A Return Visit to Porterhouse by Barlows - Still Sizzling with Flavour!

Thursday 6 Nov 2025 by Sticky Beak
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Bestie Bird and her husband, The Bolton Wanderer, had come to visit for the weekend, and we always like to dine out together when they’re in the ‘Shire. Previously, we’d been to Porterhouse by Barlows and they’d enjoyed it so much that we thought we’d go there again.

Now, the parking is a bit of a drama sometimes as it’s all on-road and it isn’t the widest of thoroughfares; The Man Bird managed to grab a decent spot, though, not too far away. I’ve never visited this venue and it not be busy, so I would certainly urge you to book ahead and reserve a table. It was, predictably, heaving with diners when we arrived, and our lovely server got us seated at a corner table that still gave us a view of the open kitchen. Reece was beavering away to fill all the orders coming in (as well as his kitchen team), so I didn’t go and disturb him.

The chaps had a lager to kick off, and BB and me decided to share a bottle of Pinot Grigio. After a bit of discussion - and previous experience - we decided to go for starter and main, rather than main and dessert, figuring that we could always go for a third course if we still had room in our tummies. His Nibs had spotted the Scotch Egg with Mixed Salad and Onion Chutney on the specials board (£8.50), so him and TBW ordered that to start, BB went for the Roasted Exotic Mushrooms on Sourdough Toast with Truffle Mayo and Rocket (£8), and I fancied the Slow-Braised Beef and Asian ‘Slaw in Steamed Bao Buns (£9).

It wasn’t long before the four plates were being placed in front of us and we all set-to. BB was well impressed with her Mushroom Medley, remarking on how flavoursome they were and the variety of textures on her plate. Complementing the fungi’s natural earthy taste was the added depth from a rather fab Truffle Mayo that had been used judiciously so as not to over-power the dish. Peppery Rocket provided a cleaner, bright note in the mouth, bringing a lovely balance, and Sourdough’s crunch provided a blast of texture against the softness of the Mushrooms.

His Nibs and TBW were a right pair of chow-hounds as they snaffled their way through the generously sized Scotch Eggs. Outermost was a layer of golden, crispy crumbs that covered a rich, flavoursome Sausagemeat, and at the very heart was a jammy-yolked Egg that was scrummily creamy. The Onion Chutney was tangy and sweet, its beautiful depth pairing brilliantly with the other elements, and a crisp, cool Mixed Salad added a temperature contrast; altogether, a superb starter and one that we hope will stick around.

As you know, I do love me a fluffy Bao Bun, and the ones served here were marvellous. The pillowy bun housed plenty of soft, juicy Beef shreds that had an incredibly satisfying meatiness to their flavour. I loved the contrast between the filled Bao Buns and the colourful, crunchy Asian ‘Slaw; not only was it tasty, it kept my senses on alert too.

Our server was very happy to see a quartet of clean plates on the table and, as she cleared away, asked if we needed any more drinks or any additional sauces to go with our steak mains. Between the four of us, we ordered the three sauces on offer at Porterhouse by Barlows: Peppercorn, Stilton, and Pancetta and Ale Gravy – all priced at £4 per jug. The gents ‘twinned’ again with their main courses, both opting for the 16oz Porterhouse Steak (£35.95), whilst I fancied the 8oz Fillet (£29), and BB chose the 10oz Ribeye (£27). At ‘Barlows’, all the steaks come with slow-cooked Herb Tomato, Flat Mushroom, Red Onion, Rocket and Mixed Leaf [Sherry Vinaigrette-dressed] Salad, and House Chips.

It's a given that your steak will be cooked exactly as you want it; Reece is no stranger to cooking on the Josper Grill! True-to-form, all four morsels were tender, juicy and with varying stages of pinkness to them, per our preferences. Once the to-ing and fro-ing of Mushrooms and Tomatoes had finished, we all poured our unctuous sauces over the steaks and/or dunked the chunky, seasoned Chips into them. Without exception, we all said how incredibly delicious the steaks were, and the fellas were sad to have to admit defeat and leave small amounts of their Porterhouse champs to be wrapped up to take home. BB and I didn’t leave any meat though! No-one can accuse the team of skimping on their portions, and all of us had left a few of the chips and some sauce; not through lack of enjoyment, can I just say. The Mushrooms and Tomatoes were also delicious, and perfectly seasoned to enhance their characters.

It turned out that none of us could manage dessert! No matter though, it’s a good excuse for another visit. Hot Wings very happily given again to this amazing Annesley Woodhouse restaurant. To book a table call 01623 757580 or visit www.porterhousebybarlows.co.uk and hit the ‘reserve a table’ button. You can see all the latest offers, such as steak night, on the website, too.

Porterhouse By Barlows is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Weds-Fri 5pm-10pm, Saturday Noon-10pm, and Sunday Noon-5pm.