Bodean's BBQ - Tower Hill
16 Byward Street, London EC3R 5BA
$$
Bar-B-Q
Whether the market’s a bear or a bull, City investors looking for the biggest and best return for their dining portfolio head for the sign of the golden pig, located in the loveliest corner of the Square Mile facing the Tower of London on the Thames.
And after ogling the Crown Jewels and stalking the ancient battlements, visitors to the Tower can look forward to a warm welcome to relax and refuel without fretting about the budget whether grabbing our top-rated barbecue on the fly as you walk through the door or taking your time downstairs in our sumptuous club setting where button-back Broadway hits the trail.
Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 16 Byward Street, London EC3R 5BA
- Cross Street: Trinity Square
- Cuisine: American | Bar-B-Q |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Unknown
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Street |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Cash | Apple Pay | Android Pay |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
- Website: www.bodeansbbq.com
- Phone: 0207 488 3883
- Features: Full Bar, Catering Services, Takeout Available, Happy Hours, Free Wi-Fi, Big Screen TV,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Dining Alone, Business Dining, People Watching, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 22:00
- Tuesday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 22:00
- Wednesday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 22:00
- Thursday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 22:00
- Friday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 23:00
- Saturday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 23:00
- Sunday
- Main Restaurant 12:00 - 22:00
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions- How do I make a booking?
- We accept bookings online through TableAgent or on our website (www.bodeansbbq.com) or via email to [email protected] On completion of your booking, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of making your booking, please contact the restaurant directly so we can make sure that your booking is in our system.
- Do I need to make a booking?
- We recommend making a booking if you would like a guaranteed table. We will only be accepting bookings online or via email. We keep walk-in tables open and depending on the demand, there might be a waiting time on tables. Currently, we only accept bookings of up to 6 people; if you book several tables, we cannot guarantee that you will be seated next to each other.
- Do I have to wear a face mask?
- Please arrive wearing a face covering. Once you have been seated at your table, feel free to take it off for the duration of your visit. You will only need to put it on again when leaving the venue or visiting the bathroom.
- How do I cancel my booking?
- If you need to cancel a booking, please do so via Table Agent, email or a phone call with as much notice as possible. No shows may result in you not being able to book again in the future.
- What happens if I am running late?
- All tables later than 15 minutes will be considered cancelled, and the table will be given to other guests if we have not received a phone call before your booking time. However, we will try our utmost to find an alternative table for you.
- Do you have parking near by?
- Parking is very limited around Tower Hill. The nearest Car Park is Minories Car Park which is a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
- What is your closest tube station
- Tower Hill station is the closest tube station, Fenchurch Street station the closest railway station and Tower Gateway the closest DLR station.
- Are you child friendly? Do you have a kids menu?
- We are a family orientated restaurant and welcome children of all ages. Children under 12 years have the option to eat off the kid’s menu (3-course meal with a drink for £4.95). We can supply high chairs, just inform us when you arrive or when making a booking online.
- Can you warm up milk/food for my baby/child?
- Unfortunately, we are unable to heat baby food or milk bottles. Your safety is our priority, and we wouldn’t want to harm you or your child in any way as we cannot guarantee the right temperature. However, if you require, we can bring you a bowl of hot water to your table so that you can heat your baby food or milk bottle yourself.
- Do you have vegetarian, vegan or gluten free option?
- All our restaurants have options for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements. Our Front of House team is fully trained and equipped with information regarding different dietary requirements.
- Do you cater for special requests?
- Please inform us of any dietary requests when making your reservation. We always try our best to accommodate special requests and can provide allergen information upon request.
- Celebrating a birthday, anniversary etc. - what special thing can you offer?
- If you are celebrating a birthday or any other occasion, please let us know when making your reservation or inform your server upon arrival - we will always try to make your special occasions memorable (dessert with a candle and birthday song or a glass of sparkling for the celebrant).
- Can we bring our own cake or beverages?
- If you wish to bring your own cake, please give us a ring and let the restaurant manager know. No beverages, except those supplied by Bodean’s, are permitted to be consumed on the premises.
- Is your food Halal?
- Unfortunately, our foods are not halal certified.
- Do you offer Takeaways or Deliveries?
- All our restaurants offer Takeaway services - easily place your order on our website (www.bodeansbbq.com) or call the branch and place your order with one of our staff members. For deliveries, please head over to UberEats, place your order and wait for your order to arrive.
- Something wasn't quite right, who can I speak to?
- We’re sorry to hear that. Please let us know if something wasn’t quite up to our standards, and we will do our best to sort it out. In the first instance, you should speak to the restaurant manager. If you feel you haven’t been heard, please contact us via email ([email protected]).
- What is your Cancellation Policy?
- All reservations must be cancelled at least 2 hours prior to your booking, either via your online account, phone call (0207 488 3883) or email ([email protected]). Cancellations less than 2 hours in advance or No Shows may result in a £10 per person No-Show-Fee.
- Why do I need to provide you with my credit card when making a booking?
- For tables larger than 6 people and All day Friday and Saturday we require a credit card to guarantee your seats. Cancellations less than 2 hours in advance or No Shows may result in a £10 per person No-Show-Fee.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.25 out of 5 stars based on 1390 votes
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 2021
Bruce J.
The Jacob’s Ladder ribs which I have loved in the past we’re a bit dry this tough unlike some I’ve had at the restaurant before. I didn’t get that marinated in sauce taste and texture or shall I say that the sauce didn’t marry well with the meat and your bbq sauce in general could be better! I’m a lover of BBQ and when I go out to eat it I don’t want to think I could have done better at home because I shouldn’t be able to. I come to you guys for an eating experience especially as an American from the south living over here for many years. I want home when I bite into your ribs!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2021
Elizabeth B.
Really nice atmosphere, staff really friendly, excellent service - food delicious. Would definitely go again and recommend!!
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 23, 2021
Anshu M.
Our afternoon server (She - cant remember her name) was excellent. Given other places I have eaten at - I felt the cleanliness of the restaurant could be improved - still using old menus (during covid times) - so uncomfortable touching them. Also not sure how well the tables are cleaned after every use. Also , the toilets could be cleaner.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 11, 2021
Karl F.
Good food and good service
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 6/10
Oct 12, 2022
Anonymous User
Smashing
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 22, 2021
Dominique T.
Thank you for facilitating us last week. The evening was well received by everyone, the food was incredible and we were well looked after. Will be coming again!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 13, 2021
Craig G.
More veggies for kids e.g. as sides etc
Food itself great and portions too
Service scored 7 because not offered dessert or further drinks
Did appreciate the understanding of staff with my two young children who were very tired and kept needing the toilet!!!
- Overall: 0/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 0/10
- Value: 0/10
Mar 28, 2022
Nicole M.
Unfortunately restaurant was closed after being told they were running 15 minutes late, still nobody opened the door or informed me of the change. Emailed the restaurant but no response. Pretty poor to be honet.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 30, 2021
Graham M.
The team looked after us superbly, had a really enjoyable evening.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 22, 2022
Philip B.
We were a big group so understandably the service was a little slow, however one of our group didn't get to eat their main due to the time taken to bring to table despite having over an hour before having to leave. Otherwise a very nice evening with great food and drinks.
- Overall: 5/10
- Food: 4/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 6/10
Sep 29, 2021
Nimmi C.
The service was excellent, our waiter was wonderful, friendly and super helpful. In fact, all the staff were great. However, the food was not the same as before. The ribs and the pulled pork were extremely dry and hard, not the same experience we usually have at Bodeans. Was very disappointing as we were celebrating a birthday - and the quality of the food was not up to standard at all.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 23, 2021
Liam A.
Would have got a 10 for everything but one of the starters came about 15 minutes after the others. Other than that all lovely.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 01, 2022
Chris R.
Very nice restaurant, first time here and will definitely come back.
Food is top notch.
Only thing which is very minor, me and my wife was sat close to 3 big table parties and sometimes it got very loud.
- Overall: 3/10
- Food: 3/10
- Service: 4/10
- Ambience: 2/10
- Value: 2/10
Sep 30, 2021
Christine D.
Very disappointing experience! It seemed more like a soup kitchen, than a resturant!
Could’nt understand the waitress, as she had a mask on, and spoke with a heavy accent. Food was luke warm, and served on canteen dishes. No serviettes, only paper towel!
Will not be re-visiting!
Not what I expect from dining out.
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 30, 2021
Mark C.
Ok nothing special
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2021
Jason H.
Had a great time, loads of good food and thank you for the complimentary bottle of Prosecco for our Christmas lunch!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 12, 2021
Caroline B.
We love this restaurant. The platters are full of variety and enormous.
Best short rub ever!!!
If you love your meat then this is the place for you.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 2021
Gary M.
Service was ace considering we were a group of 8. Only marked down on the food as one member of the party ordered the £25 steak and it was brought out cold.
They werent keen on making a fuss so didnt want to raise it at the time - he still ate it!!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 01, 2021
Amanda L.
Love Bodeans but not been a very long time. Introduced a friend up from Plymouth. Would have preferred to sit upstairs - I felt too close to others. See you again x
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 4/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 5/10
Aug 26, 2021
Nicola P.
Meat was rather salty. The coleslaw was nice but the meals (as standard) could come with some plain salad which would make the meat more appetising and easier to eat. The chips didn’t have much flavour.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2021
Perry N.
100% Recommend. Food amazing. Staff very friendly and professional. They couldn't do enough for you. Will definitely be returning.
- Overall: 5/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 6/10
Jan 02, 2022
Jon B.
Server allowed me to taste a small portion of the truffled mac and cheese before ordering, which was nice of her.
Starter of nachos to share was drenched in plasticky cheese sauce which obscured the other toppings. Nachos were a strange texture too. Not a very pleasant dish.
I (vegetarian) ordered the BBQ Jackfruit meal for my main and wished I’d ordered the mac and cheese instead. Fries were crazy-hot and ‘bourbon-spiked beans’ tasted far too similar to the jackfruit.
The servers messed up my drinks order, giving me a regular mojito rather than the non-alcoholic version which I ordered.
Service would have been 7 but I took 1 point off for the drink mistake. Good thing I’m not a recovering alcoholic!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 12, 2021
Gemma L.
We had a fantastic time we went for our anniversary and they gave us a complimentary glass of procecco
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 30, 2021
Paul F.
Expensive now for what it is. Still love it though.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
May 28, 2021
Andy S.
All great as usual, cheers
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 6/10
Oct 29, 2021
Kevin S.
We asked for the S Charge to be removed and paid cash. The waitress did not understand Food presentation was ok. But could have been better
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2021
Michael T.
The general experience was good until they move the boisterous group of men to our side. It ruined the calm and special date I had with my partner.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 03, 2021
Jenny C.
Enjoyed our first visit to Bodeans and mostly enjoyed the food. The pulled port was a bit disappointing but the ribs and fries were delicious
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 3/10
Nov 11, 2021
Wendy M.
Service was let down by length of time waiting for drinks and having to ask for part of meal to be brought to us.
The meat for all four of us was overdone and dry.
We have eaten at Bodeans several times and this was a particularly disappointing experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 20, 2022
Tony A.
Very nice place, great staff and reat food
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Nov 08, 2021
Michael A.
The food tasted great but felt a little short changed on the amount of chips.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 29, 2021
jane l.
First time really great
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 20, 2021
andrew n.
Great experience, great food and a place we will visit again
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 3/10
- Value: 7/10
Jun 27, 2021
Fran M.
Food and service was great but seating and decor was very dated. Felt like it could have been a cafe.
Had previously been to bodeans in Soho a few years ago and remembered such a good a buzzy atmosphere. I understand it is a basement restaurant so don’t have the passers by like soho but just really thought the decor and layout let the place down.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 06, 2021
David M.
We were 5 minutes late due to being delayed on a tube train and our table had been given away which the receptionist appeared to enjoy telling us!!
The food was excellent and the bar staff (as we sat at the bar) were friendly.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 02, 2021
Julie H.
Brilliant night lovely food .Will be back very soon.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jun 16, 2021
Mark P.
Friendly and very speedy staff meant we didn’t wait long for a food or drinks at any stage of the evening. BBQ was terrific as always, although our fries were a little stale. Probably from a batch cooked earlier, but not a big deal. Looking forward to our next visit !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 20, 2021
Jola S.
What's happened to the portions? They've got smaller!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 02, 2021
Ethan M.
Brilliant food, Brilliant service, really affordable prices too!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 23, 2021
Mark B.
Wasn't quite sure when I booked the table, but oh so wrong it was great - good food and excellent service
- Overall: 4/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 5/10
- Ambience: 4/10
- Value: 7/10
Jan 17, 2022
Lee M.
I noted on the booking that we was celebrating a birthday, however there was no acknowledgement.
We do enjoy the food but the toilet fertility’s are not good. Not going to rush back
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 01, 2022
James E.
Brilliant food and service!
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Aug 31, 2021
Gemma W.
Too long to take a drinks order , 15 minutes! Food was nice, cocktails good . No one asked if all ok with food though. So for a 12.5% service fee there was a lack of interaction. It was all just OK.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2021
Nicola T.
I've been to Bodeans quite a few times (to all Central London branches) but I've never had food like that served on Saturday 26 June; thought perhaps they had a new chef that day as the ribs were dry (and this is no fault of the chef, but Burnt Ends were very fatty)! Was looking forward to getting back to Bodeans as food is normally delicious, but that has put me off and I don't think I will be visiting again :(
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 29, 2022
David K.
Despite an error at our end in the booking which meant to be for 3 guests, not 2, you were able to accommodate us and everything was on point. No complaints.
- Overall: 0/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 0/10
- Value: 0/10
Apr 21, 2022
Vicky S.
Unfortunately our table was cancelled due to the kitchen not being open, we were in London for my husbands birthday, they did email me and gave me 20% off our next visit which has to be redeemed by June, unfortunately we live four hours away so it’s very unlikely we will get to visit
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Jan 16, 2022
Chloe N.
Always enjoy the food here
However the toilet really smelt of urine like it hadn’t been cleaned for weeks, it was very off putting
- Overall: 5/10
- Food: 3/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 4/10
Feb 07, 2022
Mitesh P.
Very disappointed with the whole evening. Pre booked the table over a week in advance with comments that wanted a table downstairs. When turned up were given table upstairs with cock n bull story about no tables available downstairs when it was half empty.
Food was tasteless apart from maybe wings which we Ok. Ordered Ribs which were bland and dry. Would not go there again in a hurry.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 24, 2021
Nicholas A.
Nothing
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 28, 2021
Charlotte H.
Really lovely trip here. The staff were lovely, great atmosphere. Loved the baseball on in the background and the burnt ends were superb