The Meat Co- Because sometimes all you need is a really good steak and chips
The Meat Co. Is nestled just on the outside of London’s Westfield and is the brands flagship UK store. Leveraging off its African heritage, it serves a mouth-watering, meaty myriad of dishes, luscious fruity cocktails and authentic desserts and sides. And whilst the location may not be the first you’d expect for a fine dining restaurant serving such cuisine, after one visit you would not wish it to be anywhere else.
Upon arrival we were greeted by staff that were not only more than happy to help, but happy to help with a smile, a laugh and a bit of general knowledge along the way. We were shown to a table next to the window, with views of Westfield a literal stone throw away.
Whilst we were waiting for our food to arrive, we were given some droëwors – a popular South African traditional meat snack, and some olives. Being a fussy eater I was a little dubious of trying the droëwors at first- however just how much I would like this was a shock! It’s a little tough, chewy, and filled with a delicious sweet meaty flavour that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Not only is it delicious, but incredibly moreish too!
For our starters I ordered the bruschetta and my sister ordered the chef’s soup of the day, which was sweet potato. The bruschetta was delicious- warm, crispy bread topped with deliciously seasoned chopped tomatoes and onions and topped with a mix of feta and parmesan cheese. The myriad of flavours and tastes complimented each other perfectly and as a starter it was more than satisfying. The soup was also a delicious choice- wonderfully creamy, hot and served with warm, crispy bread
In terms of mains, the headline act is the Connoisseurs’ Choice of cuts- a selection of more adventurous native dishes including waygu and kangaroo. Deciding to try a dish that the restaurant was so famed for, I asked for a recommendation on the steaks and it was suggested I go for the North American Black Angus. I was told this was grain fed for 120 days and wet aged for 35+ days. I opted for the Rib-Eye cut.
For those that look for something a little simpler or who aren’t a meat eater, meat skewers, burgers, salads and veggie options are also available. My partner chose the flame grilled chicken skewer.
I requested my steak medium rare and it took meat-eating to a whole new level. Any affluent steak lover would have been proud at the tender, juiciness, the way the meat rolled round on your tongue oozing flavour and just the right amount of seasoning. Served with thick, chunky fries this meal was filling, delicious and set the bar high for future steak-ventures.
My partner’s chicken skewers were just as impressive, served with a portion of flavoured rice and packed with tender vegetables and just as tender chicken it is a definite candidate for those whom are not so swayed by red meat and want something a little lighter.
To accompany our meals we decided to try the mocktails (seeing as it was a midday meal) though the cocktail menu looked utterly delicious too.
Packed with delicious real fruit and ice, these mocktails truly tasted as good as they looked- they Very Berry and MeatCo Crush were our particular favourites and well worth a taste!
For dessert we couldn’t choose between the array of mouth-watering offerings, so opted for the chefs sharing platter, a glass dish of six of the top desserts plus fruit. What we weren’t prepared for was the sheer size and diversity of the platter. Whether you are a chocolate-worshipper, a sucker for strawberries or an aficionado for coffee there is something to suit, and each were utterly delicious, though we felt rather full once the board had been demolished!
If you are looking for somewhere with impeccable food and an atmosphere and service to match, look no further than the Meat Co.
The Meat Co
Unit 1026
Westfield London Shopping Centre
Ariel Way
London
W12 7GA