#FtLionAwards 2024 Grill of the Year shortlist

Having been rated a perfect 5/5, the smokehouse known as Chipsy in London’s Hatch End features for the first time in this awards with two stand out grill items.

The first was this exquisite Brisket, which we had based in their popular mango and hebanero marination. The depth of smokiness achieved here made this one of the best briskets we’ve ever had. Just the umami goodness was on a different level, as was the smoking and cooking of the meat. Astounding!

There was then this rare-to-find Lamb Neck, which was sous vide, before being cooked for an extended period in a precisely regulated water bath. The result was meat that turned out to be dreamily tender.

Marinated in a teriyaki glaze, this was an absolute bargain at £15 particularly when paired with their signature house slaw, palate-cleansing pickles, and an inhouse chilli and garlic dip – all made inhouse and all brilliantly done.

Michelin-starred Chef Rohit Ghai’s Manthan in central London’s Mayfair has at least one time in every category, including now these French-trimmed Lamb Chops, which were an absolute delight.

With a punchy yoghurt-based, masala marination delivering that delicate hit of spiciness, and the superb charring on the outside ensuring that smoky aroma in the background, the thick pieces of lamb themselves were gorgeously pink on the inside and dreamily soft. Delightful!

Middle Eastern restaurant Roma in London’s Southall Broadway already have a starter up. In this category, they don’t have one, but two grills nominated.

The first is this Mixed Grill Platter with a selection of charcoal-grilled meats that were all on point, with perhaps the lamb cubes being the best of the bunch, given their juicy pink interior.

These were followed closely behind by the deliciously-good kofta kebabs, which boasted that perfect textural balance, with both the chicken taouk and wings having been charred enough to deliver that smoky hit. As good as any we’ve had in recent times.

Secondly was Roma’s Lamb Chops Platter with the attention to detail standing out for us first. The chops in this attractively presented plate were carefully French-trimmed, wrapped in foil, and expertly chargrilled to a tee. The condiments just made the entire meal all that more tasty.

Michelin Chef Peter Joseph’s 5/5-rated Kahani in London’s Chelsea also has an item in every category. He then served us two extraordinary grill dishes.

This monkfish, while being more firmer than most other fish, almost betrayed a chicken-like look and texture, it was that well executed. There was then the mesmerising level of smokiness infused therein.

Finally, there was the smooth and velvety nature of the whole grain millet (very closely related to quinoa) upon which these nuggets rested. Similar in texture to Italian risotto, this provided some delicious spicy heat to complete an unforgettable dish.

This Turkey Afghani Malai Tikka was a first, and given its absolute magnificence, we’re also hoping not our last, given the rare availability of Halal turkey.

What we had here were moist chunks of tender turkey marinated in a milky mixture light enough for the quality of the meat to be savoured, and topped with truffle for that touch of luxury.