Blacklock Covent Garden is a British chophouse at 16a Bedford St, London WC2E 9HE, in Covent Garden’s West End. Part of the Blacklock group founded in Soho in 2015, it draws theatre-goers and meat-focused diners for charcoal-grilled chops, butcher’s steaks, Sunday roasts and proper puddings in a deliberately informal modern take on the traditional London chop house.
What to Expect at Blacklock Covent Garden
The kitchen’s focus is uncomplicated: quality British-reared meat cooked over charcoal and brought to the table for sharing or ordering individually. Start with snacks such as pig’s head on toast, then choose from lamb cutlets, pork belly, beef rump and changing butcher’s cuts. The All In is the fullest expression of the house style, piling a selection of chops onto sourdough with a side; it works best for two or more diners who want to sample across the grill.
Sunday shifts the emphasis to roast beef, lamb or pork with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy. There are pre- and post-theatre options for the surrounding Covent Garden stages, while the drinks list covers cocktails, beers and wine alongside the customary sharpener before dinner. Save space for Granny’s white chocolate cheesecake, a Blacklock fixture, or another pudding. The compact, convivial dining room is built for a lively meal rather than a hushed formal occasion.
- Charcoal-grilled chops: Lamb, pork and beef cuts are the core order, cooked with the direct flavour and sharing-friendly spirit of a chop house.
- The All In: A generous mixed-chop spread served over sourdough, designed for diners who want the broadest taste of the grill.
- Sunday Roast: A traditional Sunday service with roasted meat, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
- Butcher’s Cuts: Steaks and limited cuts provide a more substantial route through the menu; availability can change with supply.
- Granny’s white chocolate cheesecake: The signature pudding is a rich, shareable finish after the savoury courses.
Blacklock Covent Garden at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 16a Bedford St, London WC2E 9HE, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | Covent Garden, West End |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri 12–3pm and 4:45–10:30pm; Sat 12–10:30pm; Sun 11:45am–6pm |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$ price level. See the current official menus for dishes and prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours; allow longer for Sunday roast or a pre-theatre group meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Leicester Square Underground is about a 4-minute walk; Covent Garden station about 5 minutes. Q-Park Chinatown is a practical nearby paid option. |
| Official Website & Phone | theblacklock.com | +44 20 3034 1394 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, Sunday lunch and the pre-theatre window, especially if you want a specific departure time. Online reservations cover parties up to six; for groups of up to 14 Monday to Friday or eight on Saturday and Sunday, contact the Covent Garden team directly. Walk-ins are welcome, with a virtual waiting list when tables are full. Lunch just after noon or an early weekday dinner is usually the easiest time to settle in before the surrounding theatre traffic builds.
Leicester Square station connects to the Piccadilly and Northern lines, while Covent Garden is on the Piccadilly line; Charing Cross rail and Underground is also within an easy walk. Bedford Street is five to 10 minutes on foot from the National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields and Covent Garden Piazza. The restaurant can be close-spaced during peak services, so wheelchair users, guests needing step-free entry or an accessible toilet, and families bringing a buggy should contact the team before booking to arrange the most suitable table and arrival plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Blacklock Covent Garden open, and what is the best time to go?
It opens for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, runs continuously from noon on Saturday, and serves Sunday from 11:45am to 6pm. Book an early weekday lunch or dinner for a calmer meal; theatre nights and weekend services are the busiest.
Do I need a reservation and how expensive is it?
Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are strongly worthwhile at peak times and for pre-theatre dining. This is a $$ restaurant with individually priced chops, steaks, sides, drinks and puddings; check the official menu for current prices.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Budget around 90 minutes to two hours for drinks, chops or steak, sides and dessert. Allow closer to two hours for a relaxed Sunday roast or a shared All In order, and tell the host if you have curtain time nearby.
Is Blacklock Covent Garden suitable for families or vegetarian diners?
Families are welcome, although the atmosphere becomes energetic during busy evening sittings. The menu is expressly meat-led, so vegetarian diners have a narrower choice; discuss allergies and dietary needs with staff before arrival, and request accessibility arrangements in advance if needed.
When planning your London travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in London, pair this stop with standout local spots including Leighton House, DUKES London, Fashion and Textile Museum, and The Restaurant at St Martins Lane (0.1 km away).
