The Quality Chop House

Chop life 

Mangalitza pork steak

Quality Chop House, the iconic British chophouse and wine bar is a proper institution in Farringdon. The restaurant takes British chops and steaks in a serious manner while retaining the essence of British cuisine. Recently, it also has launched a wine bar next door with more casual small plates offering. Quality Chop House's kitchen is run by Shaun Searley, you can see plenty of steaks on the menu, as well as traditional offerings such as game terrine and black pudding. For my 3rd visit to Quality Chop House, I secured an evening in the private room, which offers a feasting menu with a selection of sharing starters, a main, and a dessert.

Pig head croquette & Smoked cod’s roe

Middle White pork & prune terrine, pickles & mustard

Vesuvio tomato, mozzarella, yellow peach, mint

I was a big fan of the Middle White pork & prune terrine starter, the prune's sweetness offsets the bitterness and gaminess which you would normally find in a terrine. The filling was light and smooth but still retained the texture of the pork, it was very enjoyable. The main was a pork showstopper, it was served in 2 ways, a plate of steak-like Mangalitza, as well a stunning looking Iron aged crossbreed of loin chop. The mangalitza indeed tasted like a fine piece of steak, it had a rich, robust meaty flavour with such a good ratio of meat and fat. The iron age was even better, seasoned perfectly with a melting texture, it felt like tasting the pork version of wagyu, these porks are up there with the Iberico breed, it was amazing.

Confit potatoes

Iron age loin chops

Fig & almond tart, fig leaf ice cream

The evening was such an enjoyable occasion, great service with some really top-notch British cooking, and I had nothing but love for those pork dishes. Due to availability form farmers, those special pork cuts are not always on offer from the restaurant, but those are a must-try if you do see it on the menu. There are many great steak restaurants in London, but not many can produce exceptional pork dishes like The Quality Chop House. That alone warrants a visit in itself. 

Food 4/5

What I paid:
£74

Average cost without drinks and services:
£54

88-94 Farringdon Rd, Farringdon, London EC1R 3EA

https://thequalitychophouse.com/