Review of 'Pitt Cue Co. (NOW CLOSED)'

Walking in the front door of Pitt Cue I was wondering what we were getting ourselves into. The tiny ground floor on the corner of Newburgh and Ganton streets was crowded despite it being early in the evening with barely enough room for 10 people to stand around the bar located there. We were there just before the kitchen opened so they took our names for a table while we waited for drinks. While we waited we took a look at the menu photocopied onto half a piece of colourful paper complete with hand-written additions for “Today's Specials” (when we visited it was “Smoked Loin Chop” £12.5 and “Smoked Lamb Rump” £16.5). Ok, perhaps not the most professional look to it but the truth is in the food we told ourselves.

This was hard-core barbeque. No trimmings, just good, honest and simple food.

Eventually we were shown to our table down the narrow staircase adjacent to the bar (and wall). The small basement seats 18 people at three double tables and three tables that seat 4. Everyone that eats here shares tables due to the cramped nature of the place - Particularly as it is VERY popular. I had a clear view of the tiny kitchen through the door to it at the bottom of the staircase. The place was buzzing with excitement.

We were talked into a starter, “Crumbed Pigs Cheeks” (£5) which was delicious - Tender with a wonderful tangy sauce. If anything, I can only complain it was not larger with only three small nuggets of deliciousness. We were told that the “Chicken Nuggets with Kimchi” (£5.50) are also very good, so, well, next time…

I had the beef ribs (£13 which includes “house pickles” and a side, in my case I chose the “Bone Marrow Mash”) which were eventually brought to the table in an old-fashioned rectangular steep-sided white enamel pan. Amazing. Four large beef ribs done to perfection - Falling off the bone with a very nice sauce that set off the smokiness of the meat perfectly. The bone marrow mash was rich and wonderful yet, somehow, not completely overwhelmingly rich. Even the pickles were very tasty indeed. My wife had the “Pulled Pork (£11.50 which also included “house pickles” and she chose the side dish of “Smash Celeriac”) which was marinated in a heavenly sauce - tender and amazing. Her celeriac mash was also very good - simple though not exactly a flavour sensation.

For dessert we had a “Strawberry Mess” (£5) which was not on the menu (neither dessert made it to the short slip of paper) - A few strawberries with shortbread pieces and a massive slab of delicious fudge in the middle. Thank goodness we shared!

The simplicity of the surroundings adds to the charm of the place and certainly everyone was excited to be there. As each dish emerged from the kitchen you could see all of the other diners watching to see what it looked like and how was next in line to enjoy the delights. It was a bit tight with space but the food is definitely worth it! However, it is not as cheap as you might think with our dinner coming to more than £47 which included an “optional” £5.25 service charge - For two people, sharing an appetiser and dessert with only three soft drinks, this seems a bit expensive to me. But, oh dear, it is worth it…

Note that they DO accept credit and bank cards, but they DO NOT accept reservations so if you want to come, I would suggest you come early or be prepared to wait in a somewhat cramped bar area…Also, do not visit this restaurant if you have a large personal space or want a nice quiet dinner!

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2013-02-26


Cuisine: American/British

Address: 1 Newburgh Street, London W1F 7RB ENGLAND

Public Transport: TUBE Oxford Circus

Location: London (England) - Soho

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Telephone: +44 (0) 207 287 5578

URL: http://www.pittcue.co.uk/