MEATLiquor: Dirty Dining in Style

The first rule of MEATLiquor is don’t go there on a first date or with someone you’re trying to impress. The second rule of MEATLiquor is don’t wear white. You may not know what I’m talking about at the moment but you’ll soon find out. 

Dining at MEATLiquor is not for the self conscious or those on a diet. The new flagship restaurant in Margaret St, located in the old Match Bar just round the corner from Oxford Circus, is designed for late night drinkers and diners, and nobody leaves the slightest bit hungry. 

You just gotta embrace the atmosphere and get stuck into the menu. And if you like diner food – burgers, dogs, shakes and the like – plus a well curated rock and pop soundtrack you’ll be in seventh heaven. Oh, and there’s also disco balls, an eight foot illuminated pickle and a photoloo.

We kicked off with the wings which were plentiful, sticky and piled high on the plate. Thank god for the kitchen roll on the table to keep things relatively clean. 

The Margaret Street Punch cocktail I ordered featuring Finlandia vodka, cassis, framboise, lemon and raspberry puree, and topped with prosecco, was so good I had two in quick succession. You also get your own ‘poke for Jager’ button on the table if you’re so inclined. My teetotal partner was however disappointed that there was no alcohol-free beer on the menu. 

Next up we got stuck into our main courses of a chili dog for him and cheeseburger for me, with not one but two beef patties and accompanied by a mountain of salty, incredibly moorish fries. 

Meanwhile the kid opposite us – and the clientele is pretty diverse with children’s meals available – had fashioned a hand-coloured scary mask before getting up on stage to have a little dance. Just another Friday evening at Meat Liquor.

You really don’t need dessert after a visit to MEATLiquor but you either go hard or go home – I recommend the aptly named Filth Pie – Oreos, marshmallow, coconut & chocolate pie served warm with ice cream; the Hard Shakes containing fresh milk and cream are also a popular choice.

It’s dirty and downright messy but a whole lot of fun – especially for those into late night bites as on some nights resident DJs take to the decks, and after 11pm you can literally sneak in or out through the second entrance on Great Castle Street until closing time at 3am (food is served until 2.30am). 

And let’s face it, if you know you’re going to dance off your dinner then you won’t feel guilty indulging will you? 

• MEATLiquor W1, 37-38 Margaret St, Marylebone, London W1G 0JF. meatliquor.com