Steaks are a labour of love at Miller & Carter steakhouse, Mitcham
They say: “We put everything into pursuing the perfect steak, from the field to the butcher’s block to the grill, so only the finest, most flavoursome cuts make your plate.”
And they are indeed quite right. As long running, regular visitors, my wife and I have always enjoyed the dining experience at this establishment. Previously known as The Mill House (or ‘Ball-pub’ that allowed kids to play in an indoor ball pit), next, a Harvester and now Miller & Carter Steakhouse (Est. 2017). A bar/pub style restaurant, that has gone through quite a few changes over the years and has also gone from strength-to-strength, raising the bar in all areas, each and every time.
The welcoming and first impressions of the interior are of a pleasant surprise, clean-cut, modern, professional and slightly up-market for the quite desolate surroundings of the Mitcham setting.
The restaurant does get extremely busy at certain times and bookings are advisable, even though it seems covers are in abundance, as the restaurant twists and turns, on and on, round and round, with log burning fire, glass cabinets full of wine, cosy corners, different shaped booths, larger open areas, enormous bar, and a counter-like view of the kitchen’s chefs hard at work. In front of the chefs, there is a bell hanging for customers (kids mainly) to ring ‘their appreciation’ after dining.
We visited on a Sunday afternoon
and opted for the Sunday ‘Indulgent’
deal – A 3-course set-meal priced
at £24.95 each
For starters – Black pearl scallops (4) perfectly seared, cooked and tender. Served on a bed of parmentier potatoes which although an adequate amount, were a little small. The Champagne Thermidor sauce worked well and brought all the dishes ingredients together. However, the tempura samphire and fresh tomato salsa (£2 supplement) were even smaller than the potatoes, and in much less supply, struggling to be found on first inspection, but indeed existent. Despite this minor let down, overall, a very good, recommended starter. Also, a dish of sweet chipotle chilli-glazed chicken bites with toasted sesame seeds, served with a dressed slaw. Extremely tasty, quite a unique tangy flavour and the pieces are just the right size and amount for a starter.
The main course – Unfortunately the fillet steak was not an option on the set-meal. We opted for two medium rare 8oz Bistro cut rump steaks – Taken from the centre of the rump to combine great tenderness with full flavour. Not flat rumps – like supermarkets, but quite high, concise, rounded cuts cooked perfectly to melt in the mouth. Served with a cracked peppercorn sauce and a Porcini mushroom & black garlic sauce. A signature crispy onion loaf, full of zing and texture alongside a grilled balsamic-glazed tomato.
Accompanied with wine, the house red – Merlot Tomorino from Chile (12.5%) described as soft and mellow, with soft tannins and a dark fruity flavour of blackberries. All indeed very nice, yet very moreish. Two small wooden bowls each with an Iceberg wedge crammed in. One with a bacon & honey mustard dressing, the other with a garlic mayonnaise & Grana Padano. Odd, not seen this menu item anywhere before. Not very flavoursome or attractive and slightly awkward to cut into, without pieces covering the table. Not forgetting the two amply packed mini-buckets of seasoned chips to round off the mains plates.
Finally, desserts – A rich chocolate brownie served warm with vanilla bean ice cream, rich Belgian chocolate sauce, and a dark chocolate & pistachio shard. Along with a sticky toffee pudding, a popular dessert served with a rich salted butterscotch sauce and again, vanilla bean ice cream. Classics, well presented, polished off and like the starters, just the right size and amount to finish off a really enjoyable meal and visit to a great restaurant.
All the staff we have encountered on numerous visits to Miller & Carter are extremely polite, friendly and attentive without being overly obtrusive. Quite professional in fact, as is, Miller & Carter Steakhouse of Mitcham.
Miller & Carter, 1 Windmill Road, Mitcham, Greater London, CR4 1HT
020 8288 0491
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12pm – 11pm
Food Service Times: Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 10:30pm
What to wear: Smart-casual – or dress to impress if you fancy.
https://www.millerandcarter.co.uk/restaurants/london/millerandcartermitcham