The Ox, Clifton
Posted on: 2017-03-20
Our rating:
The experience was a real culinary treat and celebration of meat for any carnivores in Bristol.
If you are looking for steak in Bristol, please take my advice and immediately head to The Ox in Clifton, you will not be disappointed. Being a Belfast boy who loves nothing more than a top quality bit of steak, some incredible side dishes and a Charcuterie board to die for I can safely say I will be back again.
Situated on the ever-vibrant Whiteladies Road, when you walk through the door of this steak and cocktail Nirvana you are immediately greeted by polite and friendly staff, along with a delicious aroma drifting slowly from the kitchen and filling the restaurant.
We parked ourselves at the bar and thought we would grab a few drinks. A Jameson’s for myself and a glass of, Palladino (meant to be the best red wine pairing for steak) for my friend. I have to note that the staff behind the bar seem incredibly well trained and more than capable of making a range of beautiful and delicious cocktails. I have to tip my hat to them, as they truly seem to be a professional outfit behind the bar.
We eventually took our seats to an immaculately laid table and began to drool over the menu. We eventually settled on the Charcuterie board, for two people, as starter. The cured meat board contained saucisson rossette, rabbit rillettes, pork & pistachio terrine, smoked ham hock, pickles, chutney and chilli mustard. I have to admit, I have had a few charcuterie boards in my life and whilst they are always a favourite, none have really taken my breath away recently. However, this board was incredible.
Everything on the board was perfectly prepared and presented. The ham hock had flavour bursting out of it and the salty kick from the rabbit rillettes accompanied everything perfectly. The chilli mustard was a real revelation and added that little kick of heat that worked perfectly with the cured meats.
After this tremendous starter it was going to be hard to follow up. A few steaks may do the trick though. My friend went for the sirloin (350g) with green peppercorn sauce and I went for, a personal favourite, the rib-eye (300g) with mushroom and anchovy ketchup. Both dishes are severed with triple cooked chips and we also had accompaniment of leeks and greens and chard carrots with toasted pine nuts and yoghurt sauce.
When the steaks were brought to the table I was instantly happy with my choice. Two large, great quality cuts of meat and colourful, well-presented side dished followed them. The sirloin was ordered medium and was cooked with surgeon like precision. The rib-eye was order medium rare but I felt it was a tad over for my liking. It didn’t take away from the taste of the steak, but was just a little disappointing. The mushroom and anchovy ketchup amazingly balanced both flavours perfectly, whilst the green peppercorn sauce was one of the best I have ever tasted.
The triple cooked chips are some of the best the city has to offer and the leeks and greens were great, bringing another salty element to the dish the cut through the steak perfectly. The chard carrots were an unusual combination. The sweet carrots, perfectly toasted nuts and the butter on top did not really sit well with a bitter, thick yoghurt sauce underneath them. My friend enjoyed them, but for me it was a confusing taste sensation and not something I would be rushing back for.
Aside from this we thoroughly enjoyed our main and were both bursting at the seams when we finished. It could only mean one thing. It was time for desert.
I opted for a scoop of raspberry sorbet and a scoop of lemon and mint sorbet. My friend went for the rhubarb Eton mess. The scoops of sorbet were both great palate cleansers, with the raspberry tasting incredible and the lemon and mint having the zing of a mojito which was instantly a hit with myself. The Eton mess was beautifully presented and a great way to end a meal. Stewed rhubarb, lashings of cream, meringue shards and an incredible vanilla custard at the bottom. I simply couldn’t fault this little gem of a desert. It took me right back to my childhood and reminded me of my ‘mammy’ making it. Well played The Ox, well played.
Overall I was pretty impressed with The Ox, Clifton. The staff were friendly and really helpful when explaining anything on the menu and which drinks would suit our meal. Apart from a couple of small issues the food was immense. The experience was a real culinary treat and celebration of meat for any carnivores in Bristol.
The cost of the food was rather high and I would have to say that The Ox is certainly somewhere you would go as a treat, however you are paying for quality food and drinks so always take that in mind when you head down.
Food - 4
Value - 3
Atmosphere - 3
Service - 4
For any other information head over to The Ox website at - theoxclifton.com.
Article by:
Matt, originally from Belfast, has only lived in Bristol for a year now and is studying Media & Journalism at UWE. He wants to concentrate his writing and media skills in Bristol's culinary culture, delving into what fine feasts the city has to offer and where the best places to go for food really are. Along with an aspiration to interview some of the influential people shaping Bristol and some who are simply passing through, Matt really is trying to make Bristol his new home! For any other info check out his Facebook or Twitter.
