Places To Eat: The Meat Co Review – Internationally Renowned Steakhouse Chain At Westfield London

With the Summer Holidays in full swing Parents, Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents, older siblings and Guardians will no doubt be wracking their brains attempting to come up with new ways to entertain the younger generation during the 6 weeks off school, especially those under the age of 10. You may have already spared a thought in taking your little ones with you to a restaurant for a nice family meal but are perhaps put off by the lack of a child friendly atmosphere coupled with the alarming rate our little people get bored! Fear not as I may have just found the perfect child friendly restaurant in the form of The Meat Co.

A few months ago, I was given the awesome opportunity to dine at The Meat Co Westfield London, the UK’s only branch of an internationally renowned steakhouse chain. With an ever generous limit of £250.00 there was no way my other half and I could eat that much food so instantly thought to make a family night of the experience by inviting my other half’s Mother, Sister and his 5 year old Foster Brother.

We arrived shortly before our reservation time of 7pm which allowed us to take in the ever stunning decor and interior. This restaurant had a very chilled out, calm, relaxing atmosphere and counted ourselves very fortunate that it was not overly busy and crowded. After walking up a few flights of stairs we entered the main restaurant, checked in and were swiftly shown to our reserved table.

I particularly liked the way the female waiter (unfortunately I didn’t catch her name) engaged with our Foster Brother, asking him about his day whilst settling him in on the chair with added cushions so he could comfortably reach the table. He was also given an A4 sized colouring in book accompanied with a selection of crayons.

As we all browsed the extensive menu, pondering over which starters to indulge in whilst our little bro set about colouring in, our waiter for the evening AJ came over to introduce himself. We collectively decided to order a childs meal first, as we didn’t want him getting too hungry and restless so a one off treat, he chose to have a cheese burger with fries and a fresh orange juice. His food came in little under 8 minutes and with a happy smiling 5 year our evening at The Meat Co was off to a good start!

Things only got better went our Entrees arrived! Salt and Pepper Calamari, Peri-Peri Prawns and BBQ Chicken Wings with helpings of softest Cheesy Garlic bread I have ever tasted! We sampled each other’s entrees and must say that I was left disappointed that I did not opt for the crispy but ever tender and pineapple scored Salt and Pepper Calamari.

My other half other and his Mother made a great choice with their marinated BBQ Chicken Wings but did not like the blue cheese sauce it was served with as I am extremely fussy when it comes to cheeses other than cheddar or mozzarella. My Peri-Peri Prawns were nice, but felt the prawns drowned in the over generous serving of garlic and peri-peri sauce. This dish is served with rice and therefore felt it was more suited to main course rather than an entree, so was somewhat reluctant to finish it knowing I still had mains and dessert to consider.

By the time we finished our starters AJ came over to our table and asked if our foster brother wanted dessert to which he excitedly replied ‘Jelly and Ice Cream please’. With no jelly on the menu he settled for two small scoops of Strawberry Ice Cream and couldn’t wait to tuck in after an approximate 2 minute wait. Just as we had finished confirming our orders for the main course, the sound of a plate crashing on floor instantly followed with wails of a small child filled our part of the restaurant. Our foster brother had accidentally dropped his ice cream on the floor having struggled to separate the frozen scoops and place it onto his oversized spoon. Assuming he had lost his chance to enjoy his dessert he was now crying in despair.

The waiters however, were incredibly quick to react and dealt with the situation at hand whilst AJ came over to reassure our upset brother not to cry as another serving of ice cream was on its way. I particularly liked that the staff learned from this experience and gave him a smaller, manageable spoon and bigger bowl to eat out of the second time around. For me, this earned the restaurant extra brownie points. Tears dried with a now a happy and content 5 year old, our mains were ready to be served.

With soooo much choice I got somewhat overwhelmed and my decision ended up being influenced by seeing the Hanging Lamb Chopped Skewers coming straight of the kitchen onto another diners table. Ironically, my sis and mother in law also chose the same main with the Mr opting for the Meat Rib Burger.

Now the flame grilled lamb chops, marinated with ancient herbs and spices served on a bed of creamy mash potato and mint yoghurt was delicious, but must say I do regret playing it safe that night as opposed to trying something new. The Mr’s Meat Rib Burger however was out of this world! *no exaggeration*

He opted for the double, and was grateful to get a taste. The little bit of the burger I did try was succulent, flavourful, mouth-watering and the boneless meat was cooked to absolute perfection! Just close your eyes for a second and imagine tucking into “boneless beef rib meat with crisp lettuce, tomato, fresh onion, pink sauce and caramelized onions, topped with baked garlic and marinated Portobello mushroom” Absolutely divine.

Various sides filled our table including generous sized portions of Onion Rings, Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Mushrooms. I don’t ever recall being as stuffed as I was that evening and my failed attempt to finish my main and sides called for a much needed break.

We took this opportunity to talk amongst ourselves whilst sipping on some delightful mocktails. Approximately 20 minutes must have gone by before we collectively was ready to attempt the dessert menu. Crème Brûlée, Hot Chocolate Fondant and Peanut Butter Cheesecake was ordered and can honestly confirm, The Meat Co’s dessert menu does not fall short in satisfying its customers.

Whilst I didn’t get to try other half’s dessert, the Mr spoke highly of his crème brûlée infused with Madagascan vanilla bean, served with a spiced sweet pastry and strawberry sorbet. This was his first time trying such a dessert but was blown away by how delightful it tasted.

The warm dark chocolate fondant with white chocolate served with pistachio ice cream more than satisfied his Sister and Mother’s sweet tooth craving whilst my Peanut Butter Cheesecake drizzled with rich dark chocolate sauce brought me nothing but sheer joy and bliss with every mouthful.

Bellies full and taste buds satisfied we concluded our wonderful experience to drink some hot water. At this point, the Assistant Store Manager Tiago came over and introduced himself, eager to know how our dining experience was. Positive feedback received, he took the time out to sit down with us and speak about his heritage and career.

It was inspiring to learn that he came to live in this country from native Brazil over a decade ago working as a cleaner at this company before it became The Meat Co and over the years, progressed up the career ladder where he is now the Assistant Store Manager for an internationally renowned steakhouse chain that has already taken four continents by storm.

It is fair to say my family and I, including our foster brother had a wonderful experience at The Meat Co. The venue, general ambiance and African inspired warm décor of soft brown hues with bursts of orange and yellow made the restaurant inviting and homely. The food was exceptional to say the least and all of the staff we encountered during our visit were polite, friendly and very knowledgeable on the food and drink front, something I’ve rarely experienced throughout my time eating out. The waiters and waitresses, AJ in particular, were extremely attentive and never did we at any point feel rushed throughout the duration of our meal. A 10 / 10 rating!

Not only is The Meat Co child and family friendly (a major plus for me), it also serves as a fantastic venue to host a celebratory meal, a get together with friends or intimate dining with your other half.

You’ll be pleased to know that children under the age of 12 dine free at The Meat Co, providing that an adult main course is ordered from the Al La Carta Menu, making it even more of an incentive to make a special trip to West London and dine at this outstanding steakhouse.

If you are inspired to visit this impressive steakhouse chain after reading this review, The Meat Co can be found online by visiting The Meat Co website, The Meat Co Facebook or by simply following them on Twitter.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post nor has any money been exchanged. My guests and I received a complimentary meal in exchange for a review. All views expressed in this article are honest and entirely my own.