Foodie Review: The Big Easy, Covent Garden

It's no secret that The Big Easy Covent Garden has been one of my favourite places to eat in London for many years now. However, having visited recently it suddenly dawned on me that I still had yet to serve up a foodie review of the place. And so, long overdue, here it is.. 

Located down a side road in London's prestigious Covent Garden, The Big Easy is a BBQ and lobstershack specialising in hickory-smoked meats, crab and lobster dishes. Not to mean it's extensive range of pretty much any alcohol you can think of. Constructed inside an old power station, the decor is inspired by a North Carolina bar - decorated with neon signs, crab nets, squirrel cage bulbs and rustic table settings. Adding further to the southern vibe, it also hosts live music downstairs - just to the left of its large open kitchen with a giant smoking fire. 

I'd been plenty of times to The Big Easy before as it not only makes for a relaxed post-payday treat but it is also ideal for any special occasion. Something I am also keen to tell people when asked about it is that, whilst it is not the cheapest of places to eat in London, they do have some fantastic deals. For example, depending on which day you visit, selected dishes are "bottomless" meaning they just keep on bringing more food until you're full. And these portions are not small. This also includes a drink of your choice - all for a set price. 

Not too long ago, myself, Jack, Ash and Vanessa headed over to sample the Weekend Brunch deal. This essentially allows you to eat as much as you can handle and get as many drink refills as you like. Not bad, right? Naturally, my friends and I took full advantage of this and dove right in. 

I opted for the Fresh Lobster Fest - a whole fresh 1 and 3/4 lbs lobster served with their signature butter sauce; fries, house salad and 1 hour 45 minutes of unlimited prosecco, frozen cocktail or house wine. I don't drink though so mine's a coke.  In this case I've gone for the added 1lb and I cannot recommend upgrading enough as it made all the difference. Besides getting a larger lobster, the meat is far more succulent and less likely to be overpowered by its cooking process. I don't know how else to describe this plate other than by saying it is the best lobster I've ever eaten. I made noises. The chips are also a real highlight - they remind me of buttery roast potatoes in that they are a wonderfully crunchy skin with fluffy insides. And that butter sauce though.

Ash, Jack and Vanessa decided to brave The Big Pig Gig Limitless Bar B.Q as a three - something I'd wholly recommend if you go as a group. The Big Pig Gig is bottomless trays of North Carolina chopped pork, pit-smoked BBQ chicken, St Louis pork ribs and Texas hot link sausages; served with spicy pit-smoked beans with pork, fries and freshly baked corn bread. Again, this comes with the bottomless drinks and refills. That's a hell of a lot of food. Naturally I sampled a few pieces of each and it was truly fantastic. The meats are beautifully smoked and just bursting with flavour. My particular favourite was the incredible hot link sausage which, although spicy, has a beautiful texture and is juicy and utterly delicious. Ash also outdid himself by having 10 refills of processo - clearly got his money worth. 

To put it plainly, I can't fault the food although I would say to be smart about what you order. If you go and order a cheeseburger, you're not ordering to your full potential. Don't be that person. When you visit somewhere like this, make the most of their signature dishes and opt for a meat platter or lobster. For you veggies out there, they also offer several vegetarian and vegan options including the spicy bean burger which I've heard on good authority is brilliant.

One thing I will say is that you must book beforehand. I can't tell you how many times I've visited this place (with a reservation) and watched people queue only to be told there's no room at the inn. Another thing is that, depending on the day of week, the service is not 100% - especially if you're not sat on a proper table. It's not that the service is bad as such, but I've felt that on several occasions it can be rather tricky to get the attention of the staff.  However, with food this good you sort of let it slide. That said, I have yet to try out their other locations on the Kings Road and Canary Wharf. 

That's it for another foodie review. For now I'm just waiting for my next excuse to visit The Big Easy. Possibly Jack and I's fourth anniversary in October? But tell me, have you been to The Big Easy before? What were your favourite dishes? Where are your favourite places to eat? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones down below.

Until next time fellow foodies,