the taste of Naples slap bang in Soho. Whilst Soho has been known as the place to be to keep spirits high, the arrival of Rudy’s, voted the 5th Best Pizzeria in EUROPE!!! has been bellissima indeed. With a successful string of restaurants in Manchester it was about time Rudy’s paid London a visit and trust us, we will all be welcoming you with open arms. 

Rudy’s serves up real good Neapolitan Pizzas – no fancy base, stuffed crust, gold leaf pretentiousness necessary. This is proper honest pizza. The dough is made with Caputo ’00’ Flour which is made daily and left to ferment for 24 hrs then topped with a San Marzano tomato base typical of an original Neapolitan Pizza. Then finally a quick blast in the wood fired pizza oven and presto – happiness bite after bite. 

We rocked up on a Tuesday night and the atmosphere was buzzing, full of the best kind of vibes. The place is super relaxed and has a real ‘holiday feel’ to it bustling with groups of friends, lovers, families and all. The decor is industrial chic – completely open plan so you can see your dinner straight outta the oven. But for me the winning factor is that this isn’t the kind of place to kick you out before you’ve even sat down, which i’m finding has started to be the norm here in London. I’m a big fan of a long, slow dinner and we did not feel rushed at all. That is all down to the incredibly welcoming and attentive staff. This particular branch has 140 covers which is a lot of space but still, after so long of not being able to socialise I really got the sense of being welcome here without a time limit. The time flew by whilst we enjoyed many a spritz over long overdue catch ups and a good deal of people watching. 

The starters are exactly what you would hope for from a proper Italian pizzeria with a selection of olives, breads, meats and of course a big sexy Burrata, this whets your appetite nicely for the main event. We took our time and savoured the experience just like the Italians do and of course, we enjoyed their Campana board, a mixed platter of breads, salamis and cheese with some tasty spritz cocktails. The above also came in a veggie version too. I thoroughly recommend taking your time to look through the drinks list as there are a lot of solid favourites to make your way through including Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritz to name but a few but honestly their signature cocktails hit the spot nicely. We recommend the “Sospiri” to kick off your evening. 

When it came to the mains… a pizza which is relatively simple and a tried and tested favourite internationally has little margin for error. Trust me when I say I have done the leg work in pizza tasting and Rudy’s by far exceeds any i’ve tried in the UK and is much deserving of one of the best pizza joints in Europe accolade. The menu selection has all the best varieties, from the humble Margherita to the more elegant white base pizzas. We went for the “Cinghiale” which is basically a spicy, sexy pizza of deliciousness with wild boar salami. Definitely a solid 4 stars. I went for the “Portobello” and it had to be on white base. For those of you who haven’t ventured into the foray of white base pizzas, they’re made with olive, garlic, cheese and salt instead of a tomato base so for any garlic lovers out there this one was absolutely heavenly. The flavours were perfectly balanced and not too heavy or creamy which was actually pretty impressive for me as I easily demolished the whole one and didn’t feel like a big ball of dough afterwards something i’m quickly finding is an important factor when reviewing a pizza ;-) 

Let’s face it, it’s not a decent Italian unless there’s Tiramisu on the menu and as much as I was looking forward to the pizza i’ve gotta admit that the Tiramisu was the star of my show. Again, the portion was just the right size and the coffee:booze:spongefinger:cream ratio was bang on. We also got the affogato which was delish but I recommend not sharing the Tiramisu. Get one for yourself. Treat yourself. Oh and while you’re at it, don’t forget to end your meal with a nice shot of Rudy’s very own Blood Orange Orangecello and if you’re not leaving the place recreating the street scene of ‘Call me by your name’ you should probably consider having another one because, well hey, anything goes in Soho especially Rudy’s.

I’m positive once you’ve been there this will be your next solid go to. Overall the entire experience was exceptional and the quality you get for the price you pay just goes to show you don’t need to break the bank to have a decent meal in Central London. Rudy’s isn’t just another fancy pizza chain, they are standout for both the quality of the food and the quality of your experience. 

For more info and Ressy’s

Rudy’s

Flora Indica Review

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Flora Indica second shoot

A delicious love story of east meets west set in a sexy, unique backdrop.

Inspired by the Scottish Botanists who voyaged through India during the Victorian period, Flora Indica certainly carries the theme of florals, spices and the love affair that has always been Indian flavours with British produce throughout their restaurant. There has always seemed to be a romanticism surrounding the rich history of Britain and India throughout time, whether it be in art, literature and of course through food and Flora Indica is certainly a celebration of the two cultures. 

From the cocktails to the food, the skilled bartender mixes up their take on classic cocktails with a spicy twist. Chillitini went down exceptionally well and you will definitely want to try a few as the flavours are subtle, well balanced and fresh. If you are particularly passionate about enjoying a fabulous drinks menu alongside your meal, then you will be in for a treat. The drinks list is extensive and with a quality selection of wines and spirits which even features everyones favourite, Whispering Angel. I mean, you can’t really go wrong here. Their Amber Ale was of their own brew which came bottled with their own branding. A really nice touch and oozes class. 

Flora Indica is Indian Fine Dining at its most sensual. The location, a very smart establishment just off of The Old Brompton Road. We dined on a warm sunny day and the front shutters were open for guests to dine indoors/outdoors whilst watching the World go by. The decor is a friendly nod to British culture featuring a gorgeous blue phone box… the perfect place for a photo op and opulent green furnishings. I mean this is simply the perfect date night spot. 

When it came down to the food, we tried a number of dishes including small plates as well as their mains. I cannot recommend Okra Fries enough. In fact, I would go as far to say, this will probably beat any variation on fries I’ve ever had, not to mention they are actually good for you ;-) Don’t forget to add the lemon, this simple little addition will take your palate next level. 

The plates were presented to an impressive standard and thankfully you can say, the looks definitely match up to the flavour. Even though our food was presented like a work of art, what was most outstanding was the aroma that danced in the air once the plates had arrived at the table. We tried the Yellowfin Tuna and a 12 hr Braised short rib. Both were delicious, well portioned with balanced flavours, the short rib was rich and tender with the yellowfin tuna being fresh and subtle. A perfect example of how an experienced hand with spicing can elevate even the most delicate ingredients. 

Our mains were just as elegant, a few nods to tried and tested Indian favourites such as the humble Rogan Josh but again using only the best of British, Suffolk Lamb. We also tried a stunning Slow Cooked Duck Leg on the bone. The dishes are not fussy and no nonsense but executed with gastronomic precision and served with panache. I really adored the way that simple ingredients were presented in the most sophisticated and eye-catching way, a feast for your senses. The whole experience was sexy from beginning to end. It’s not pretentious it’s just downright fabulous and the proof is in the pudding which, by the way, ended off the meal in the most perfect of ways. The Shahi Brioche Tukda was heavenly and rounded the evening off nicely. A sweet end to a perfect dining experience. 

This is most definitely the date night spot that will hit all of the buttons. We highly recommend. 

To check out their menu and to make reservations

http://www.flora-indica.com

Grand Trunk Road – A Foodie Voyage through Old India

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As we all start to awaken from our Lockdown slumbers and start to venture out into the wild and back into our favourite eateries, there’s no mistaking my social media has certainly being hijacked by people enjoying their socialising and dining experiences. Recently, this little gem, Grand Trunk Road kept popping up on my feed followed by nothing but praise from the numerous amounts of people I have seen posting about it. This spot looks particularly special and before the fomo kicked in I had to check it out for myself.

If Grand Trunk Road is the hidden gem of Woodford this is certainly the Koh-I-Noor of restaurants. Many of us can rattle off a host of fabulous Indian restaurants at the drop of a hat, but the most memorable ones are distinguished by giving their guests an experience to remember and that is exactly what Grand Trunk Road has done. It’s not surprising everyone seems to be raving about this place. 

Owned by the esteemed Michelin star winner Rajesh Suri, he tells me he wanted to create a dining experience which took guests on a  journey through India by taking a signature dish from each stop along the Grand Trunk Road. An educational one at that, he explained the origins of dishes that have somehow got lost along the way and his quest to bring the dishes back to their roots. 

 

Before we get stuck into the food, I must give a shoutout to the drinks list which is extensive. So if like me you prefer something a little more fancy than beer or house wine… look no further, the cocktails are a dream and also follow the journey of the Grand Trunk Road. We tried the Afghani Silk and a particular favourite, Masala Smash. We were told that the cocktails were specially created to match the flavours of the dishes with some spirits infused onsite to create the unique flavours that can only be achieved by tending to the process yourself. There is no doubt Suri is a stickler for detail and this shows through every stage of the guest experience. 

Our journey began where every Indian foodie does, Poppadum’s with a variety of accompaniments made fresh on site with seasonal ingredients. The Summer menu we’re told includes a carrot and raisin relish and one made with apricot and the unmistakable spices of cumin and coconut. A tropical delight and not a chunky onion in sight! Phew. This is definitely Indian food amplified and refined, beautiful and elegant and we haven’t even got to the appetisers yet. 

We sampled a few of the standout dishes from the appetisers, Sago Potato Cakes, Scallops and a Chapli Kebab. Each were served with their own signature chutney balanced by only someone with an extremely well versed palate. The flavours are subtle yet bold, yin and yang. The ingredients are quality there is no mistaking that. This is certainly quality over quantity with each mouthful delivering you a little gift each time.

The mains were outstanding too with chef making sure they wanted to balance the spices correctly instead of slapping you across the face with chilli. A plus for me as i’m not a huge fan of spicy hot food. This is Indian cuisine at its finest. We tried the Amritsari Butter Chicken and a Malai Prawn dish and both were out of this world. However, the standout dish had to be the Dal Bukhara essentially overnight Lentils with spices and fenugreek in a creamy sauce. The simplest dishes are most often the most delicious. Creamy, spiced well and comforting. I could have eaten a vat of it. Order this and thank me later. 

My guest was particularly impressed with the labelling of allergens on the menu itself. Speaking as someone with a wheat allergy this is still surprisingly hard to come across. This added a level of ease for the guests when looking for something Gluten or Dairy Free. We’re told GF Naan will be added to the menu in the future something which we will be certainly going back to try. 

The fine balancing continues not only with the way the food is flavoured but in the entire experience. The  quality of the food mixed with ambience of the restaurant is where the magic lies. Suri makes a point of delivering old school hospitality throughout his restaurant by having a dialogue with customers and hosting them the way you would have expected from days of yore. This, we witnessed was well received by the customers dining around us and left everyone feeling that extra bit special a task which Suri appears to have taken in his stride. With a Michelin star under his belt, expectations were always going to be high and you will most certainly not be disappointed.

 

What’s more, we noticed they had an outdoor dining area so if you’ve just come for a few cocktails with small plates, your wish is their command… 

 

I know i’ve said it before but i’ll say it again we will be back and i’m sure you will too. What a truly wonderful time we had at Grand Trunk Road and thank you to all of the staff who made everyone feel safe in their surroundings as restrictions start to lift once more. So here’s to hospitality and all of those who welcomed us back. 

Grand Trunk Road is located in South Woodford

For more info or to make ressys check out…

https://www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk

The Perfect Tea Gifts: Christmas at Mariage Frères

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Stepping inside Mariage Frères is like being transported into a bygone era. Mariage Frères is exclusively one of France’s oldest tea shops and we are fortunate enough to have their flagship store open on our doorstep in the heart of Covent Garden. This is also the brands largest tea emporium to date, boasting five storeys of tea history. The ceiling to floor tea wall is filled with all the teas you can imagine and is definitely worth a visit just to marvel at the longest tea wall in the World featuring over 1000 varieties of tea. The shop also features a Tea Museum on the second floor showcasing tea antiques from around the World as well as providing you with a lowdown on the history of tea and of course, the pièce de résistance has to be the Salon de Thé. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner each dish is expertly created to feature, you’ve guessed it… tea. We heavily recommend their tea infused cocktails! There really is something for everyone here. 

The emporium is a stunning addition to Covent Garden and like everywhere else at this time of the year, we thoroughly recommend paying this place a visit over the festive period. Tea lovers will be blown away by the quality of the products and we promise you will not be disappointed by their incredible collection of luxurious and stunning Christmas gifts and cakes to impress your guests! 

Our personal favourites had to be…

Mariage Frères Gold Cake £66

Not only is this completely show-stopping, but the Gold Cake is scrumptious. Covered in shimmering gold, this chocolate marbled cake is infused with Marco Polo black-tea and flavoured with festive spices with a core of gianduja and hazelnut. The Gold Cake will serve around ten guests and if you’re in my house, will last about 5 minutes! 

Noël Fruit Tea: £49

This stunning fruit tea comes packaged in a hand-blown glass bauble design. The tea itself is fruity and spicy and festive and can be enjoyed hot or cold and like any, would make a great infusion  perfect for a Christmas cocktail. 

Opera Musical Tea-Box £65

Now this really is a unique and extraordinary present. A beautiful, illustrated musical gift box is filled with four packets of tea and when opened, each plays a different operatic tune. This really is the kind of gift one would have been presented with many years ago and we are so thrilled to see that it is still possible to buy such a traditional gift. 

Soho Bohème Teapot £299

For the tea-lover who has everything. We guarantee they won’t have such an exquisite teapot. This expertly hand-blown glass teapot is sculpted into a soufflè shape and can be bought with a gold or silver lid. This teapot really oozes class and sophistication. 

NOËL SUBLIME® £39

Nestled in an elegant gift set, painted in black & gold and decorated with silver stars, this NOËL SUBLIME advent calendar beholds 25 tea-inspired Mariage Frères treats to make the countdown to the holidays all the more pleasant.
The clock, symbolised by a hanging Christmas ornament, ticks while imaginary windows, opening day after day, glimmer under the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem.

All gifts are available to buy in Mariage Frères flagship store in Covent Garden or in Selfridges London.

www.mariagefreres.com 

BAR + BLOCK ALDGATE: A RESTAURANT TO BLOCK OUT SOME TIME FOR

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As soon as you enter Bar + Block you’re immediately enveloped by this cosy, atmospheric and bustling steakhouse – mood lighting included! We took a trip to this humble favourite and are here to give you the lowdown.

THE FOOD

If at first you’re intimidated by the extensive menu, you’ll soon  be put at easy by the modest, and ‘so-not-London prices’. Everything about the menu screams comfort and big flavours, from the pulled beef tacos, aromatic crispy mushroom pancakes and middle eastern king prawns through to the hispa cabbage and beef dripping triple cooked chunky chips (heaven). And that just scratches the surface. The quality of the steaks at Bar + Block rivals the best steakhouses in town. Choose from classic cuts like rump and ribeye or specialty steaks like the spiral cut (marinated in garlic and parsley) or the Tira De Ancho (similar to the spiral marinade but with a chilli kick and chimichurri sauce).

Steak not whetting your appetite? Don’t worry, you can choose from handmade burgers, grills or fish. We hear that the grilled veg and burrata burger, lamb souvlaki and grilled salmon are excellent choices. If you think you’ve got room for appetite, we struggled but made it through, the Chocolate Toffee Fondue Sharer is the perfect sweet ending. Made up of warm churros coated in cinnamon sugar, triple chocolate brownie chunks, fresh strawberries, banana and apple served with a chocolate toffee dipping sauce – you’re welcome.

THE DRINK

As with the food, the drinks prices are much more appetising than that of other steakhouses. Cocktails start at just £7.99, swoon, and specialty gins come in at £4.95. Take your pick of wine, beer or soft drinks if you’d prefer – the welcoming prices continue!

THE ATMOSPHERE

Warm and welcoming would be how we sum up the atmosphere at Bar + Block. There’s a constant buzz about the large dining area and it’s packed with a mix of corporate singletons grabbing dinner, groups of friends, date night couples and families.

THE PRICES

Starters begin at £3.95 for the creamy mac and cheese bits and steaks begin at £12.95 for an 8oz rump. A steak sample will cost you £27.95

THE OFFERS

Half price cocktails Monday to Thursday – 5pm – 7pm

LET ME BOOK

To book, visit https://www.barandblock.co.uk/en-gb/locations/london-aldgate/book