Seemor
Blacklock CityA-Worth Trying
13 Philpot Ln, London EC3M 8AA
· Steak house, Bar, Chophouse restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (3373 reviews)
A bustling City chophouse famous for hearty Sunday roasts and well-cooked chops, offering strong value for central London, though service warmth and booking rigidity can vary at peak times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Blacklock City delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout steaks and Sunday roasts that draw loyal crowds across town, supported by knowledgeable servers who guide orders with genuine expertise. Consistency shows occasional seasoning variance and tight seating reduces comfort, while a no-nonsense host desk can feel unwelcoming at peak times—factors that keep this accomplished chophouse from grade A territory despite its reputation as a central London institution.
Restaurant Summary
Down a few steps off Philpot Lane, the room feels warm and bustling with servers who know their cuts and a crowd chasing the roasts. Think platters of meat, crisp potatoes, and trays of cheesecake weaving through a lively space where, as one diner put it, "the steak arrived perfectly pink and the gravy kept flowing." It can feel tight and energetic near the bar, so do not expect hushed conversation at peak times, and the host stand can come off no-nonsense when demand spikes. The cooking leans classic British chophouse with a focus on aging, grilling, and generous sharing cuts—more elevated traditional than experimental. The porterhouse and rib-eye draw raves, Sunday roasts deliver comfort, and sides like beef dripping chips and bone marrow round things out. Expect occasional seasoning variance (a few callouts on under-salt or over-salt), but most plates land right with hearty flavors and good value for central London. Families will find a few friendly options—the burger, chips, and Sunday roast trimmings go down easy—though there is no formal kids menu. Space is snug, so prams and large family setups can be awkward at peak. Vegetarians get a respectable cauliflower chop and sides, but this is a meat-first destination; those with allergies should confirm details early, especially gravy ingredients.
At a Glance
- Robust steaks and standout Sunday roasts with generous portions
- Friendly, knowledgeable servers often elevate the experience
- Host desk and booking rigidity can feel unwelcoming at peak times
- Noise and tight tables reduce comfort for quiet occasions
- Allergen communication needs diligence (celery in gravy reported by a reviewer)
What Sets It Apart
- refillable_roast_gravy
- big_chops_carved_for_sharing
- cheesecake_from_the_tray
What People Love
- Porterhouse carved for sharing
- Crispy roast potatoes with rich gravy
- Beef dripping chips with bone marrow
- Cheesecake served from the tray
Points of Concern
- Service can feel rigid at the host stand during peak hours; walk-ins often limited
- Occasional long waits for mains (up to 45-60 minutes) when busy
- Seasoning inconsistency appears sporadically (under-seasoned or overly salty steaks)
- Review patterns show signs of occasional marketing tone; overall authenticity remains mostly solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-52 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Value combo: Mushrooms on Toast (£8), Rump Cap (£19), Beef Dripping Chips (£5), Cheesecake (£~7).
- Roast day: Beef Rump Roast (£26) with Cauli & Four Cheeses (£6) for a comfort-focused plate.
- Big Chop sharing: Start with Pig's Head on Toast (£8.50), then Bone-in Sirloin at recommended weight, plus chips and slaw.
Perfect For
- Sunday roast with friends
- Sharing a big chop and sides
- Casual birthday dinners
- Meat-centric date nights in a lively room
Location Insights
Area: Historic financial district with heavy weekday business trade and weekend destination dining for roasts.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic near Monument/Bank; well-lit and patrolled.
Nearby: Close to Monument, Leadenhall Market, and office towers; strong after-work crowd.
City CoreHighly professional dining environment with upscale restaurants, wine bars, and executive lunch venues catering to corporate clientele during weekdays, with a more subdued atmosphere during evenings and weekends.
LeadenhallPrestigious sub-district known for sophisticated dining options and historic commercial spaces, featuring modern restaurants integrated with centuries-old architectural settings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday11:45–20:00
View full analysis on Seemor →