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Black and Blue

Finding the perfect steak is often a gamble - too much marbling can result in a fatty cut, gristly and sinewy steak is a complete turn off and over cooked meat can often be too tough to handle. However, after a long search and several steak dinners I have finally found a steakhouse to rival all others. Black and Blue located in the leafy lusciousness of Belsize Park is a true gem. Sourcing prime beef from Yorkshire and Lancashire, the meat is dry aged and tenderized for a minimum of 28 days before it arrives in any of our kitchens ensuring all steaks are the finest quality.

From minced patties formed into hunking great burgers brimming with toppings, ranging from a slice of Mexico - guacamole to the extravagant - foie gras, to pure sensational steaks - you'll be spoilt for choice. Depending on hunger, Black and Blue cater for all, from 400g T-bones to 180g sirloins. Plus, for those true romantics the cote be boeuf at an extremely affordable £26 is ideal for sharing. 

If you can contain your excitement for the main event, Black and Blue's starters are worth sampling. We ordered King Prawn Char-Grilled with Garlic Butter and Salt and Spicy Mini Chicken Wings. Both divinely moorish, the prawns were indeed giant and were extremely succulent while the mini chicken wings ached with flavours of the orient.  

The filet steak in all its petite state was true perfection. Ordered medium rare, the gorgeous medallion of beef was seared to a perfect burgundy revealing a juicy middle of a beautiful ruby red. Tender and juicy, the beef sliced like a dream into the perfect

bitesized morsels. Whether you love to slather your steak in sauce of delicately dip each bite to add flavour, I thoroughly recommend the peppercorn sauce. Not too piquant, whole peppercorns add a kick of spice and are ideal for dipping the chunky chips served with each steak. For those after a something a little more luxe, my boyfriend couldn't resist the creaminess of the bernaise sauce. While sides such a spinach, maris piper potatoes and mushrooms can be piled on for the extra ravenous, Black and Blue are extremely generous with their sides with towering chips and a bountiful bowl of salad dressed with cheese and walnuts. 

For those of a carnivorous nature who fancy something other than steak, Black and Blue have a fantastic array of fish and poultry including a taste of Italy with Chicken Genovese with basil and pesto and a plump salmon steak peppered with a fiery horseradish.

Lovers of the rich and creamy Caesar salad will adore the eateries five varieties on offer from the classic chicken Caesar to in true Black and Blue fashion a sumptuous steak salad with hunks of meaty goodness sliced on a bed of romaine lettuce laced with a luxurious Caesar dressing.

If you're one for full on indulgence, make sure you don't leave without sampling their lavish desserts. While the steak had conquered most of our appetite, we couldn't resist dessert! The Ice Cream Sundae was a fountain of fabulousity - scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream were adorned with a mountainous ice cap of cream dotted with fresh raspberries, redcurrants and blueberries. The cherry on the top didn't come in a fruity form but a small pot of the darkest, richest chocolate sauce I have ever encountered - pure heaven. Two spoons and a lot of 'mmming' and 'ahhhing' later we'd conquered the sundae with replete satisfaction!

So if you're looking for sumptuous steaks in suburbia, take a trip to Black and Blue. Guaranteed not to bruise wallets but assured to tempt tastebuds with service with a smile, this steakhouse is a honest, meaty hunk of deliciousness.

Black & Blue Steakhouse
205-207 Haverstock Hill
London NW3 4QG

T: 020 7443 7744
Nearest tube stop: Belsize Park

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