Popeseye Steak House

The steak is good but not great, it could be hung longer, it has a great char from the cooking but the actual meat taste could be denser, the salad is well dressed and the chips are nice and crunchy, but verging on overly crunchy.

The wine list has lots of interest at very reasonable prices (as in they are probably a standard three times markup on what they are paying at auction, but it feels better value than that because I don't want to go to auction and buy a case of claret just past its peak of maturity, but it is fun to drink over mature bordeaux once in a while!).

Given how much the bill is the decor, especially paper tablecloths is a bit too down market, but the waiting staff are jolly.

The downside to this place is that steak and chips, a bottle of interesting wine and service and the bill is over £40 a head. Quite steep for a one course meal when the beef isn't really the greatest. If I was paid more I'd go back, as there is something nice about the concept, but I'm not so next time I fancy steak and chips I'll do it myself...
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Saturday, April 04, 2009

18 months later after my last review, it's still tops. My 12 oz rump was perfectly cooked medium and utterly delicious. Chips were perfectly fat and well fried and the side salad was enough for two. True the prices might have crept up but the quality of the steaks are pretty well nonsuch. Together with Buen Ayre in Hackney and blingy Gaucho; Popeseye can easily take on New York City or Chicago for the best steak houses. Bravo.

Oh the puddings being so utterly English are well worth the try. Service is pretty much raw and the ambience being time stood still in the 70s.
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bellaphon
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Friday, August 01, 2008

One enjoyment of my five years in London has been heading out to eat steak every couple of months it is always a pleasure to visit the Popeseye. Unlike other more dressed up establishments this manages to get the basics right again and again. If you and your companions are content with quality beef with a wine list that will meet expectations then this is the holy grail.
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Duncan DJ
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 04, 2008

We had fairly high expectations given some of the reviews and the fact that they appeared to be focusing solely on one of our favourite dishes. The decor was very simple, nothing to complain about, the atmosphere was dead, but perhaps it was a little early at 8:00pm. For starters we both had the traditional salad, which like the French bistro's, e.g. Le Relais Du Venise, focuses on the leaves and dressing. It was unremarkable and didnt look very appetising, but it was edible. For mains, we tried a Popeseye (rump) and a sirloin. Although both were cooked inside to the correct degree, the sirloin was burnt badly on the outside which completely ruined any flavour and the rump was taseless. The range of sauces looked cheap in their bowls and didnt do anything to improve the dish. For the price we were very dissapointed and would certainly not recommend this place to anyone. Even at half the price it wouldnt be a good deal.
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Nick
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Sunday, October 28, 2007

This is a good place for steak, just for steak but nothing else. We were here a number of times and every time we brought more friends and family members, i think they all love the steak with this simple cooking style. Unfortuantely, last saturday it was my last visit to this restaurant as the waitress re-acted badly when we turned up late. On arrival ,I did apolosize and ask whether our table still available and she said it was taken and told us to wait . It was ok if she stopped there but she went on with a lesson ttelling me how to reserve for a table next time. Anyway, all the best to Popeseyes Steak House.....and good bye!

Richard Yen
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Richard Yen
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 23, 2007

I was there for Valentine's as well and loved it! I am taking a group of friends this week to check this place out. It is simple - steak cooked perfectly, lovely hand cut chips and salad with a fabulous tangy dressing. Both of us enjoyed our desserts and thought that it was really good.
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Natalie
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 19, 2007

My boyfriend and I have heard so many good things about this restaurant so we went there for valentines day. I was expecting an amazing steak but in fact I got a standard steak for an extortinate price. Coupled with the fact there was no options of any vegetables, potatoes or anything different I would have thought that what was on offer should have been amazing. I am very disappointed and shall not be returning. For the £65 two steak and chips came to I would have much prefered to have brought my own steak and made something a bit more special.
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Faye Fenton-Green
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Thursday, February 15, 2007

After reading all the positive reviews associated with this restaurant I was very disappointed to find it unatmospheric and incredibly overpriced. Additionally, the wine list matched the excessive prices of the food. Although the steak was cooked well and the service was fine we were the only two people in the restaurant until 9pm on a Thursday. Also I would stay well clear of the desserts, we heard the microwave going and, as a result the end product was dry, overcooked and poorquality.

I would suggest to anyone that fancied a decent steak and chips to get themselves to Borough market and buy your own. It is far cheaper, you can get a decent bottle of wine and you don't have to listen to Magic FM on the radio while you eat it
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selina davies
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Friday, February 09, 2007

I love this place -- as much for what it stands for and the way it presents itself as for the delicious steak. A random street, a funny storefront -- with a more charming interior than I anticipated. The fillet was one of the best I've had in London, and I just wish I lived closer to go more often!
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Sarah, www.arrivalslimited.com - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 04, 2007

Mark S., if there are better steak houses in London, then do enlighten us with your recommendations. You didn't mention which cut you opted for, as the usual 'popeseye' (rump) can be inherently sinewy and not taste of being hung long enough even if it has been. Bottom line is that the Popeseye is one of the best steak joints in London and the prices are pretty decent for properly sourced meats. One can't expect to pay a tenner for steak and chips!(Unless the meat came from dairy cattle)Besides the puddings are pretty moreish!...were they really conceived by Su Arnold the journalist?
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bellaphon
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Sunday, December 31, 2006