Runners up in the Evening Standard Pub of The Year Award 2001, Smiths Of Smithfield has four floors. On the first floor, they have a champagne reception area as well as a private function room. The second floor consists of a brasserie dining room serving a variety of modern English dishes and the third floor is a specialist restaurant serving a wide range of dishes. Downstairs in the basement area is a lively bar and cafe serving a variety of snacks.
Smiths Of Smithfield Picture Gallery
All In London Review
It’s nigh on impossible to spend any time in Farringdon and not pay a visit to Smiths of Smithfield
It’s nigh on impossible to spend any time in Farringdon and not pay a visit to Smiths of Smithfield. The absolute behemoth of a space takes in four floors of food and drink and, following a recent refurbishment by new owners Young’s, each floor now offers a different unique experience including all-day and eatery, luxe cocktail bar, classic British grill and top end restaurant.
The Grill was the subject of this particular visit, a second floor space overlooking Smithfield market offering classic British dishes championing the best of British meat, a superb selection of which can be seen in the fridge. Diners can choose from a 28-day aged ribeye, fillet or sirloin, or if you’re down for sharing, Scotch chateaubriand, côte de boeuf or T-bone. Not for the fainthearted, a ultimate mixed grill features lamb chops, hanger steak, butcher's sausage, smoked pork loin steak, bone marrow, roast onion, grilled tomato, beef dripping chips, fried hen's egg and watercress - so far, so meaty.
Having said that, seafood was the name of the game to start as both myself and my guest chose the irresistible sounding seared Cornish scallops, with a sprinkling off crispy smoked bacon loin crumb - adding an extra dimension of crunch - smashed new season peas and a dreamy lobster sauce.
The fillet steak ordered medium, although packed with flavour, arrived medium well - possibly a misheard request, but given she on the other side of the table didn’t speak up until it was too late we’ll never know. The rosemary fries had all but a hint of the herb to them and while the apparently ‘Diane’ sauce was deemed a delicious accompaniment it seemed a far cry from a normal Diane, given it was a sticky, dark almost plum-flavoured accompaniment. Perhaps they have their own recipe. Perhaps the chef is confused about his sauces. Either way it was unexpected. A roasted nettle-crusted Hampshire lamb rack fared a better choice of main, tender and juicy with Jersey Royals and minted peas.
The sticky toffee pudding we chose for dessert didn’t offer all that much flavour, it almost tasted a little shop-bought, but the Snickers cheesecake special certainly made up for it. It was a dream of a dessert.
Despite it being a half-empty weeknight evening service was slow, putting a bit of a dampener on the meal. Whilst we weren’t screaming its praises from the rooftops and the steak undoubtedly would have been enjoyed more were it cooked less, The Grill will no doubt continue to lure in the punters; it’s got the planning of these Great British dishes nailed, it perhaps just needs a little chivvy along with the execution.
At Smiths of Smithfield the first thing that hits you is its size. It is a mammoth foodie spot that caters for the tastes of, well, as many people as possible. But we’re interested in the steak and as culinary king its place is on the third floor (the top floor) where you’ll also find views across the market. Prices are high but you’re on the fine dining level of Jon Torode’s place, so they are to be expected. The shorthorn sirloin is very good but if you’re with a partner and both in the mood for meat then you <i>have</i> to share the cote de boeuf or the chateaubriand.
User Reviews
prettypretentious
Oct 16, 2011
Adam and I are self-named ‘ethicureans’ and only eat free range meat, and fish that’s line caught and responsibly sourced, so dining out for us is often a disappointment as we forego the amazing looking meat and fish dishes in exchange for a vegetarian meal which fits in with our rules. When we first heard we were going to SOS though we made a quick phone call and found that all their meat is in fact free range….not just ‘British’ or ‘outdoor bred’.
So, that box ticked, we arrived to the buzzing ground floor bar for arrival drinks before heading upstairs (in the trendily red-quilt-lined lift) to our table situated between the open kitchen and a vast well overlooking the floor below. These, and the other busy tables made for a great atmosphere in what is actually a pretty large restaurant (130 covers), and the attentive and knowledgeable staff certainly helped too.
Last night, having nearly spoiled our dinner on a rather-too-large lunch, Adam and I opted out of starters….although I couldn’t resist a few excellent Rock Oysters with sherry vinaigrette (£2.20 each) whilst everyone had their gorgeous looking Dorset Crab & Cox Apple on Toasted Sourdough (£9) and Cream of Cauliflower with Cheese Puffs (£5). Onto mains though and ‘eating light’ soon went out of the window as we were determined to make the most of our meaty feast. Adam chose the South Devon Rib Steak (Aged 21 Days), with Chips & Mayo (£17.50) which was served beautifully pink and perfectly succulent. For me, it was the Rosé Veal in Egg & Parmesan, with Rocket & Anchovies (£16) and although it wasn’t a pretty plate (I’m not a rocket person, and the veal was completely covered in the egg like a sort of omlettey schnitzel) the veal was tender and tasty….as was my side order of wonderfully silky mash (£2.50).And by the time we’d finished chatting the place was nearly empty, but with no less atmosphere for it…and so we left pleasantly full and rather jolly, vowing not to leave it so long until our next visi
Had a really brilliant meal here on the Top Floor on Saturday night. It's a lovely buzzy room with great views over London and really good friendly staff. The steaks are really stunning, but those of us who chose a less carnivorous path were by no means disappointed - the standard of all the dishes the 4 of us had was really excellent. I hadn't been here for a few years and am really regretting it as I feel like I've missed out on many lovely meals. I won't be making the same mistake again and am already planning my next trip.
Food ok, although not good value for money. Service was average. Very busy. Mayhem outside due to number minicabs that work from the restaurant. Wont be going back for a while.
I really liked this place - great interiors across three floors and good service. I admit that the prices are relatively high, but this is central London and it is an impressive venue. I don't know what the other reviewer meant by the standards there, as it was always impeccable when I went (I worked near there so went quite a bit).
I visited this place with a group of friends, the atmosphere was ok and the food was pretty average. I didn't feel that the place lived up to it's reputation, the food was nice but for the price, I would expect more.
Sevice was good - but that was about the only plus point to visiting this restaurant.
The food was mediocre to say the least - I can't believe I was actually looking forward to it. This place has been over-hyped, most people must be leaving dissappointed.
I went for dinner at Smith's last night. Where as well as seeing mice, two out of seven of our table have now contracted food poisoning.
When you are paying over £50 a head - you deserve the right to expect alot more.
Though they will not apologise for the illnees they have caused, they do admit that they have a rhodent problem. They put it down to being "near a tube station".... I am not sure they have ever heard of hygiene or health and safety, but maybe this is where their problem lies.
This is a great place with 3 different floors serving different types of food, for different budgets.... I haven't saved up enough to go to the top floor yet, but the other 2 were certainly pretty good. The atmosphere's really good too although don't come here for a quiet drink - it's always heaving!
