Found in the bustling Borough Market trap, Black & Blue offers high style and fine wine but lacks some of the ‘food lover’ charm and charisma of the surrounding area.

The Venue
Borough Market is a charming area for pre or post-dinner drinks with its cute, cobbled streets and smattering of unique bars and restaurants. Black & Blue is just off the marketplace (packed with foodies by day) and takes on a swish, designer look not only through its impressive architecture but also through its smartly dressed clientele that immediately set the tone.

An archway of exposed brickwork gives it a certain grandeur and this is combined with high glass windows and chic leather seating. Cow-themed pop art decorates the walls and a giant Cow Parade-esque cow sits in the window overlooking the market, adding an arty touch that completes the city designer feel. Bookings are only taken for six or over, and if you’re a party of less make sure you come early as Black & Blue fills up quickly, although you can enjoy the bar while you wait.

The Atmosphere
Leather booths make this restaurant ideal for dates or intimate gatherings of close friends and family. The restaurant service errs on being over attentive with too many waiters per diner and a subtle pressure to speed up the ordering process - which is useful if you only have limited time, but not if you want to relax over your meal.

The Food
Starters are reminiscent of a chic gastro pub with options like crispy chicken wings with salt and lime, tortilla chips with nacho dips, soup with brioche and juicy olives (if you’re more interested in filling up on the mains!). These are priced between £3 and £9.

On to the mains and it’s hard to look at anything else on the menu but steak, as this is what Black & Blue is known for - Black for well done and Blue for rare (everyone has a preference!). Each steak comes with a serving of well-cooked fries, a selection of sauces (thick, rich and tangy peppercorn, garlic and herb butter, bearnaise or foie gras for extra va va voom), dips and a house salad of lettuce, walnuts and grated mature cheese for pleasant tanginess. Choose from all the classics - Sirloin (not too thick, not too thin, not too fatty and full of flavour), Ribeye, Fillet, T-Bone, Cote de Boeuf and Rump (firm and very meaty) - priced £14 - £26.

Alternatively if steak’s not your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a selection of burgers, salads chargrilled meat and fish - all priced at £9 - £16. But if meat’s not your thing either, the only vegetarian option is a vegetarian burger so you won’t be spoilt for choice.

Desserts include a classically fresh New York cheesecake, warm honey-sweet apple and almond pie or play the kid with a large ice cream sundae (£6). Other options include a cheeseboard or a sweet tipple of dessert wine.

The Drink
A nice glass of red wine marries perfectly with steak and you won’t be disappointed here. Try a New Zealand Pinot Noir, Argentinian Malbec or South African Shiraz by the glass (£5 - £10) or bottle (£15 - £70). If you want to accompany fish, chicken or a salad, you may prefer a lighter white or rose wine, such as French Sancerre or Italian Pinot Grigio (£5 - £11 by the glass or £17 - £46). For a special occasion, there is also Champagne.

The Last Word
If you like your meat, your style and your wine, then this may be the place for you. However, if you prefer a cosier, more intimate setting, then Borough Market offers plenty more places to whet your appetite.

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