Meat People

Restaurants

Restaurants and cafés

4-6 Essex Road

Rob Greig

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Time Out says

Fri Feb 3 2012

Alfredo’s, then a little S&M (the former Sausage & Mash café, that is): as Islington landmarks go, this position is a prime cut, now carved out by Meat People. The 1920s Grade II-listed building with its tiled ceiling, wooden panelling and steel-framed windows still evokes the ocean-liner era, even with its vibrant yellow banquettes.

The current trend for steak and burger places means that competition in now hotter than a Josper grill. Meat People is no Hawksmoor or Meat Liquor, though – it’s a neighbourhood joint.

We opted for the Meat People Platter, a board bearing a selection of their main courses: slow-grilled beef short ribs, onglet steak and Iberico pork. The standout piece was the onglet, tender and yielding and cooked medium-rare as requested. The other two cuts had had a less profitable time on the grill. The pork was too blackened – the charring overpowered rather than offset the cut’s underlying flavour. The rib meat required a few chews too many, but the chimichurri garnish was good.

Beetroot and a handful of broad beans, although incongruously cold, nicely accompanied the pan-fried sea bream. The most exciting part of the dish was the huacaina sauce, a Peruvian mix that included white cheese and yellow chilli.

This is not a Latin American restaurant, but the chef happens to be Argentinian. A South American influence continued into the light desserts. Slices of caramelised banana were joined by a creamy scoop of dulce de leche ice cream, and slivers of lime rind brought alive a pear poached in Malbec, cinnamon and star anise. A filo tower with whipped cream and fruit compote had surprising finesse for a steakhouse.

This is a steakhouse, so it’s no surprise the sole vegetarian option is an uninspired mushroom risotto.

The quality of steaks in London at the moment is so high that standing out might be difficult for Meat People. But if it concentrates on making sure the standard of meat and cookery is consistently good, the carnivores of Islington may never have to leave N1.

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Benefit
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£10 for starter and main

Please present your Time Out Card upon arrival. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer is subject to availability.

Offer expires 30 April 2014. This offer can be redeemed on Wed, Thu, Fri between noon and 3pm.
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- Drinks
Free Bucks Fizz when having brunch

Valid for parties of 2 - 6 people. Must order a minimum of one brunch item per person to receive one free drink.

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Venue location

Address:
Meat People 4-6 Essex Road
N1 8LN

Phone:
020 7359 5361
Website:
www.meatpeople.co.uk
Opening hours:
Open noon-3pm, 6-10.30pm Mon-Sat; noon-9pm Sun
Transport:
Tube: Angel tube
Price:
Meal for two with drinks and service: around £70.
Map
1. Meat People
  - 4-6 Essex Road
    N1 8LN
  - 020 7359 5361
  - www.meatpeople.co.uk
  - 51.536573,-0.101072

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Eating and drinking facilities. Café

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Comments & ratings

(36 ratings)

Quality cuts of meats and great location. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Isabella About 6 days ago
Rated as: 5/5
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Lovely little restaurant, friendly and welcoming staff, the steak was amazing.. Will recommend it to anyone and I will be going back myself.

Ortiz Fri Apr 19
Rated as: 5/5
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Great little restuarant - well located - great food and good ambiance inside. Steak was divine.

Dannielle Tue Apr 2
Rated as: 4/5
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Great little restuarant - well located - great food and good ambiance inside. Steak was divine.

Danielle H Tue Apr 2
Rated as: 4/5
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Great little restuarant - well located - great food and good ambiance inside. Steak was divine.

Danielle H Tue Apr 2
Rated as: 4/5
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Great little restuarant - well located - great food and good ambiance inside. Steak was divine.

Danielle H Tue Apr 2
Rated as: 4/5
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I would say this is a good place to go for food overall. It has a very friendly service and great steak. Clean too :)

Joan Martins Tue Mar 26
Rated as: 4/5
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Yep i'd agree with the previous comment, really friendly staff, some well cooked meat and some great wines reasonably priced. would defineteley recommened

Dan Thu Mar 21
Rated as: 4/5
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I can definately recommend this place. It provides great service, quality cuts of meat and a rare ambiance that not a lot of places have. We have become regulars here at Meat People as it stands out from other places - as it is not too over the top - it's good quality food, friendly staff in a comfortable environment.

Tom S Tue Mar 19
Rated as: 4/5
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When we arrived the restaurant was really busy so I was seated in the bar area - I didn't like to have to wait - although we hadn't made a reservation in advance. Overall the food was great and the girl who was serving us was nice and friendly. The wait wasn't too long at all - but I would recommend to make a reservation if you're coming here as it gets quite busy. Thanks, Helen.

H Little Tue Mar 12
Rated as: 4/5
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Meat People

Time Out rating:

User ratings:

Time Out says

Accepts Time Out Card

£10 for starter and main

Free Bucks Fizz when having brunch

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