
Black & Blue - Berners Street, London, UK
N 51° 31.108 W 000° 08.262
30U E 698581 N 5711367
The steak house, Black & Blue, is at the junction of Berners Street and Mortimer Street in London. It is easy to identify the location due to the big, black bull in Berners Street.
Waymark Code: WMEV0Y
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 07/08/2012
Views: 3
The 'View London' website (visit
link) carries a review for the steak house that reads:
"Good food, wine, service and setting make this
restaurant and bar a relaxed and enjoyable place to visit on any given
evening.
The Venue
Situated on the corner of Mortimer
street, between Oxford Circus and Goodge Street, Black & Blue is buzzing
with casual evening chit chat. There’s seating outside with outdoor heaters and
candles, and a bar to the left of the entrance, which fills the restaurant with
a quiet chatter. In the entrance there stands a bronze statue of a bull as well
as various and vibrant Art House paintings of cows on the walls for that
designer touch. Seating consists of cosy family-sized booths or smaller, more
intimate tables lit up with candles.
The Atmosphere
Soft mood lighting is created
by candlelight and dim spotlights, giving the restaurant a mellow atmosphere
which makes dining with friends and loved ones a pleasant, relaxed occasion.
Music plays in the background and is quiet enough not to intrude on
conversation, but loud enough to add to the friendly buzz. Service is also
particularly friendly and helpful.
The Food
You’ll be greeted by an extensive
menu - take your time choosing so you won’t be disappointed. Starters comprise
interesting salads and posh pub bites. Try the crayfish and guacamole salad with
creme fraiche; a patty of fresh and juicy crayfish on top of chunky avocado -
pretty on the plate and light enough to be followed by a heavier main course.
Another tasty option is the combination of al dente asparagus spears, mature
parmesan shavings, peppery rocket and a poached egg - cooked to perfection with
a firm white and delightfully runny yolk inside. Other options include barbecue
chicken wings and garlic chargrilled prawns (all priced between £5 and
£8).
Your next decision is whether you’re here for the steak
or if another dish has taken your fancy. Sirloin, rump, fillet, rib eye and
T-bone - all prime British Isles beef, cooked as black or blue as your prefer.
The fillet steak (£23) is as tender and flavoursome as it should be. Choose
condiments of silky smooth bearnaise sauce, garlic butter or peppercorn, and
then enjoy crispy fries and a house salad with walnuts and grated cheese to
complete the dish.
However much steak is your thing, you’re still sure to
be tempted by other items on the menu. There are classic burgers, salads and a
selection of char grilled meat and fish dishes. Another winning option is the
rack of lamb served with a tangy mint sauce, a side of creamy, buttery mashed
potato and firm French beans. The lamb is succulent and full of flavour, and
with all non-steak mains priced between £6 and £19, there's some good value to
be had too.
If you have room for dessert you may want to give the
warm chocolate brownie a try, served with rich vanilla ice cream. Or the smooth,
refreshing mango sorbet might just be the perfect finale to cleanse your palette
after devouring a steak and starter. There’s also warm apple and almond tart or
a New York cheesecake. All desserts are £6.
The Last Word
This Black & Blue branch
shouldn’t just be recognised for its perfectly cooked steaks. Fine cooking can
be seen throughout the whole menu and the setting is welcoming enough if you
just want to come by for a drink."