The Grill On The Market opened late last year in Smithfield, once the site of bloody executions the area is now home to media creatives who can afford big rents and of course the early morning meat market. The new laid back gastro-pub slash restaurant pays homage to the areas meaty traditions with a menu which features hearty grub and plenty of booze.
The bar is set out into two sections, a front bar area which is slightly less formal (and attractive) than the restaurant area which feels more cosy and comfy with big booths, quirky lighting and the good old exposed brickwork.
We dived straight in with a Sloe Gin Crush, a fruity, sweet, short drink and some garlic bread rub, a DIY garlic bread which consisted of a couple of pieces of toast, half a garlic bulb and some olive oil.
To follow the Scottish mussels were fat, juicy mussels which were clearly very fresh but could have perhaps done with more seasoning in the sauce. Whilst the grilled Mackerel with tomatoes, herbs and rape seed oil was a very generous portion, two huge pieces of mackerel sitting on top of a mound of soft tomatoes.
The Steak Sandwich was a mixture of steak, peppers and onions stuffed inside a rustic brown roll, and on reflection was a little disappointing, the home cut chips on the other hand were quite the dream.
Warm chocolate fudge cake and ice-cream was perfectly sweet whilst the DIY affogato which came with a shot of coffee, amaretto and ball of ice-cream was a conversation starter. A good dessert option for a first date which isn’t really going anywhere. In fact with a menu so vast and uncomplicated The Grill On The Market makes a fail safe date spot.
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The Grill On The Market 2-3 West Smithfield, EC1 9JX
www.blackhouse.uk.com