What can you tell us about Bird of Smithfield
This is the first solo venture by Alan Bird, the chef who worked for the Ivy for over 18 years. He calls it "a members club with no membership required".
Where is it?
On the south side of Smithfield in a Georgian townhouse overlooking the meat market. Set over five floors the building features a basement cocktail lounge, ground floor bar, first floor restaurant and second floor private dining space and terrace.
Where should I meet up with friends?
There are loads of places round here. Vivat Bacchus is just a few minutes away on Farringdon Road and there's also the newly revamped bar at Smith of Smithfield across the market. There's also a decent beer list at the close by Fox & Anchor on Charterhouse Street.
Where should I sit?
Tables up in the restaurant are well spaced apart but a little on the small side. We sat by the window which while it looks over the not-so-beautiful meat market was still good for people watching.
What should I order?
The shortish menu features a range of British seasonal dishes. We had the crispy Suffolk pork cheeks (£7.50) as well as the day's special, a competent chicken and apricot terrine with pistachio brioche which could have done with some chutney or relish as an accompaniment. Main courses were a step up and actually very well priced - we loved the Blythburgh pork belly and Welsh cockles served up with samphire and ramsons (£14.50). But most people will probably want a go at Alan's shepherd's pie at £12 - the dish he became famous for at the Ivy and well worth ordering here too.
Being incapable of seeing sea salt caramel on the menu and not ordering it, we obviously went for the Maldon sea salt and Cru Virunga chocolate crackling pot (£6.50) which was great. Not quite so special was the plum Bakewell tart with Cornish clotted cream (£5) which would have had Mary Berry raising an eyebrow over the thickness of the pastry.
What about the drink?
The cocktails list here has been put together by the people responsible for Purl in Marylebone. There were some interesting looking drinks on the Birdcage list but the bar was booked for a private party when we visited, so we didn't get the chance to try them. Instead we went for a very Summery (and very pink) Prosecco with rhubarb foam and another stiff drink we forgot to take the details down for, but which went down a treat.
The wine list was really good - loads to like and plenty at decent prices. Our Ribera al Duero was pretty good value we thought at £25.50 and both white and red lists had a few bottles under £20.
Overall
It was clear when we visited that Bird has a LOT of fans from his long tenure at the Ivy who are willing to step out of their comfort zone of the West End and head east to Smithfield for dinner. Restaurant staff in their tweedy waistcoats were a delight but there needs to be a little more coherance between the meet and greet folk and which floor you end up. The food is well priced, as is the wine list and we heard staff telling other customers of a plan to start serving BBQ on the terrace should the British summer ever turn up.
Bird of Smithfileld is at 26 Smithfield Street, London EC1A 9LB. Find out more about Bird of Smithfield
Prices were correct at time of writing. Hot Dinners were invited to eat at Bird of Smithfileld.
