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![Review – The Meat Co. @ Westfield [Shepherd’s Bush]](http://tastingbritain.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IMG_0584_05.jpg "Review – The Meat Co. @ Westfield [Shepherd’s Bush]")
Review – The Meat Co. @ Westfield [Shepherd’s Bush]
Our Jack returns to Westfield’s Meat Co. to see what the South African take on a steakhouse might be like. And the results are… gastronomically gratifying. Biltong starters? Why the hell not…
Rating:
Cuisine:
South African steakhouse
Appeals To:
Explorer carnivores at a loose end in the retail metropolis that is Westfield – whether your visit was planned or unplanned, if you’ve got the budget then this could be the place for you, my friend. Non vegetarian South African expatriates with a taste for some of the finer things in life and a little cash to spend on experiencing them.
Non South African meat enthusiasts with taste for boerwors, biltong, kangaroo (yup) and Malva Pudding (100% Nelson Mandela approved). If you like steakhouses, and you also like South African food and culture – this could be the perfect combination. Anyone who wants to be part of a loyalty scheme that involves getting your own custom knife (because loyal people deserve nice silverwear, right?)
In a Word
Particular
South-Westfield
The Meat Co. arrived in the UK back in 2008, opening inside and at the same time as the then brand-new Westfield, in Shepherd’s Bush
What’s The Meat Co’s shtick then? Steakhouse dining, South African perspective. And this is what makes them memorable in a city already so very full of excellent steakhouses. They don’t push the South African thing to its logical/illogical limits, however – so whilst you’ll find kangaroo on the menu, you won’t see the likes of zebra, wildebeest or crocodile (yet). You might, however, get a biltong aperitif before dinner (and how great is that?!)
Originally founded in 2000 by one of South Africa’s most prolific restauranteurs, Costa Tomazos, Meat Co went international a long time ago. You’ll find them in various parts of our wonderful planet, including the Middle East and Africa. Which is probably the reason they serve a full Halal menu, alongside their regular menu (diners are asked which they’d like to pick from, before being seated).
This seems to be working for them, as, in my recent trip there I saw quite a few Muslims (and Muslim families) dotted about the place. And whilst I am talking about families, this place is surprisingly family friendly, one of the families next to us brought their (well behaved) toddlers to dinner and as far as I can tell everything went just great for them
Meat Co. also have a few loyalty schemes, the most interesting is the ‘Platinum’ (invitation only). Platinum gets you 10% off of your bill indefinitely, your very own steak knife (with your name on it and everything). Another good thing to mention is that The Meat Co supports the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund – a few of their dishes include a donation to this fund which, in words, “is committed to creating a better future for children in South Africa.”
The ambiance
Designed by New York’s Jorge Castillo, the interior is various well chosen combinations of wooden and fiery tones, dark shades of crimson, amber and rusty orange – which works for me (but does it work for you?).
As for the layout of the place, downstairs you shall find the ‘Puza Bar’ – serving bar food and cocktails (I have yet to drink there so I can’t tell you if the cocktails or bar food is any good or not). Enter via a giraffe-skin patterned lift or up a stairwell that takes you past a one storey glass fronted wall of (probably) fine wines and you arrive upstairs – the restaurant area proper…
Now, this place is a lot bigger than you might expect, and sure makes an impression. Stretching out in front of you is seating for around 260, an open kitchen, more walls of (again, probably) fine wine, an open fire, and the odd chair that resembles a sofa. Despite the size and openness of this floor, there are plenty of little alcoves, cloisters (can I use that word?) and more secluded spots for those who want a little privacy.
There’s also a private dining area, hidden behind yet another wall of vino (no photos – it was in use by what looked like a large African family so you’ll have to use your imagination as to what it looks like in there). All this fine upholestery and fine wine definitely contributes to what is clearly the atmosphere of a high end steakhouse.
The food and drink
Like most London steakhouses, this place can get very pricey indeed. Start eyeing up a chateaubriand (£20 per 100g) or Wagyu (they don’t even list how much that’s going to cost on the menu…it’s at ’market rate’), and you could soon see your portion of the bill creeping up into the three figures. However, like most fine-wine-and-carnivore oases dotted about the Big Smoke, this is to be EXPECTED (*sigh*) and by God, if you want to burn the money this is a fucking delicious way to do it.
And another thong about that menu, it is pretty huge. If you’re the kind of person that spends 15 minutes plus salivating over steak and meat selections, that can and probably will happen here. The ‘steak tasting menu’ is a good bed for the undecided amongst us.
What we ate
Starters
Biltong
Kalamata Olives
Chocolate & Beetroot Bread
Mains
Rib-Eye on the Bone (500g)
Sides
Onion Rings
Creamed Spinach
Grilled Asparagus
To Drink
Thelema – Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Dessert
Calvados & Jagermeister (single measures and NOT AT THE SAME TIME :3 )
The Verdict:
“…Hel ja!” (Google translate tells me this is ‘Hell yeah!’ in Afrikaans…)
All in all, when it comes to food, drink and overall experience: The Meat Co did not disappoint (not now, and not a few years back when I first visited!).
As I said before, yes, it’s a steakhouse, but it’s also the only steakhouse (to my knowledge) in this town that does the high end steakhouse/South African mashup – which is a steakhouse experience quite unlike any other!
And no, it’s certainly not cheap, but if you are a hardcore-carnivore (hardcarnivore?) with the budget, what, asides from distance, could be stopping you…?
The Details:
Unit 1026, Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA
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