(January 2019) THERE is a new kid on the block in Leamington – and signs are this all-day dining steakhouse could be a welcome addition to the Parade.
‘Combining a destination restaurant with a bar fit for any occasion’ was the vision for Bar + Block and, on first impressions, I would say they are onto a winner.
Specialising in steaks, there is an ever-changing selection of hand-cuts, from rump to ribeye, and sirloin to Bar + Block’s signature cuts like marinated spiral-cut sirloin.
And steak aficionados can delight in the ‘Butcher’s Block’ featuring seasonal specials, each served with sides such as mushroom and truffle dauphinoise and sweet potato rosti.
There are very few affordable restaurants where you are invited to select your own size of cut, offering great flexibility on the palate and the pocket – especially if you have meat-munching teenagers in tow!
And there’s no bad time to visit if you’re a steak lover because even breakfast has been given a meaty makeover – The Bar + Block Works and steak and eggs are perfect for lazy weekend brunching.
But the extensive menu doesn’t end at steak. Plates like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, handmade beef burgers and a signature Sunday Roast Sharer are all up for grabs, alongside lighter dishes including tomato salsa, carrot and harissa dip, grilled veg and rocket.
The signature Mighty Block Burger lives up to its name – an 8oz hand-ground beef patty with cheese sauce, crispy onions, pulled beef brisket, pickled cucumber spear, shredded lettuce, tomato and our fiery black sauce.
But other interesting options include Deconstructed Beef Wellington; Tira De Ancho (14oz spiral cut ribeye marinated in garlic, parsley and chilli, served with chimichurri); Surf and Turf, right, (8oz sirloin topped with lobster tail and cooked in garlic butter over charcoal); Lamb Shoulder (24hr slow-cooked marinated lamb finished over charcoal and served with garlic sautéed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, green beans and rich Malbec sauce); and Pork Chop (served with crushed potatoes, garlic spinach and a rich Malbec sauce). If you come with a big appetite, the Mixed Grill – including a 4oz rump steak – looks tempting.
For those without a big appetite – or simply fulfilling their new year promises, there are also salads – and vegetarian options. But, unless you have a veggie among your group, I would say this restaurant is most fully appreciated by carnivores!
A small but delicious selection of desserts includes Salted Toffee Apple Crumble (which I polished off), Chocolate Churros Sundae (enjoyed by my husband) and Triple Chocolate Brownie and Sticky Toffee Pudding (which my sons devoured). Big thumbs up for all of these.
And if you’re in a hurry Bar + Block’s Express Menu, available from 11:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, will ensure rumbling stomachs are satisfied with a dish and a drink in just 10 minutes, for less than a tenner!
To wash it all down (although preferably not at breakfast time!) there is a selection of craft beers and ciders alongside a carefully curated wine list’, plus classic and contemporary cocktails – these are all half price from 5-7pm, Monday to Thursday.
Bar + Block Steakhouse in Regency Arcade (next to Premier Inn) is a cut above. And we will certainly be returning.
Visit their website here
