Steak in Holt

7/1/12 - Steak in Holt (http://www.kingsheadholt.org.uk/) VERY behind with my reviews as forgot my password!!

Before Christmas, my wife and I went to Holt to get our Christmas cheese from Bakers and Larners. Whilst there, I discovered STEAK - a restaurant which was part of the Kings Head pub in the middle of the town. It's like a glass outhouse in the beer garden. I was really intrigued and had to look at the menu. It specialises in 28-day aged beef and also has its own smoker onsite which really exciting. All beef is cooked over a chargrill, which is even more exciting in my opinion. Sounds like carnivore heaven. I basically went on and on about it ever since I'd seen it and eventually, after almost 2 weeks of pleading we went.

The atmosphere was a bit muted, it being that funny period just after new year, with the restaurant being quite empty too. However, service was very good and the food was excellent. I had the griddled sardines with a caper, chilli and tomato salad. Really good. Charred and smokey fish with a superbly zingy salad. However, I have to say the salad was slightly overdressed but it didn't spoil it.

For main course I had the trio of steaks. Not a fillet in sight. This was a proper steak-eater's selection: Ribeye, sirloin and rump. All cooked perfectly with fantastic smokey char and gorgeous juicy pink meat inside. The onion rings were excellent too. However, I didn't particularly like the 'chips' - they were far too big and had the skins on. I know this was to add flavour but they never get that crispy with the skin on. I prefer a much thinner, crispier chip with my steak. It all went fantastically well with the A1 sauce I took with me. If you don't know what A1 sauce is, you need to find out. It's the best accompaniment for steak ever.

My wife had the mixed grill of pork rib, smoked chicken and rump steak. Her chicken was absolutely incredible. The rib was deliciously moist and fall off the bone. I think it would have been better with a sauce (I was later told if you just order the ribs you get a sauce). By the way, if you're expecting a rack, you maybe disappointed as they just come in giant belly-pork single ribs.

Whenever I have a good meal, I always ask if I can speak to the chef. I know, from experience, that when the waiter goes into the kitchen and says 'table 8 loved their food', he won't give a shit. However, if he says 'table 8 thought the food was rubbish' he'll go mad! Therefore I like to give my compliments in person as I know they appreciate that. He was a nice chap and we talked beef (and A1 sauce) for a good 10 minutes.

Overall, a good experience and definitely one we'll be repeating later in the year..