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March 2, 2015
Rock My World! | Now, to the Hottest Destination in Britain | Barbecoa Restaurant
Rock My World! On Trend in the UK: Barbecoa
Barbecoa
BBQ Concept: Jamie Oliver's Latest Restaurant
Nestled within 'One New Change,' a hip shopping complex that opened last year overlooking St. Paul's Cathedral, is the much-talked-about new restaurant from the darling of the British culinary scene, Jamie Oliver. As the name suggests, the concept here is barbecue. It all began when Jamie met Adam Perry Lang, owner and chef of the popular New York restaurant 'Daisy May's BBQ.' The two hit it off instantly, and two years later, while on vacation, they sketched out the restaurant's layout on a paper napkin over Italian wine. Thus, Barbecoa was born.
Text by Naoko TeradaPhotos by Rob McDougallTop Photo by David LoftusWith thanks to VisitBritain
A Striking Display of Raw Meat Greets You
What surprises guests upon entering Barbecoa is the butcher shop on the first floor, with cuts of meat hanging on display. Jamie, who runs numerous restaurants, decided that the best way to source the highest quality meat he desired was to open his own butcher shop. They offer not only fresh cuts but also cured hams and sausages, available to the public. From blood-red fresh cuts to aged and matured selections, staff will expertly carve your preferred cut with gusto.
The approach to the restaurant is from the second floor. By day, it offers a sense of openness with views of the pure white St. Paul's Cathedral, while by night, the dimmed lighting creates a glamorous atmosphere. The design was handled by Design Research Studio, led by the eminent British designer Tom Dixon. Wooden tables arranged around a glass-enclosed open kitchen, brick walls, and charcoal accents create a robust, smoky ambiance that evokes the barbecue served at Barbecoa. The interior, where the sizzle from the kitchen and the energy of guests and staff resonate, is always alive with a vibrant energy.
Barbecoa employs five distinct cooking methods: the wood-fire oven, robata grill, Argentine grill, tandoori oven, and smoker. Meat and fish are sourced directly from the butcher shop downstairs or from carefully selected, high-quality farms across the UK. The basic approach is to order simple cuts like pork belly, steak, or short ribs, specifying your preferred cooking method. Imagine biting into a succulent piece of meat, its aroma filling the air as it grills. The juicy meat juices overflow, immersing you in the bliss of savoring its flavor. Enhance the experience further with variations in seasoning, such as rock salt, chili sauce, lime, or garlic. It's a simple yet profoundly flavorful satisfaction, uniquely delivered by barbecue.


