Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton

Last Updated on January 10, 2020 by Fiona Maclean

A new brand of contemporary steakhouses – Bar + Block.

It can’t be denied that the casual dining environment in the UK these days is very sophisticated – we’re spoilt for choice with exotic cuisines from all around the world right on our doorsteps (or even delivered straight to our doorsteps).

The opening of the latest Bar + Block Steakhouse, however, proves that the popularity of a well-cooked steak hasn’t diminished – it’s still one of the most ordered meals in the country.

Now pretty much a national institution, for many of us a trip to a Beefeater was our first restaurant experience, a place where we would cut our dining out teeth on a great steak.

Since 2016 though, Beefeater’s owner Whitbread has been rolling out a more contemporary version of its restaurants across the country with the latest, Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton, making it number 12 (a Butcher’s Dozen?).

Centrally located in the town centre, Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton is a bright and airy space, featuring an attractively modern, bare brick and natural wood interior. Open all day early to late and suitable for just having drinks with friends or tucking into something more substantial, there’s a range of tables, including diner-style booths, all perfect for solo diners, couples or large family gatherings.

As well as being a destination in its own right, like its sister restaurants, Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton is teamed with the Premier Inn next door and acts as the hotel’s restaurant.

As for the food, there’s a really wide range of dishes on the A3 sized menu – grazing plates, salads, fish and vegetarian, grills and handmade burgers. If you’re not in the mood for beef, there’s lamb, duck and chicken. 

Of the grazing plates, crispy salt & pepper squid served with lemon and garlic mayo is a zingy crispy choice. Canadian scallops in garlic butter and served with crispy oak-smoked bacon and truffle flavoured mash are another hit.

Oh, and there’s steaks! Steaks galore!

The beef is from British breeds of cattle reared on South American grasslands, the cuts are all aged for at least 28 days and hand-cut in-house, so you can have your steak as big as you want it – just ask.

From rump to ribeye, fillet to sirloin, in addition to these classic cuts there’s also ‘‘Butcher’s Block’’ seasonal specials, such as a succulent Chateaubriand for two.

A particular feature of the menu are Speciality Cuts such as the spiral cut fillet, marinaded in garlic and parsley for 24 hours. (Cutting the meat this way makes the marinating process increase tenderness and flavour).  

It’s a very tasty dish, nicely enhanced by a generous sprinkle of crunchy samphire and chunky chips. Of the classic sauces on offer, Bearnaise is a good choice to accompany it.

In these diet-conscious days Bar + Block Steakhouse helpfully point out that all of their 8oz classic cuts are less than 600 calories if served with the house salad.

Other great-sounding speciality steaks include the Tira De Ancho, a 12oz spiral cut ribeye marinated in garlic, parsley and chilli, served with chimichurri, and the Argentine Picanha, a chargrilled 10oz steak again served with chimichurri.

As well as the daily menu, for those in a hurry, there’s Bar + Block’s Express Menu, available on weekdays from 11.30 am to 5 pm, which promises service in just 10 minutes and for less than a tenner. Weekends offer a bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-4 pm, as well as a Sunday Best served from noon and offering a choice of sliced picanha or lemon and thyme marinated chicken plus Yorkshire puds and roast potatoes.

When it comes to drinks, there’s a wide selection of craft beers and ciders, an attractive wine list and cocktails (half-price happy hour from 5 to 7 pm, Monday to Thursday) and on ‘‘Fizz Fridays’’ you can enjoy a bottle of Prosecco for just £18.

Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton only opened its doors on 1st November and to celebrate they are offering 40% off all main courses until 8th December. There’s not much time left, so sign up here to get your voucher and ‘’steak’’ your claim!

Bar + Block Steakhouse Sutton
St Nicholas Way
Sutton, London
SM1 1AT

For an alternative, check our review of Bar + Block Wimbledon. Or if you are looking for American style steaks, try Smith and Wollensky American Steakhouse in central London.  We’re also very taken by the Haymarket Wine House near Piccadilly – only one steak on offer, but an excellent selection of wines!