Jackson + Rye takes on the City

Jackson + Rye City

 

Jackson + Rye City Bar area

If you live and work in London, or are just visiting, chances are you going to pass through or nearby the City of London, also known as the “Square Mile,” the financial and commercial heart of Britain.  It is an area with breathtaking architecture and historical landmarks like St. Paul’s, Guildhall, and Bank of England, to name a few.

This area is peppered with high-end to run-of-the-mill and affordable eateries, from ethnic to classic English fares.  After all, there are a lot of workers to feed in the Square Mile.  Enter Jackson + Rye, an American chain, serving hearty home-cooked style food to the folks of London. At the moment, they have about five restaurants all over London and one in Guildford, Surrey — I see world domination in sight…

I had the opportunity to review the city branch on a Friday at lunchtime. What a treat! This place just put a smile on my face, and I was ready for the weekend.  The wow factor starts at the entrance, as it should be, and maximum impact with a beautiful bar that had plenty of space for customers and staff to manoeuvre and a small reception desk on the side. The layout offers a full sense of the space and the concept of this place. I wasn’t expecting the decor to be so aesthetically pleasing!  Every design element supports one another. The walls are mainly covered with Americana memorabilia.

I arrived a bit early, but that wasn’t a problem for the front of the house, who immediately with no fuss directed me to our reserved table.
The seats were very comfortable, but the tables were a bit too close to each other.  At the peak of service, our charming waiter Samir had difficulty to serve our mains.

Lunch at Jackson + Rye City

They are serving American classics like Mac & Cheese, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Corn dogs, hush puppies, chowders; Boston baked beans, cajun chicken and fries,  Blackened Cod, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, delicious steaks, BBQ ribs, Gem lettuce wedges and of course burgers.  A myriad of sauces like  American BBQ, blue cheese, Smoked garlic butter, smokey rye,  peri-peri,  chipotle mayo is also on offer.

Cocktail and nibbles

Cocktails: Illegal Negroni (Mezcal, Antica Formula and Campari) and very zingy  PaperPlane (Bourbon, Amaro, Aperol, lemon juice)

Truffle & Polenta Hush Puppies, crispy truffle polenta with Parmesan cream cheese – I love polenta so this one was a hit!

Corn Dogs coated smoked frankfurters & French’s mustard – nice meat the coat could’ve been slightly crispier.

Starters

Buffalo Chicken Wings with three homemade sauces, BBQ, peri peri & blue cheese with sprinkle with fresh chillies – it was delicious!

Blue Swimmer Crab Cakes served with  radish slaw & chipotle sauce – lovely green slaw!

 The wine

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2014, Spicy and juicy black fruit and tart raspberry flavours. Balanced and elegantly structured.

 The mains

300g Marbled Rib Eye juicy and full of flavour  cooked as I like it medium rare

 

Fresh Gem lettuce wedges, ranch dressing, bacon crumb  & blue cheese

Glazed Baby pork ribs with Boston beans and Cajun spiced sweet potato fries

 

A tale of two fries  Cajun spiced sweet potato fries  and French Fries

Desserts

J+R Pecan Pie with caramel ice cream & bourbon & maple syrup

 

Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Graham cracker, marshmallow & chocolate sandwich with peanut & chocolate sauce  – It tastes as good as it looks!Made my taste buds humming

 

 

They have set menus, which is ideal for budget days!

It was an enjoyable East Coast American influenced meal in a relax and gorgeous setting in the City of London.  The service was very polite with a subtle friendliness.  I am plotting to go back to try the burgers!

Highly recommended.

Opening Times:
Monday–Wednesday: 7am-11pm
Thursday-Friday: 7am-12pm
Saturday & Sunday: available for private hire

Jackson + Rye
30 Old Jewry,
London
EC2R 8EB
Tel: 020 3597 5153
Nearest Tube: Bank

Disclosure: I was a guest of Jackson + Rye for review purposes. All views are my own.

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