Blacklock Restaurant UK Menu, Prices and Hours

balcklock menu with dish diary logo
balcklock menu with dish diary logo

The Origins & Concept of Blacklock

Founding and Early Locations

Blacklock was founded in 2015 by former Hawksmoor manager Gordon Ker. The first branch opened in Soho, London, inside a basement once used by an old meat traders’ building. The restaurant quickly became famous for its simple, high-quality meat dishes and relaxed, value-focused dining. Over time, Blacklock expanded across London while keeping its independent, community-driven spirit intact.

Chophouse Heritage and the “All In” Sharing Concept

The idea behind Blacklock comes from the old British chophouse tradition. These were places where workers and gentlemen alike enjoyed hearty portions of grilled meat. Blacklock revived this idea with a modern twist—the “All In” platter, which serves mixed chops stacked on flatbreads that soak up the juices. This communal dining concept makes it ideal for groups and gatherings.

Meat Sourcing & Vintage Irons – What Sets Them Apart

One of the biggest strengths of Blacklock restaurant UK is its sourcing philosophy. The meat comes from trusted Cornish farmers who follow ethical, sustainable farming methods. The name “Blacklock” even refers to the vintage iron clamps used to grill the chops, giving the meat a smoky, seared flavor. This combination of traditional technique and modern ethics gives Blacklock its unique identity.

Locations & Expansion

London Branches (Soho, City, Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf)

As of 2025, Blacklock operates five branches across London. The original Soho restaurant remains the most popular for its cozy, basement setting and vibrant energy. The City branch caters to professionals, while Shoreditch attracts younger diners. Covent Garden and Canary Wharf offer more space and are perfect for family or group dining. Each location maintains the same simple menu and strong focus on value.

Regional Expansion (Manchester, Birmingham Upcoming)

Blacklock is no longer just a London story. In 2024, the brand announced its expansion outside the capital, with its first regional restaurant in Manchester. Plans for Birmingham are also underway for 2025, backed by a minority investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF). This expansion reflects growing national demand for casual yet quality dining experiences.

Practical Details for Visitors (How to Reserve, Best Times)

Reservations can be made easily online via the official website or OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted, but evening slots fill quickly, especially on weekends. Mondays are popular because of the “Butcher Price Monday” deal, where diners get meat at near-wholesale prices. If you prefer a quieter meal, weekdays before 7 p.m. are ideal.

Menu Highlights & Value Deals

Signature Dishes (Skinny Chops, All In Platter, Dry-Aged Steaks)

Blacklock’s menu is short but full of flavor. Its “Skinny Chops” are small cuts of lamb, beef, or pork, grilled over charcoal for perfect crispness. The “All In” platter remains the star attraction, offering mixed chops served on warm flatbread. For steak lovers, Blacklock’s dry-aged beef is a must-try, sourced from Cornish farms and matured for up to 55 days.

Value Offers (Butcher Price Monday, Sunday Roast)

Blacklock is known for affordability without compromising quality. The Butcher Price Monday deal gives customers a chance to enjoy premium cuts at reduced prices. Sundays, however, are reserved for the legendary Sunday Roast, featuring beef rump, lamb shoulder, or pork loin served with Yorkshire pudding, gravy, and roast potatoes. Many diners call it one of the best Sunday roasts in London.

Table: Sample Menu Items & Prices (2025)

DishDescriptionApprox. Price (GBP)
All In PlatterMixed chops on flatbread with sides£25 per person
Skinny ChopsIndividual lamb, beef, or pork chops£5 each
Sunday RoastChoice of meats with full trimmings£23–£25
Dry-Aged Steak55-day aged Cornish beef£28–£35
Blacklock BurgerLimited availability, juicy beef patty£14
Butcher Price MondaySelected items at wholesale costFrom £10

Drinks & Dessert Highlights

The drinks list includes locally brewed ales, wines, and house cocktails. The Negroni and Old Fashioned are top picks, served in generous portions. For dessert, the white chocolate cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding are popular. The restaurant also offers alcohol-free options like homemade lemonades.

Atmosphere, Design & Dining Experience

Interior & Vibe (Basement Rooms, Communal Tables)

Each Blacklock branch maintains a cozy, rustic charm. Exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere. The basement setup in Soho feels intimate, while newer branches offer a more spacious layout. Music stays subtle, allowing easy conversation—a major plus for groups.

Service, Crowd, Dress Code & Best Occasions

Service at Blacklock is friendly, quick, and informal. Staff are well-trained and always ready to recommend dishes. The crowd is a mix of young professionals, families, and tourists seeking great food without the formality. There’s no strict dress code—smart casual works fine. It’s perfect for dinners, casual celebrations, or pre-theatre meals.

Pros & Cons (Value vs Premium, Vegetarian Options)

Pros:

  • Exceptional value for high-quality meat
  • Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
  • Consistent food quality across branches
  • Great deals like Butcher Price Monday

Cons:

  • Limited vegetarian or vegan options
  • Busy evenings with high demand
  • Some branches can feel crowded

Sustainability & Corporate Credentials

B Corp Certification and “Planet Promise”

In 2023, Blacklock achieved B Corp certification, proving its commitment to ethical operations and sustainability. This means the restaurant meets high standards in environmental impact, employee welfare, and community involvement. Its Planet Promise initiative focuses on reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and supporting local suppliers.

Ethics of Sourcing, Interventions in Meat Supply Chain

Blacklock partners directly with Cornish farmers who use grass-fed methods and avoid over-industrialized farming. By cutting out middlemen, they ensure fair pay for farmers and consistent quality for customers. The restaurant also minimizes food waste by using all parts of the animal.

What It Means for Diners

For diners, this means every plate supports ethical British farming and sustainable food practices. You’re not just eating good meat—you’re supporting better industry standards. This aligns with growing UK consumer interest in sustainability and transparency in dining.

How Blacklock Compares with Other UK Chophouses

Price-Wise vs Premium Steakhouses (e.g., Hawksmoor)

When compared to premium spots like Hawksmoor, Blacklock clearly stands out for affordability. A full meal at Blacklock costs about half of what you’d pay at high-end steak restaurants, yet the quality remains impressive.

Value-Wise vs Affordable Steakhouses (e.g., Flat Iron)

Against budget steakhouses like Flat Iron, Blacklock offers a more complete dining experience. The service, side options, and atmosphere are superior while maintaining reasonable prices. For slightly more money, diners get better quality and a broader menu.

Best Choice Depending on Budget / Occasion

  • Budget diners: Choose Butcher Price Monday or Skinny Chops.
  • Weekend gatherings: Go for the All In platter for sharing.
  • Sunday family meals: Opt for the Sunday Roast for comfort dining.

Tips for Visiting & Booking

  • Best time to book: Reserve 2–3 days ahead for evening slots.
  • Walk-ins: Easier during weekdays before 6:30 p.m.
  • Dietary advice: Sides like cauliflower cheese, mushrooms, and chips cater to vegetarians.
  • Deals: Butcher Price Monday offers unbeatable value.
  • Location tips: Soho for first-timers, Covent Garden for families, City branch for professionals.
  • Transport: All branches are near Tube stations—Soho (Oxford Circus), City (Bank), Shoreditch (Old Street).
balcklock menu with dish diary logo

Hours at Blacklock restaurant UK

DayOpening HoursNotes
Monday12:00 PM – 10:00 PM“Butcher Price Monday” offer available all day
Tuesday12:00 PM – 10:00 PMRegular à la carte menu
Wednesday12:00 PM – 10:00 PMStandard service
Thursday12:00 PM – 10:30 PMSlightly longer hours before weekend
Friday12:00 PM – 11:00 PMBusy evening; reservations recommended
Saturday12:00 PM – 11:00 PMWeekend rush, ideal for groups
Sunday12:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday Roast menu only

Conclusion

Blacklock restaurant UK is more than just a place to eat meat—it’s a celebration of modern British dining done right. With its ethically sourced ingredients, simple yet delicious dishes, and unbeatable value, Blacklock continues to attract loyal customers. Whether you’re in London or soon Manchester, it offers one of the best steak and chop experiences in the country. For anyone seeking a relaxed, sustainable, and tasty meal, Blacklock restaurant UK is a top recommendation for 2025.

Fawad Zafar

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