TNT reviews Dirty Bones - Carnaby's latest dining hot spot.
Already a hit on High Street Kensington, Dirty Bones has now opened an outpost in Kingly Court off Carnaby Street.
With its communal tables (surrounded by numerous smaller ones), wooden beams, bricks walls, parquet floors and rambling assortment of tables, chairs and comfy sofas scattered throughout, the interior exudes warmth – even if it is slap bang in the middle of what is basically an al fresco shopping centre.
The ambience is enhanced further by the intimate cocktail bar at the back- a good spot to unwind with friends over a cheekily named cocktail (the Mutt’s Nuts - an enticing combination of Woodford reserve bourbon, cinnamon and vanilla infused maple syrup, ago posture bitters, lemon and apple juice - gets our vote), while waiting for your table.
Once seated, prepare to peruse the menu which is all about comfort eating: get stuck into irresistible starters such as Charred pardon peppers in citrus glad (£4) or - our favourite - Deep fried mac balls (£5.50) with sweet chilli sauce. You’ll hate yourself as you hover them all up…
That said Dirty Bones’ specialty is dogs - aka sausages to you and me. Choose from Classic Yankee (spring onions, sauerkraut, Frenchies mustard and ketchup), Brit Dog (treacle bacon, mature beer, cheddar, curried gherkins, ketchup and english mustard), Dirty Dog (BBQ pulled pork, crispy bacon, jalapeño cheese sauce, crispy shallots) and Asian (kimchee puree, wasabi mayo, crispy seaweed and sesame seeds), all of which are available in pork, beef and veggie versions. The dogs can also be served naked (i.e. sans bread) making them a great option for herbivores and the gluten intolerant.
Carnivores, however, will wait to order the chicken - a generous serving of Crispy fried chicken coated in a sort of spiced buttermilk sauce that you’ll want to lap up like a kitten. Good tasting sides include the Heritage tomato salad and Collard greens- for those looking to get their five a day - and the less saintly (but very more’ish) Mac and cheese. Think bliss in a dish...
Dessert defeated us - if you do plan on visiting, arrive with a large appetite as you can eat at Dirty Bones until your stomach threatens the waistband of your trousers - but we’ll be back. Most likely for the brunch which features bottomless Prosecco for £15. Result!
Regardless of when you visit, expect to be served by bright, chatty and vivacious staff (presided over by manager Joe) who are clearly having a blast.
For essentially Dirty Bones specialises in fun and upscale American fast food - what more could you want? Do yourself a favour and check it out.
