The top line: Beefbar at Dear Jackie sees Riviera-inspired dining brand Beefbar return to the capital. The slightly odd name is due to the fact that Beefbar has taken over the space that was home to Dear Jackie, an Italian restaurant that shares its name with a graphic novel, that occupies the plush basement spot of Broadwick Soho.
On the menu: The menu can well be described as expansive, covering everything from street food and pizzette to comfort food and burgers and quite a lot in between. Standout street food items include a 45-day dry-cured and smoked beef ribeye prosciutto with the option of adding a cheesy savoury panettone; the ‘bad boy bun’ comprising steamed bao buns filled with fried chicken cooked in wagyu tallow and finished with a szechuan pepper glaze; and braised pulled beef, manchego cheese and truffle quesadillas, while a wagyu and veal bolognese; wagyu shepherd’s pie; and Dear Jackie’s ‘nostalgic’ Milanese provide something a bit more comforting. People familiar with Beefbar, which was founded by Monaco-based entrepreneur Riccardo Giraudi in Monte Carlo in 2005 and which now has numerous sites across the world including Edinburgh, Italy, Hong Kong, Dubai and New York, will know that, as the name suggests, beef is its stock in trade, and there’s plenty of steak options on the menu as well. The impressive line-up includes British and Australian beef, Australian wagyu and a number of world-exclusive cuts including Kobe, Hida and Wine-Gyu. The wine offer is equally substantial and big hitting, with magnums of Dom Perignon on offer for £1,750 and a large selection of fine wines alongside a good range of French, Italian and New World options.
The vibe: The opulence of Dear Jackie has thankfully been retained, with its deep red walls and plush seating and ornate decor that includes numerous plates on the wall. In fact, the space is arguably one of London’s most beautiful and intimate dining rooms, where you can tuck yourself away into a subtly-lit nook, sink into a sofa and let the hospitality lap over you.
And another thing: The launch marks a return to London for the Beefbar brand, which previously operated Le Petit Beefbar in Chelsea before it closed in April this year.
20 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HT / www.broadwicksoho.com/beefbar