94 Farringdon Road
EC1R 3EA
Tel: 020 7837 5093
The Victims: Too many to name. More than 15.
Date of Last Visit: Monday, March 14
I was actually feeling like having a steak today, so I was happy when we picked The Quality Steakhouse for dinner with our colleagues from around Europe and the US. After a quick Google, I was satisfied enough with the reviews I saw enough to look forward to the adventure.
Monday night–NOTa big night at The Quality Steakhouse. But that was to our benefit as service was quick, friendly, and well quick. Food came in a jiffy, and I was home by 9:40 (7 pm booking). Syl and I both had the baby squid and sausage starters–very, very yummy, although I was instantly jealouse of Lee’s goat cheese salad. I don’t know if I could have eaten Martine’s starter–a half an avocado and prawns. Yikes. I only like avocado in small doses.
We let Hans choose the wine, and he did a fanstastic job. I believe we had the Cruz Hermitage. (But I believe there are many Cruz Hermitages, so hmmm.) I am butchering the spelling of Cruz. But it was quite lovely. And only 27 GBP a bottle. Syl requested that we come in down in price for our 2nd bottle, so we let him order the Pinot, but we were very upset with the results. The Hermitage was just so perfect.
Dinner–I had the sausage and mash. This is a comfort food kind of place. Lee had the corned beef hash. I considered the chicken and leek pie. I love pies. My sausage was good–filling. My mashed potatoes–not flavorful enough, and no butter on the side. Then again, I didn’t ask. Ketil got the steak and frites, and it looked lovely–nice and straightforward. I was somewhat jealous!
Big drawback: the church pews. People from 160 years ago had very small butts. We were all very tense by the time the night was through. We just couldn’t relax because our muscles were way too tight, supporting ourselves. Luckily though, this meant dinner was a short affair.
The Verdict: I can’t decide. My starter was yummy, my butt was miserable. My sausage and mash was good, but not great. The wine was lovely. Really, it’s an hour later and my butt still hurts, so no resounding recommendation right now, but maybe some day, should you have some older folks in town and want a nice traditional food kind of place, you should check this place out.
