Harden's says
A third branch for Gordon Ker's popular chop-house mini-chain, this time in Old Street, in the former Rivington Grill space (RIP); it is the biggest Blacklock restaurant yet, with space for a bar (with dedicated bar snacks menu).
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Still a legendary destination with consistently excellent meats, sides, drinks all far cheaper than at Hawksmoor” – these “dark and noisy” operations are “a go-to destination when you want some serious meat (perhaps more chophouse than steak house), with many good options that don’t dent the wallet”; and widely seen as “a better bet than other big high-end steak chains”. “They pack the punters in, so a good tip is to request a booth”. “Steaks are cooked just right. Staff are happy and helpful. Why didn’t I go here years ago?”. Top Menu Tips – “Sunday lunch is legendary”. And “try the ‘All-In’ for a variety of chops on excellent grilled flatbreads, and a couple of tasty sides between two. Also a (poorly promoted) option to BYO for £10 corkage at any time”.
Summary
“Absolutely delicious grilled meats with equally tasty accompaniments, all in a buzzy and fun setting” inspire many loyalists for Gordon Ker’s “go-to” chain, which in May 2023 added a fifth branch in Canary Wharf’s North Dock. “Hawksmoor every week could be financially ruinous, but this never disappoints, be it lunch or dinner, for half the money”. Top Tips – “Butchers Block Monday prices, and regular £10 corkage. Get in!” Also the “all-in” meat-fest of lamb and pork chops, steak and bacon: “it uses cheaper cuts and preparation is basic, but juices drip over the plate, and the peppercorn sauce is delicious!”
Summary
“You can’t really go wrong with the plates of meaty delicious chops” (“nothing delicate or subtle just full flavours doing the meat full justice”) at these “no-frills but hearty” pit stops, which provide a “vibrant” and “excellent-value” option for an inexpensive meal out. “It’s great to be able to choose how many chops you want to eat and the sides and sauces are the absolute best”. “They deliver an impressively consistent performance”, and “given that there is nowhere to hide when the food is this simple, it’s hats off to the chefs here!” “Don’t go for a quiet night”, though, as they “can be rather rowdy”. Top Tip – “the Monday night Butcher’s Block offer is super value, especially when teamed up with £10 corkage to BYO”.
Summary
“If you love good quality, flavourful meat, you’ll love Blacklock” – this brilliant small chain wins a massive thumbs-up for its “unique, simple but tasty menu” incorporating steaks and chops, with “excellent side dishes (not usual for a steak place and a pleasant change)” and a growing veg-friendly selection. “The Blacklock at Home boxes they sold during lockdown (and thankfully continue to sell now) are fantastic!”. In late 2019 they announced a fourth, Covent Garden branch – as of August 2021 no opening date as yet.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Blacklock?
Restaurant details
Blacklock Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Mostly great, but being in the City it was super noisy on a thursday evening"
"Consistently good and the quality never waivers. Have yet to move away from the well priced sharing platters. Service can be a little indifferent at times and there is always a buzzy atmosphere. "
"The food is excellent, really good value and amazingly tasty. Wine is expensive though, with even the lower priced bottles being £50+. The staff in the City branch were excellent, judged the mood well and offered exactly the right level of service. The venue's nice and has a good buzz but being so crammed in does lead to a level of noise that makes it harder for this middle-ager to hold a decent conversation, which would be my only gripe."
"Really good all round. Steaks cooked just right. Happy and helpful staff. Why didn't I go here years ago?"
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