Meat Market, Covent Garden

Meat Market is the second outlet in the ever growing MEAT burger chain that began so momentously with the arrival of MeatLiquor in Marylebone. Yianni Papoutsis and Scott Collins’ second venture is rather smaller and even more casual than the first eatery. Located on the outskirts of Covent Garden Jubilee Market, at mezzanine level it is rather tricky to find. However the alluring smell should lead you up there if nothing else.

Once I’d found my way upstairs I was surprised by the interiors… not dark and brooding like MeatLiquor but bright and diner-like… reminiscent of a scene from Grease the Musical. High tables with stools encourage quick eating, and food is bought at the speedy counter. A neon sign reads MEAT MARKET and amusing decoration covers the walls.

The menu is a down-sized version of the one from MeatLiquor, with fewer burger options and less choice. Four varieties of burger are available: Dead Hippy, Double Bubble, Black Palace and Philly Cheesesteak and three HotDogs: Ripper, Kraut and Corndog. All the burgers are quite similar but with varying garnishes and sauces! The taste and flavour is as good as the commendable MeatLiquor burger, but we found the whole thing far too sloppy… it is impossible eat, either by hand or with cutlery as the bun just disintegrates with the excessive juices, and once the surrounding paper starts to go the whole thing just becomes too messy to handle.

On the upside the food was ready impressively fast – in just a few minutes we had our red striped trays in front of us. The rich beefy patties are thinner here, so a double cheeseburger doesn’t seem like such a ridiculous idea. With the lettuce, minced onion, pickles and mustard, it is certainly high flavour, perhaps even a little too overpowering. Fries are super thin and crunchy, not dissimilar to McDonalds in appearance, but noticeably better.

This fast food phenomenon just keeps growing. Convenient, quick and queueless, Meat Market seems to have the best of both worlds, but in diluting their exclusivity they have also diluted the product, and I’m sad to say these burgers just aren’t as good anymore.

More information here.

Yalla Yalla Pop-Up, Shoreditch

Yalla Yalla promises delicious and authentic Beirut street food. Their two restaurants in central London are comfortable, warm and always have a great vibe. However I can’t help but believe that serving street food in an established sit down restaurant off Oxford Street rather defeats the point. So, when I was notified about the Yalla Yalla pop-up branch in Shoreditch I was keen to try out this real street eatery.

The informal 40 seat space is under a canopy, shielded from the elements with heaters effectively warming diners. It is a mix of tables with stools and low-level cushioned seating. At the weekends belly dancers and live DJs entertain the crowds. The place is decorated with brightly coloured materials and manages to generate a Middle Eastern feel.

Lebanese food is quick to prepare and easy to eat so works well as an outdoor option. The Yalla Yalla menu is varied and comprises of a range of mezze to share, with Baba Ghanouj, Samboussek Jibne (pastry filed with feta, halloumi and mint), falafel, hummus, tahini and Kibbe Lahme (deep fried lamb parcels). Favourites like lamb and chicken shawarma are available, as well as a selection of wraps with speciality ingredients like Soujoc sausages. All the usual dipping sauces and salads accompany the main dishes. For dessert, a selection of Lebanese pastries are on offer to eat onsite or for takeaway.

The food is just as good as in the indoor restaurants, but somehow tastes fresher and more vibrant. Mezzes are ideal for groups to share but wraps are better for quick takeaway lunches on the go. I loved the completely addictive chicken sharwarma and was particularly impressed with the extra creamy and smooth homemade hummus and the deliciously crunchy falafel. The real beauty of Beirut food is the combination of all the flavours and textures, which you can mix and match in any way you desire. A short but enticing list of cocktails will quench your thirst and prepare you for a night out in Shoreditch. We particularly liked the refreshing Pineapple Mojito and the fruity Berry Dance Martini.

Good news if you work in the area… a lunch-time bicycle delivery service is available to local businesses and residents Monday-Friday from noon-3pm. Orders can be made on 07725 841372.

This cuisine suits the Shoreditch site and the carefree clientele well and I wouldn’t be surprised if Yalla Yalla becomes a ‘permanent pop-up’.

more information: www.yalla-yalla.co.uk