Stacy was in charge of our next adventure and our “meat” up pub was The Blackfriar. It’s quite a gem of a pub in London, well over a hundred years and with jolly friar carvings throughout the pub. Gary and I were unusually early and while sipping on our ales outside, an artist selling his wares latched on to us to take us. Some of his art was quite abstract and he’d ask what we saw in the pictures – both of us thought every second image looked like steak – clearly one thing on our minds. After Brad, Andre and Stacy arrived, we another swift one with the usual banter and questions, we headed off. The Cab dropped us at Smithfield’s Market – Stacy’s directions didn’t get us to the venue, but close enough to figure it out. We’d been in the area before, but it had changed. Smithfields Bar & Grill had gone and been replaced by Grill on the Market. Would the new comer live up to the expectation surrounding Smithfields?
We were taken to the back section through the contemporary muted styling with rustic wooden emphasis. Just the styling gives it an immediate atmosphere, but when you realise that you aren’t the only predator in the room, it give a real buzz… the fish tank is full of piranhas. We did question whether the bones from diners were dropped in. The waitress said no, but I bet someone has tested out a T-Bone in in the tank. The menu is sizable with the lions share dedicated to steaks as you’d expect. It also covered British favourites and seafood (thus surf and turf options). Pretty comprehensive. The steak options covered all the regulars, but included 3 of note: Porterhouse T-Bone 1200g for £80; Wagyu Fillet, beer fed and massaged each day for £60; Chateaubriand (for 2) £60. There were also specials additional to the standard menu.
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While Gary and Stacy ordered the regular T-Bones, Andre and Brad shared the monsterous, what dreams are made of off menu 1200g rib-eye and I ordered another special menu item, a British Charolais Rib Eye. The Charolais write up ways “David Raine, Old Parks, Kirkoswald, Nr Penrith the heart of the Eden valley... Some of the country ’s finest Charolais cattle, the first continental breed to be introduced to Great Britain that has since revolutionised our beef industry. The breed’s high intramuscular fat lends to a superior meat quality.” Quite a claim!
My Rib eye (283g for £32.50) was only available in smaller cuts (presumably as it’s more difficult to get hold of). It arrived and looked good, but biting in, it was a steak taste sensation. Tender, juicy and seeping flavour with each bite. I’d definitely come back for this.
I must add unfortunately that although the monsterous £1200g rib eye should have it’s spot in one of London’s top sites, it didn’t seem the tenderness and flavour could live up to it’s looks. Stacy’s wine selection was average with nothing I’d seek out again. These included the Paula 2013 Malbec and then the Vivanco Crianza 2010 Rioja. Our waitress did well in handling the boys and knows her stuff about, Charolais, T-Bones, Piranhas and was happy to accommodate our off piste menu order of dom pedros.
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The evening at The Grill on The Market only cost us £62 each, marginally under the average price we’d pay. This however did include the dom pedros, so even better on value for money.Steak – 9 x 5 = 45 (my steak was the best of the night and scores handsomely)Venue = 8 (being near Smithfields market is special, having piranhas and the finish that they have, is a winner)Menu = 9 (huge range of just about everything steak)Wine = 6Value for money = 8 (cost less than average, but above average experience)Waitress = 7.5 (fun, feisty and accommodating)Total = 83.5 Go The Grill on the Market for an overall great experience with a fantastic comprehensive menu – I’d definitely recommend the British Charolais meats if they still have it available.
