Review on Joe Allen
Originally tucked away in Exeter Street, Joe Allen the original American Brasserie that has been charming theatregoers since 1977 moved just 25 metres down the road to Burleigh Street in August 2017. This stalwart old timer has new owners at the helm, restaurateurs Lawrence Hartley and Tim Healy and they come on board with a wealth of experience between them. Lawrence, a former Maitre d' at The Ivy now owns the very popular French bistro, Brula in Twickenham, while Tim worked at a number of critically acclaimed restaurants including St John, before opening his Italian restaurant A Cena, also located in Twickenham.
The subterranean restaurant is being carefully tweaked to bring it into the 21st century, whilst retaining everything that has made it the much loved enduring fixture of London's West End. Exposed brick walls still showcase vintage theatrical posters from a bygone era, tables are laid with crisp white cloths and long aproned waiters attend to happy diners in a warm buzzy atmosphere, whilst Jimmy the pianist tinkles away in the background.
There's a strong emphasis on grills with steaks cut from 28-day aged Hereford cattle served with a choice of sauces. Elsewhere on the menu there's a starter of prawns on ice with cocktail sauce or maybe chopped liver with pickles. Main courses offer chilli con carne served with guacamole and sour cream and corn grits or for fish lovers there's organic salmon with roasted marinated tomatoes and olive oil mash. Indulgent desserts close proceeding with double chocolate and hazelnut ice cream with chocolate sauce or strawberry jelly paired with roast peanut ice cream.
The well balanced wine list offers plenty of choice by the bottle, carafe and glass, together with carefully crafted cocktails and American beers.
Cuisine
North American
Chef
Frans de Wet
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 8.O0am (9.00am Sat & Sun) through
Lunch: until
Dinner: 11.45pm (10.30pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express