NESTLED in the heart of the Belgravia Road business hub in Athlone, The Butcher’s Wife (TBW) is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of long-standing communities. The fully halaal, Muslim-owned restaurant is a space that authentically reflects artisanal excellence whilst highlighting the importance of maintaining family traditions.
SABEELA HENDRICKS and SAAQUIB MODACK visited The Butcher’s Wife in Belgravia and share their dining experience.
The restaurant is brought to life through strategic attention to décor and staging. From the moment we stepped through the doors, the dim lighting and closely arranged tables created a familial ambiance that made us feel right at home. The combination of woody textures and antique memorabilia added to the restaurant’s cosy and intimate atmosphere, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal with our loved ones. Beyond the immediate domestic-feel, TBW showcases historical traces of Athlone through the incorporation of industrial and retro-like materials such as steel, copper and denim. These heritage designs are complemented well by modern tiling, contemporary furniture and a touch of greenery, keeping the restaurant trendy and appropriate for a diverse group of diners.
Upon being seated, we were hosted by attentive staff members who anticipated our every need with warmth and professionalism. TBW’s commitment to the inclusivity and comfortability of their customers was particularly evident through their Ramadaan offerings.
Our table was set with freshly plated dates and individual glasses of lemon water that was easily accessible to us during the time we needed to break our fast. We were also excited – and relieved – to learn about the restaurant’s on-site prayer facilities, as it provided us with a convenient and welcoming space for the observance of Maghrib salaah.
TBW’s menu has a range of food offerings to support and satisfy all culinary requirements. From starter meals, to main course dishes and desserts, the restaurant authentically transforms well-known recipes into something fresh and innovative. Despite the challenges of weekend rush hour, and the pressure to serve everyone’s meals in time for Iftaar, the space becomes saturated with the aroma of mouth-watering meals shortly after the call to prayer. We were excited to dig into our starter meal: creamy spinach and mozzarella cheese balls! The golden-fried delight oozed with savoury goodness and paired well with the sweet chilli dipping sauce provided.
The main course was certainly the highlight of our night, as we were presented with an array of unique textures and flavour combinations that tantalised our senses. The grilled chicken pizza boasted a perfectly crispy crust with a variety of well-seasoned toppings. The pepper steak pasta was cooked to al dente perfection and was drenched in a rich, velvety white sauce. The mouth-watering burger was layered with juicy, tender, filleted steak and served with a side of sweet potato fries. But it doesn’t end there! Despite the level of satisfaction brought forth by our main meals, we couldn’t not indulge our sweet tooth! We ended off our night with a ramekin portion of crème brûlée and a double-thick peppermint milkshake.
The appearance and presentation of each meal was marked by the restaurant’s creative efforts to preserve tradition whilst keeping up with modern day trends. Our food was served on wooden boards and each plate was meticulously crafted alongside bespoke crockery and complimentary dips to please both the eye and palate. What truly sets TBW apart is their consistent standard of excellence across all dishes and their unwavering commitment to ensure customer satisfaction. The restaurant’s hearty meals are not only characterised by their delicious taste, but also their appealing price point, allowing guests to continuously indulge without breaking their bank. As a whole, TBW earns a praiseworthy rating of 9/10 and is certainly a restaurant we will return to over, and over again!
