insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 121

FOOD+DRINK EVERYTHING ON THE ‘PLUS’ SIDE AT BAR + BLOCK STEAKHOUSE SITUATED JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL STATION, ARRIVAL, TO BAR + BLOCK’S ORANGE AND WHITE STRIPED, CANOPIED CORNER ENTRANCE, TOOK BARELY 40 MINUTES FROM ASHFORD, COURTESY OF SOUTH EASTERN’S HIGH SPEED SERVICE. ELEVATING THIS STEAKHOUSE-COME-BAR FIRMLY TO THE POSITION OF EASY LONDON DINNER DESTINATION. BY SAMANTHA READY As the name suggests the principal behind Bar + Block is simple; a really good, lively bar; think high- backed leather bar stools, dark polished wood bar, industrial lighting, exposed brick and traditional dark blue tiling; which offers an array of signature cocktails, (which you can snare for half price on Mondays thru Thursdays between 5-7pm), as well as classic beers and wines, and an array of high quality steaks dominating a tastebud tempting menu. Block’s signature flavours came in the unlikely form of popcorn! The quirky beef salted bar snack became an instant hit whilst we perused the main menu. From the range of international starters with a focus on flavour, my guest picked the Middle Eastern king prawns, having been lured by the roasted red pepper, tomato, harissa, and garlic sauce, which came with stone baked flatbreads, whilst I opted for the crispy, oozy, mac and cheese bites. In keeping with the ‘block’ theme the main dining space is set with heavy parque wood finished tables and booths, surrounded by wooden, leather or suede chairs, as well as a semi-private dining ‘butcher’s block’ setting for twelve. Most of the tables, our own secluded booth included, offer views to the pass with it’s “Primed + Perfect” signage a foreteller to the dishes on offer. Mains, are of course, dominated by the steaks. The back of the menu, and a giant neon cow on the wall, helpfully gives loads of information about the range of classic cuts available, or you can be tempted by one of the specialty offerings such as ‘tria de ancho’ or the ‘picanha’, or indeed by the host of grills, burgers and fish options. Working our way through a sublime salted caramel espresso martini (yes it is as good as it sounds!) and a classic Mai Tai, our first introduction to Bar + We opted to go speciality, choosing the deconstructed beef wellington; with slices of perfectly cooked fillet topped with truffle mushrooms on discs of flaky pastry; and the spiral cut fillet; which allows the cleverly spiralled meat to soak up even more flavour from its 24 hour garlic and parsley marinade. Sides had to be the halloumi fries and beef dripping triple cooked chips, perfect for dipping in Bar + Block’s fiery black signature sauce! With menus that take you from breakfast steak + eggs, via express lunches to late night bar snacks, we look forward to returning again + again! Bar + Block 26-30 York Way Kings Cross London N1 9AA 0203 889 8888 [email protected] www.barandblock.co.uk barandblock THE BEST WAY TO GET TO LONDON Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating some 2,000 trains a day, including the high-speed from Ashford to St Pancras International in just 38 minutes. www.southeasternrailway.co.uk 113