I love the space (and smart use of it). What’s doing at the bar is very much in line with how I prefer to imbibe. Service is friendly and helpful. And the food’s great. Based on my recent visit, I’ve no bone to pick with Beagle and can only bark about how smart a choice this Hoxton restaurant is for a quality meal.
Situated in a series of disused railway arches right next to the Hoxton Overground station, Beagle does its subdued darnedest to reel passersby in with inviting outdoor seating (with heat lamps), and equally welcoming and ambient bar and dining areas. I’d been there before for a thoroughly enjoyable evening of drinks and bar snacks with live music, but last week was my first time to have a taste of the seasonally changing dinner menu. I was impressed.
Sourdough bread with extra tasty cultured butter (£2.50) commenced a delectable dinner for two. A starter course of duck offal and endive was thoroughly yummy as was my dining compadre’s order of skate knobs with tartar sauce. Both dishes were in the £6 to £7 price range. A “sharer” main course of aged Hereford wing rib cooked medium rare and served with duck fat chips, horseradish and green salad (£54 total for two people) did both of us a world of meaty good.
Drinks wise, a Rye Smile (rye, amaro, citrus aperitif, cherry, and grapefruit, £9) set a rich tone to the occasion before the food was presented. A bottle of 2014 Ministry of Clouds Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia, £40) was a plummy winner with our steak.
Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream for an endnote did the trick. Service was quick and keen to please, did not play eye contact avoidance games and offered helpful menu advice when asked.
Beagle is located at 397-400 Geffrye Street, E2 8HZ. Find out more at beaglelondon.co.uk.
