If there is one meal I never like to turn down it is BBQ, the intoxicating aroma of chargrilled meats never fails to float my boat. So when I got invited to check out the latest location of Flank, I was powerless to resist. The BBQ chain first started out with a stall in Spitalfields before opening a second in the food market by Victoria station, and recently began a residency in Stratford at The Print Shop.
The new venture takes place at the Print Shop located on the dual carriageway just outside Stratford. Once through the door way though you forget about its less than glamorous motorway location as you take in the industrial chic vibes, leather chesterfield armchairs, and cozy booths. Since it was a press launch we were given a special meal, however most of the items are on the main menu and were the correct portion sizes.
We kicked off with a welcome Negroni (£8.50), from their spectacular bar, however it was my second cocktail that I couldn’t stop thinking about. The Rhubarb & Mint Smash (£9) was absolutely phenomenal. The unique flavour of the rhubarb gin really knocked my socks off – it was so good I ordered two more!
We were given a medley of starters to kick off the evening. This included the Pigs Head & Trotters Sub (£7). I have to confess I was not looking forward to eating pig’s head and feet, but it looked must less daunting in the flesh and was pretty tasty. The Burnt Ends Beef Nan (£8) were really sensational. The smoked beef was paired with the most amazing beef fat nan bread, that bordered on the heavenly – thanks in part to the very interesting twist of being served with a spicy sambal sauce. The Devilled Eggs (£3), were not quite so good. The eggs were simply soft boiled and topped with a little meat, and there was nothing devilish about them at all.
After the starters it was on to the main courses. The dish that really did it for me was the Half Duck & Curry Pot (£28). I don’t think I would have ordered this if it hadn’t being given to us, but I would really have missed out. The duck was tender and melt in the mouth whilst the curry had up front flavour with a little kick of heat at the end. It paired beautifully with the Pork Lardo Sticky Rice (£3).
I don’t think I could forget the Galloway Sticky Glazed Short Rib (£22). There was nothing short about this rib. It was the size of my arm, and clinging to that large juicy bone was a hunk of melt in the mouth sticky meat. Usually sides are a bit of an afterthought at a BBQ restaurant, but there are two items you do not want to miss, the BBQ Greens (£4) and the Bone Marrow Potato Slice (£5). I have never had cabbage this good in my life, probably because I have never thought about dousing it in beef fat before grilling it. It had the sweetest almost buttery flavour. The potato slice was laced with the incredible deliciousness that is bone marrow, making it more like a Dauphinoise. Be sure to order it.
Whilst the meat dishes were absolutely legendary the desserts fell rather short. The Apple Pie was completely tasteless, even the custard couldn’t save it. Rowlands Brownie fared better thanks to the chocolate sauce and ice cream, but if I was to go again I think I would just stick with an extra cocktail.
Overall we enjoyed our meal. Flank OG is a cut above the usual BBQ restaurant. And I particularly appreciate their ethos of using every part of the animal to give high quality meats at affordable prices. If you are a BBQ fan it is worth a trip out to Stratford for dinner and a few drinks.
Flank OG is located at 133 High St, London E15 2RB. The nearest tube station is Stratford. For more information you can call them on 020 853 44 051 or check out their website. The restaurant is open from 12pm-10pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm – 7pm on Sundays.