Halal credentials: HMC CertifiedThree TT Guide Reviewers visited this establishment on Thursday 15th April 2010, review by Brother I:
We had been to this place once before, and it was Brother Ds day to choose the eating venue (otherwise known as 'D-Day'). He was in a carnivorous mood, and fancied a mix-grill. After some deep personal soul-searching, he chose BBQ Express.
We arrived at approximately 8.30pm to a busy restaurant, which is half-way between a restaurant and a takeaway - though very thoughfully decorated with professional signage and finishes (BBQ Express now have several branches across London).
True to his original form, brother D chose a meat-filled menu, and we shared the Grilled Chicken Meal (8 pieces chicken, 6 wings, coleslaw, 4 other sides and 1.5 litre bottle drink all for £13.99) and a large Mixed Grill (£14.99 including 2 side). For the 6 sides we ordered 2 chips, 2 naans, 1 salad and 1 rice.
We originally had to sit close to the door in the only spare table, so the breeze from the door directly fell on us. However, by the time the salads started to arrive another table was available and we moved close to the serving counter. The waiter, an attentive and helpful young brother that spoke little, brought place settings for four and had obviously underestimated the eating prowess of TT Guide Reviewers. He quickly cleaned the table and the mains arrived approx 15 minutes later.
The food was ample, and on this occasion we had clearly over-ordered. We could not fault the portions, the large chicken platter arrived first and looked very appetising covered in a thick marinade with several started such as a large plate of chips and the naan bread. With the coleslaw and salad, our table was already quite full when the mixed-grill platter arrived. The waiter also put an assortmant of sauces on our table, and asked if he missed anything (was reminded about the rice, and again a nice large plate arrived). The chicken was very well cooked, still moist but not underdone. However, we all felt that it was overflavoured and a bit sour, probably because they had put too much lemon juice on it while cooking. Parts of the mixed grill such as the chops were overcooked, and similarly the meat was over-marinated with a strong sour flavour. The sides were all find, average chips, well-flavoured rice, fresh naans and a good salad with pineapple, jalapeno, olives over the normal lettuce, onions, tomatoe and cucumber.
Overall, we had a mixed experience at BBQ Express. On the previous occasion we had been the mixed grill was definitely better and it may just have been an off day. However, the service and portions as well as value were well above average. At £29 for the meal we came under our £10 budget, and had so much food left over that we each made a box to take back (unheard of for TT Reviewers to leave food on the table unless inedible). On our previous visit we had sampled the steak meal and this was well cooked and flavoursome. They also do burger meals at around £3.99 which good value and decent portions. From personal experience their pizzas (2 x 15" for £16.99) delivered are also well recommended).
DECOR/ENVIRONMENT: Good
PRICE: Moderate to Low, just below £10 per person
FOOD: Good
SCORE: 7.5 out of 10
RECOMMENDED:Yes, very good food on a good day, unfortunately average on this visit
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