What
South African influenced restaurant, The Meat Co, launched in London in 2008. It caters for meat lovers who yearn for a steak house with style.
Experience
It was a Thursday night and the weekend was fast approaching. I needed to go shopping all week and, as usual, the London hustle got the better of me. The Meat Co is situated ideally on the approach to Westfield Shopping Centre in Sheppard’s Bush. What better place to meet my friend for a steak dinner with an hour to spare to run my errands?
I met my friend Kim, bags in hand, at the downstairs bar. The deluxe decor of rich patterned furniture and tribal hangings immediately took me away to somewhere exotic. The restaurant is situated upstairs via a grand staircase, but there is always the option of ordering snacks at the bar if you are just after a post-shopping bite.
Our waiter for the evening, Professor, quickly recommended The Jungle Bear cocktail. It did just fine for a sweet toothed girl like me, resembling the taste of bitter raspberry sherbet. Before we had time to gaze at the menu, Professor arrived with a bowl of Biltong. Kim was raised in South Africa. I saw her eyes light up as she reached for a piece of the dried, spiced, cured beef, which reminded her of home.
The menu is vast, so we took our time. The Meat Co takes pride in offering a range of prime cuts of beef, tender ribs, burgers and flame-grilled skewers, even kangaroo if you are feeling adventurous. We stuck to what we knew and ordered the North American Black Angus Fillet (200g) accompanied with Green Peppercorn Sauce and the Wagyu Steak (300g). Both of us opted for the secret recipe basting. The Wagyu Steak was delicately marbled and tender. The North American Black Angus Fillet was cooked to rare, melt in the mouth, perfection. The Meat Co certainly offers a good steak. We shared Garlic Mushrooms and thinly shredded, crisp Onion Rings. While reaching over for another forkful of onion rings, I glanced over my shoulder enviously at a fellow diner, who had been presented with their sizzling Flame Grilled Chicken Hanging Skewer. Food envy was inevitable with such an extensive menu.
A glass of Malbec Goyenechea, Mendoza, 2012 charmingly complimented our rare steak. The Meat Co has a great wine list to choose from and the knowledgeable team are on hand to guide you.
With barely any room for dessert Professor insisted we tried The Chef’s Tasting Platter. We were blown away with six perfectly formed miniature desserts to share, perhaps more suited to a table of three of four.
I collected my shopping on the way out, reminding myself that sometimes you have to escape the hustle and eat a great steak with a good friend.
Cost
Starter £5.72 – £10.25
Main £15.25 – £49
Sides £2.50 – £4.95
Desserts £7 – £8 (£14.50 for the Sharing Platter)
Where
Unit 1026
Westfield London
Ariel Way
London
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