If you’re in and around the Kentish Town area, you’ll probably know just how good the steak is at Beef & Brew, but they’ve recently opened a second spot in Haggerston for those living east – hurrah!
Taking over the Duke of York pub, this is a proper stylish boozer – think exposed brick walls and gastro pub vibes.
As you expect from a pub, they have a cracking selection of craft beers, spirits and affordable wine, as well as a cocktail list if you’re feeling a bit fruity. The outside seating will appeal to smokers and sunseekers alike.
In a similar vein as Flat Iron (who made a name for themselves with £10 steaks), Beef & Brew is reassuringly good value.
As you’d expect from the name, the menu is meaty – but not in a laddy, OTT kind of way. Sure there are the must-order beef brisket croquettes with a self-juicing jus which oozes when you bite into them BUT there’s also the lighter squid with pickled fennel & romesco. Order both for balance.
For mains you’re going to want to get in on the steak action though. Cuts start at a tenner for onglet, going up to around £19 for Chateaubriand & Sirloin. Our favourite was the latter, sourced from cows which have been reared to 14 years old (ancient in the cow world) in Galicia, Spain. Giving the animals longer to mature creates a marbled meat with a fuller flavour. It’s served medium-rare as standard and they won’t ruin it by cooking it any longer so don’t even think about asking. Add some sauce – chimichurri, peppercorn and hollandaise will set you back an extra £1.50 but we’d say are well worth it. Sides really cover all the basis with naughty chips, gravy & beer cheese and gnocchi ‘n’ cheese with jalapenos snuggling up against green salads and charred broccoli. We’d recommend the sweet potato, which is served as a baked jacket and loaded with coconut yoghurt. We reckon veggies will leave pleasantly surprised – especially for a steakhouse. They should try the half an aubergine, smoked with honey and miso for a umami hit.
We loved the old school ice cream sundaes for dessert. Make your own or go for the dream combo already dreamt up by B&B – pistachio, chocolate sorbet, poached cherries & chocolate sauce was divine.
With loads of great lunchtime and early bird deals on, as well as well priced roasts, Beef & Brew is a great local to have on your radar.
THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
