Jack's Place

If you are watching Ashes to Ashes at the moment you may well think on entering Jack's Place that you have entered the film set or on second thoughts the set for the earlier one Life on Mars! The whole place is like a seventies time warp, decor, crockery, cutlery glasses are all from a different era. BUT under no circumstances let that or the 1970s menu put you off. I can't remember the last time I saw a melon boat on a starter list, the whole menu looks as if it hasn't changed since the seventies but the portions are generous and fantastically cooked. Husband is a real carnivore with T Bone steak being his favourite. Jack's Place is all about the steaks really and the Angus T Bone that was served to hubby was magnificent. The platter of vegetables that came included were piping hot, perfectly cooked and a choice of 6 different kinds. From the outside you would never know that this wonderful place was hidden inside, if you are looking for a romantic dinner this is not the place for you but if you like good food cooked from top ingredients at a reasonable price then Jack's Place fits the bill.
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Yummymummy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, February 24, 2008

Unassuming exterior belies the aladdin's cave of frankly bizarre Anglo-American paraphernalia all over the walls and ceiling (signed photos of Ron and Nancy Reagan among others). Proper Londoner Jack himself appears from time to time and is happy to talk you through it all; so that's the entertainment, a total one-off. Food is something else - I have never eaten such delicious steak in this country, ever. Cooked to perfection, the portions are huge and every dish comes with a steaming platter of vegetables done the way your mum would at home. Menu is unintentionally kitch and dated but that's part of the charm. House wine was fabulous and service was excellent - provided by Jack's daughter and granddaughter. Don't go there expecting sophistication, but you will emerge sated, very full and happy. Excellent value for money, great atmosphere, flawless food.
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Melissa
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 23, 2007

Memorabilia from four decades line the walls at this very down-to-earth, friendly restaurant. Really super food, in rather crazily massive portions. Very well cooked and sourced ingredients (steak was splendid). A great night out.
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Eamon Scrabley
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 05, 2007

We had a great night out at Jack's Place - great food and great atmosphere. His daughter and grand-daughter are the waitresses and they are friendly and helpful. Cannot fault this restaurant in anyway!
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Lynsey, Bow
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 28, 2007

It's been said many times by many people, that if you didn't know what lay behind the non-descript exterior of Jack's Place on York Road (SW11), you probably wouldn't give it a second glance. Big Mistake.

Jack’s Place is one of those rare British gems, specialising in honest grub without the pretence of the Michelin mob. The table is yours for the night (Jack doesn’t do second sittings), the vegetables come gratis with the mains, and what ever you do, don’t dress for dinner unless you are prepared to have Jack cut off your tie and pin it to the wall alongside the many other offenders.

Starters are simple, Potted Shrimps, Shrimp Cocktail, Chicken Liver Pate etc., but be prepared, Jack’s doesn’t do ‘small’, so if you’re not a full blooded carnivore with a big appetite, best to save yourself for the main fare.

Steaks (T-Bone, Fillet, Sirloin, Entrecote) are all of the highest quality Angus beef, and personally prepared the night before by Jack himself, who at 78, still prides himself in this task. Dover sole, is the served on or off the bone, and simply grilled – the only way to preserve the taste of this marvellous fish. The Duck a L’Orange , although a little pricy, is tender and the sauce far from imposing. Puddings are traditional and of course, very filling!

The wine list is also very compact but well priced, £25 for an above average Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and what better way to end an evening in the 1970s, other than with a glass of Graham’s Ruby Port in hand, whilst chatting to the family (or even Jack) about many of the wonderful memorabilia that adorns the walls.
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Iain G Reid
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, May 21, 2007

A gem of a place with possibly the biggest steaks I've ever eaten ... ask the owners about all the family memorabilia on thw wall.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 10, 2007

This is simply the best steak house in London. I'm very fussy about my steak and they cook it perfectly. Its a family run business and it has the family atmosphere to go with it. You can't have a bad night there!
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William Morris
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 23, 2006

If it was an off night (see review below) it must be the only one they have ever had as I have eaten here more times than I can remember and it has been sensational each and every time.

The steaks are amazing and so is everything else on the menu (dover sole the best I have ever had). Friendly service from a family who have done it together since before I was born - there is no other place I would go if I wanted a big feed and service with a smile.

Jack is a living legend - long may he live on!
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Hanso
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 09, 2006

i went with my family for a sunday lunch and was amazed as from the outside it seems like a dingy cafe but as soon as you walk through the door your amazed by tall the memorabilia on the walls which ahs been collected by jack and his family since 1967.the atmosphere was fab and the food was really good proper hearty good quality food.it makes such a change from all the other restaurants ive been too it has so much character and being family run added to the atmosphere.we were made to feel very welcome by jacks grandaughter cindy who told us all the stories behind the photos and all the cut off ties that line the walls.it was a great dining experience and the portions are huge.we will definitely be going back.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, February 03, 2006

I had heard good things about this place - that it's been around for a long time and busy all the time. These things are true, and the place is quite quirky. But the food! Definitely a case of quantity over quality.

I've seen the other reviews which really rate the duck. Well my jaws are still aching from chewing through it. For this price (£14 for the duck) I could have gone to the Columbier in Chelsea and had an amazing meal. For half this price I could have gone to the marvellous Little Bay in York Road just down the road.

I must say considering the rave reviews I'm most puzzled. Perhaps it was an off night?
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Michy - View all reviews by this user
Sunday, November 27, 2005