Smithfield Bar & Grill

My wife and I went for the first time. it was a Friday evening.
The bar was ‘buzzing’ when we arrived and the restaurant almost filled up while we were there. We really enjoyed the visit and will definitely go again with our 20's children (we are in our 50's.)

They have a club membership scheme apparently which gives discounts for regulars that we will probably join.

Points to mention:

• the style of the place is not quite up to the ‘glitz’ of Gaucho but not far off. Although if I tried to describe it, it might sound naff but it works!
• the service was excellent, plenty of people around and our waiter drew our attention to the wine of the month (South African) which was £15 cheaper than the one we were about to choose, which was excellent. That is a very good sign!
• the food was good and, by London standards, reasonable value. We ate a starter (squid and battered prawns) followed by rib-eye and filet steaks. All cooked to our liking. Our only negative point was that the sauces for the steaks were very disappointing. Approach these with care would be our view although clearly it is a personal choice.
• there was a live band playing in the bar (Wed to Fridays apparently) who played great music at a sound level that could be heard clearly but not so loud that we couldn't speak.
• instead of having a dessert we moved to the bar and had cocktails (plenty of choice), whilst listening to the live music.
  

It was fun!

We were a little concerned when the table seated next to us got up to leave before even ordering; what did this mean? Only that they had come in thinking it was Smith's of Smithfield. If I had been brave enough, I would have urged them to stay; having eaten at both, the food at the Bar & Grill is much better value for money.
The restaurant is at the back and was relatively quiet last night, just a few other couples and a large but restrained group of men. Huge black leather banquettes encircle the room, the dark walls lined with mirrors and bling-esque chanderliers hanging from the ceiling. While this is a meat place, there are plenty of fish and veggie dishes but there is little doubt that you come here for the red meat. Starters arrived promptly; fried calamari and garlic roasted mushrooms were generous and nicely seasoned. The rib-eye was cooked perfectly and well-sized, accompanied by rather moreish chunky chips. In the mood for something a little lighter, I opted for the seafood skewer; tasty but sadly, a little overcooked. Too full for dessert (which, on sight, looked pretty good), we finished the meal with a couple of cocktails which were up to standard. The drinks list is huge and we could have happily removed ourselves to the bar for further refreshment but for the prices, albeit pretty standard for London! Overall, it isn't cheap here (mains mostly in the £10-20 bracket) but where in London can you get a decent steak for less than that? If you sign up as a member on their website, there are often discounts on offer which does make this place an attractive and moderately priced option for a Saturday night out.