My Views On Meatopia UK 2016

Yes folks... Anyone that follows me will know that September means Meatopia time!

This was their 4th outing at Tobacco Dock and the queues suggested that it is more popular than ever. As a "Veteran" to the event I booked nice and early so had no issues getting in and getting started.

The Food

Here are the Dishes that I had this year (Only had 6 for some bizarre reason!)

Dish 1 - Tom Griffiths - Short Rib

First up is Tom Griffiths from FLANK. It was a great starter to get the juices flowing. The beef short rib was rare, juicy, and very tasty. The bone marrow ketchup was delicious and the green garnish was... well, green!

Ben's Meat Rating: 8/10

Dish 2 - Richard H Turner - Tomahawk Steak

The man, the myth, the legend (spelt g.o.d), Richard H Turner (The visionary behind the Hawksmoor menu, Co-Founder of the world class Turner & George butchers, and one of the men responsible for Meatopia being in the UK! - thank you!) has his name on what is one of London's best steaks, the Tomahawk. If you know your meat, you know of the tomahawk steak from Hawksmoor.

'Nuff said!

Ben's Meat Rating: 10/10

Dish 3 - Richard H Turner - Angus Mackay's Highland Beef Burger

He's back with his second dish at the event. This time with Foxlow and a Highland Beef Burger. To be fair, the self-proclaiming "World's Best" is a bit of a stretch. It was good, very good, but not the best I have ever had. Cooked rare, just the way I like it. Delivered on a brioche bun with a traditional salad and gherkin. Nothing re-invented here but a good burger none the less.

Ben's Meat Rating: 8/10

Dish 4 - Richard Sandiford - A Fistful of Cow

This was a new Chef and new Brand to me.

Let's start with the chef, Richard Sandiford. After Googling him, it turns out he worked for Marco Pierre White’s Titanic, Quaglinos and helped set up Plane Food for Gordon Ramsay. Check!

The fistful of cow was a very good concept. Burger patty, sliced beef & Ogleshield cheese as well as the breaded bone marrow. That is indeed a fistful of cow. Have to say, I was impressed with the flavours and certainly would seek this out outside of Meatopia for another round.

Ben's Meat Rating: 9/10

Dish 5 - Matti Hurttia - Lapland Round Trip

This was the random dish of the day for me. And it was great!

Matti Hurttia is the owner of RukaTonttu Hotel & Restaurant in Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland. And this crazy bastard had a Reindeer dish that would rival anyone's Christmas roast turkey dinner! The meat was an experience. Gamey, not chewy at all, and full of flavour, this is one dish that I will remember for a while.

Ben's Meat Rating: 9.5/10

Dish 6 - Tom Oldroyd - Lamb Sweetbreads

Keeping in the theme of random dishes, I opted for Sweetbreads for my last dish. And I wasn't disappointed. This wrap from Tom Oldroyd was absolutely delicious. Great closer to the party.

Ben's Meat Rating: 8.5/10

Entertainment

As per usual, I frequented the bar and got settled in for The Gents (Bring on the cockney knees-up and Kazoo-along).

But guess what... The lead singer (lead shouter) wasn't there! NOOOOOOOO!

So that plan was out of the window. Yes, the pianist was covering on lead vocals, but it just wasn't the same.

(Didn't stop my mate Lee from serenading his Tomahawk bone)

So we needed another plan...

Bourbon

Queue the Bourbon tasting session by Buffalo Trace. This was a great session. As you might know, I already know a bit about Bourbon, and most of the session was about teaching the basics. But it was nice to try some new Bourbon that I hadn't had before.

In Summary

Great day out yet again... Meatopia never fails to deliver. Bring on no. 5!

Oh and I picked up some meat swag