Fresh Off Smithfield: The Grill On The Market
If you walk into a restaurant which is located next door to Smithfield, the largest wholesale meat market in the UK, I can most certainly say what you are having for dinner. Steak! Located within the Square Mile of the City of London in three listed buildings and hiding behind what first looks like your neighbourhood pub, The Grill On The Market is a spacious restaurant that focuses on no nonsense food. Specialising in wholesome ingredients, mixing distinctive textures and flavours, The Grill on The Market offers a mix of innovative dishes with comfortable favourites.
When I looked at the menu with a steak order in mind, I was impressed with the variety of dishes. From rock oysters to a selection of starters (featuring Asparagus Soup, Foie Gras, Scottish Mussels, Deep Fried Brie, Duck Spring Rolls and many more), there is plenty of choice what to kick your dinner off while sipping on the restaurant's famous cocktails.
My friend Sarah and I went for Thai Fish Cakes with sweet chilli dip and Deep Fried Brie with sweet beetroot and red onion compote. Both dishes were delicious: crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside and perfectly sized.
For main there is a choice to have your favourite steak sliced and presented in a salad (such as Sticky Beef Salad), as well as there is a selection of salads that you can order as a starter and a main, including Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad, Feta and Watermelon Salad and a few fairly plain options. There are also burgers, seafood, 'best of the rest (including bangers and mash, grilled chicken, pork belly, duck, lamb and more) and of course steaks!
Steaks are premium quality and are aged for 28 days to ensure tenderness and flavour - again, being located literally next door to Smithfield meat market, The Grill On The Market takes full advantage of it offering best steaks. The restaurant has specialties, too, so ask your waiter what's cooking (see what I did here? ;) ) - the waiters are not only fully knowledgeable of the steaks (and the rest of the food) serves but are also passionate about what they do and provide great advice. The restaurant also offers a wide range of vegetables and potatoes to accompany the steak, including roasted field mushrooms, corn on the cob, French beans and more.
I didn't get a chance to try the restaurant's desserts cause the dinner was very filling, but if you manage to get to the dessert menu, there are puddings, crumbles, cakes and treats to indulge with.
Last but not least, The Grill on the Market is offering free membership which entitles people to enjoy 50% off food anytime they book with the restaurant with the membership, 2-4-1 cocktails and a free birthday meal. To become a member, click here (or here for details: Membership Sign Up).
My verdict? The restaurant is perfect both for after-work drinks and dinner, steak time with friends and a dinner date. The private booths and a variety of tables will ensure that you will have a fab time, fit for purpose you have. Amazing food and great service are provided, obviously! :)
http://blackhouse.uk.com/london
