3 /5 Lufu Design: I used to be a big fan of Bodean’s, especially the Soho branch, which I remember serving juicy, flavour-packed BBQ with great service. So when I happened to spot a new Bodean’s in Chalk Farm – ironically where a vegetarian restaurant once was – I thought I’d give it a try, especially as I was feeling a little peckish.
The interior is quite nice – not too dark or overly American-themed like the Soho location – and the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.
Sadly, that’s where the positives end. I ordered the pulled pork and burnt ends, a combination I’ve loved before. Back then, the pork was moist and the burnt ends had just the right crisp char on the outside while staying tender inside.
This time, however, was a completely different story. The pulled pork was painfully dry – like shredded wood chips – and the so-called burnt ends were nothing of the sort: just tough, dry cubes of meat drowned in BBQ sauce. To make things worse, the whole dish was lukewarm at best. I noticed the woman at the next table actually sent her food back, saying it was completely cold – which mirrored my experience too.
On top of that, the portion was noticeably smaller than what I remember from past visits. Given how disappointing the food was, I wasn’t too upset about eating less – but it’s still worth noting for those expecting the hearty BBQ plates Bodean’s was once known for.
These days, London has so many excellent BBQ options, and if this is where Bodean’s quality now stands, I won’t be rushing back. A real shame.
