ALL IN A Carnivore’s Paradise
If you’ve got an insatiable hankering for meat that borders on obsession, Covent Garden’s Blacklock is your shrine.
A carnivore’s playground in the heart of London, this place is all about mouthwatering cuts of meat, served in a laid-back setting with no apologies for its simple, unadulterated approach to grilling.
Ambiance:
It provides a perfect backdrop for your impending meaty feast with a slightly rough American-style vibe. Each table offers ample space to relax, and there’s a large open kitchen where you can watch them grill their meats.
Additionally, they have a small bar where you can wait until your table is ready.
Service:
The service here was slick and well-informed. Blacklock’s staff knows their chops (pun intended) and will guide you through the menu, whether you’re opting for the ‘all in’ or ‘skinny chops’ experience.
They maintain a casual yet friendly demeanor, ensuring your dining experience is seamless.
Drinks:
Blacklock’s drink selection is concise but offers enough variety to keep you refreshed. The wine list is well-curated to complement the meat-centric menu. We all enjoyed the red wine from Italy and appreciated the option to choose from various sizes, including carafes.
The cocktails were thoughtfully crafted and complemented our meal nicely as well.
Price: ££
While the quality of the meat is reasonably priced, the portion size is a bit small. The ‘ALL IN’ experience is indeed a good deal, particularly considering the prime location in Covent Garden.
What I Ordered:
ALL IN: Pre-chop bites followed by a heady mix of beef, pork and lamb skinny chops piled high on charcoal-grilled flatbreads with a choice of side each
The Prelude: Pre-chop Bites
The ‘ALL IN’ experience began with a delightful overture of pre-chop bites that set the stage for the carnivorous feast to come. Each bite introduced a distinct taste, but I particularly liked the egg one, which reminded me of a Japanese-style egg mayo.
The Main Event: Mixed Skinny Chops and Flatbreads
Now, brace yourself for the main event – a carnivore’s paradise. The presentation was awe-inspiring, with a mountain of perfectly grilled beef, pork, and lamb skinny chops cascading down onto charcoal-grilled flatbreads.
The pork and lamb meat were cooked to absolute perfection, revealing a harmonious symphony of smokiness, tenderness, and seasoned excellence. My favorite was the pork, while the beef was a bit chewy.
The flatbreads, slightly crisp from the grill, provided an ideal vessel to cradle the meat, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Blacklock was born from a love of the traditional London Chophouse
The Supporting Cast: Sides
Cole slaw and chips may seem like mere sidekicks, but at Blacklock, they hold their own. The beef dripping chips were another level, with a heavenly mix of crispy exteriors and fluffy, potatoey insides.
The cole slaw, a refreshing contrast to the meaty medley, was vibrant and tangy, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the feast.
White Chocolate Cheesecake
Apologies in advance for the lengthy review, especially for just one dessert, but it was a vision of dessert paradise. The staff brought it out on a large tray and scooped it in front of me. I really wanted to steal the whole tray and run away to enjoy it all by myself.
A perfectly smooth, creamy filling rested atop a crumbly graham cracker crust, generously drizzled with a white chocolate ganache. The overall appearance was tempting, promising a luscious experience to follow. So you know I forgot to take a picture of this heaven and so using their Instagram image.
The texture was seriously amazing. Each bite was a harmonious blend of velvety cheesecake and the gentle, melt-in-your-mouth quality of white chocolate. The crust, with its delicate crumble, provided a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling.
The flavor was an interplay of sweetness and creaminess, as expected. The tanginess of the cream cheese was beautifully offset by the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a balanced taste profile.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, Blacklock Covent Garden is the ultimate destination for carnivores. The focus on top-notch cuts, uncomplicated yet irresistible seasoning, and warm, inviting ambiance makes it a top choice for meat lovers in the heart of London. It’s a must-visit for anyone who worships the art of grilling.
Tips from Hanako:
- Order additional sauce, but go for a gravy sauce.
- ALL IN is highly recommended. Check the other menu options here, and you will know what the best choice is
- If you want to enjoy steak, I suggest trying Flat Iron as well. It’s super close by.
- They have a vegetarian option too, but I am not sure if you want to go to a steak restaurant but not Dishoom then.
- Booking is a must. The table will not be ready until your booking time, but you can wait in a bar area. They have one in Shoreditch, Soho, Canary Wharf, and City too.
