Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
The Cow Shed Birchington Review:
The Cow Shed Birchington Review: Welcome to the rustic charm and culinary delights of The Cow Shed Birchington! Tucked away in the quaint village of Birchington in Kent, this Steakhouse promises a dining experience like no other – especially after my brother and #1 son have hyped her up so much.
As you step into The Cow Shed, you’re transported to a cozy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant invites you to unwind and savor their food that is immediately and evidently prepared with care, creativity, and downright pride!!! You feel immediately part of the family here as the truly incredible staff comes to chat table side. It’s just brilliant.
The Cow Shed Birchington Review Contents
Whether you’re craving a hearty Tomahawk Steak cooked to perfection, umami Pork Belly Burnt Ends, the biggest Mac n Cheese you’ll ever have, or a decadent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, The Cow Shed delivers a culinary experience that is up there with the best in Thanet and beyond.
I’ll call out that The Cow Shed is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination where people come together to share laughter, conversation, and unforgettable moments – as I did this day with family. I would have loved to have gone outside for a beer at The Udder Bar, maybe next time.
Join Islifearecipe.net as we embark on this gastronomic adventure through the flavors of The Cow Shed Birchington menu (we did order A LOT off it!!!): a testament to the simple joys of seriously good Steakhouse food. It’s a cracker, and it’s a must-try, folks!!!
The Cow Shed Birchington Interior
Cabin-style with exposed brick, open fires, and wood everywhere. Love it. Homely, just pure homely. The screens I believe were for Covid-19 times, so ignore them. Nick-nacks and cow memorabilia are everywhere. My kind of place. Moo-sic to my ears.
I love cow skulls as much as the next beef freak, and the Cow Shed Birchington has a plethora of them all river, and quirky little ‘Advice from cow’ anecdotes all over. You scan the room and see something new every time.
Perhaps best to say, what didn’t we eat? The menu is seriously good. Great variety of sides mains, salads, specials, and even – in a very ChillaxBBQ-style – big sharing platters that include our signature Tomahawk steak. Oh yes, this is going to be good. I feel like I am ‘home’ with kindred carnivores, that up-size as the standard.
So much more to come back for though: so much. The owner was singing the praises of the new dish not yet on the menu (this is now locked in the memory-namks for the return visit): Chicken Kiev (woof!!!)
What I am also going to call out here is… they practice the ChillaxBBQ mantra of low and slow, and reverse-searing. No sous-vide here, and I love them dearly for that. No ‘boil-in-the-bag’.
And I have proof as I saw the kitchen. Overnight for the bone marrow gravy, for example, bubbling away with beef bones galore and other goodies to create their umami nectar for the steaks. Double-Woof!!!
Soy, ginger, chilli & garlic or hot honey & mustard: First up and out of the kitchen. Brother allowed me to try a chicken wing and yeah, really nice. Not amazingly off-the-charts, but really good. Kids will love these, sticky and sweet.
For amazingly off-the-charts, you need to scroll down one…
With a snappy chilli sauce: WOOF!!! This is amazingly off-the-charts food right here. Now, I love pork belly, as you know from my recipes. This bad boy is up there with the VERY BEST this fat-bearded mouth has ever eaten…
Unctuous, fatty, crispy, juicy all in one bite. Then the BBQ sauce kicks in and KAPOW the next level umami smacks you around the back of the head. I’d keep coming back here just for this pork belly dish. You simply HAVE TO get this in your life once!!! That’s an order!!!
BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS @ GBP 4.50
Stunning onion rings. So stunning that I had one, and when I went back to get another they’d all gone. Well, that says it all right. Mental note to self, next time order two and keep one closer to me…
Sweetcorn to die for. Man alive that is sweet, sour and a little spicy. Very Thai-style, and you know how much I love Thai food. Winner winner Cow Shed. Rockin’.
I could not get #1 son off this. Its chunky chips sat in an unctuous Brisket Broth, and then topped with super-soft, savory, extra-tasty pulled brisket. A match made in heaven. A wonderful dish.
Brother said to me that he and sis go into Cow Shed and just order this Brisket for snacking over a beer at lunch. This is loaded fries on steroids, folks. Don’t have breakfast one day and then get stuck into this. WOOF!!!
CHICAGO STYLE FULL RACK OF RIBS @ GBP 19.50
With our house BBQ sauce: Oh my. Little Ayden demolished the kid’s size portion of this one. Again no sous-vide. This is slow-cooked (thank you, Cow Shed). Then baked I assume to get a lovely ‘bark’ on the outside. Then they are slathered in their homemade BBQ sauce – which is to die for.
You can pull the bones easier than I pull a muscle these days putting on my shoes at my age. Super-soft, ever so tender and juicy, and flavoursome as the best BBQ Pork Ribs I have ever had. Great work Chef!!!
CHICKEN MAC N CHEESE @ GBP 15.50
As serving the size of a small child. My sis goes LARGE. What a beast this is, and it comes with salad and chargrilled bread. We all had a hand in ‘helping’ with this. I had to try to give an honest opinion of the dish here.
A spanking Mac n Cheese. Major big chunks of chicken beautifully poached in that cheese sauce and then backed off. Nicely done Cow Shed, this is a ripper. Maybe move it to your sharing section though on the menu = MONSTER!!!
TOMAHAWK STEAK @ GBP 80.00 + BONE MARROW SAUCE @ GBP 3.00
“All sharing steaks market price. Looking for something a little special? Why not indulge in our sharer steaks? We have access to a variety of beautiful cuts from locally sourced butchers. To avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-ordering your desired cut.” said The Cow Shed Birchington.
I couldn’t agree more. If I see a Tomahawk on any menu, I immediately gravitate towards it. That and Japanese Wagyu, of course. And she was a beauty. You know when a steak is going to be good… when it takes time to cook. You want this low and slow and then reverse on the sear to umami the t!ts off it. Nicely done Chef and Cow Shed. A stunning Tomahawk…
You might be pleased to know that the food coma doggy bag we took home was not in vain for the Chef. I bought some really nice rib eye at Quex Barn, trimmed down the remaining Tomahawk pieces, and made a rather nice Beef Steak Tartare the following day. Hope you like it…?
TRIO OF DESSERTS @ GBP 7.00
Sticky Toffee Pudding, M&M’s Cheese Cake and Chocolate Brownie: if I remember correctly. Oohs and Aahs emanated constantly from the family as they gorged on their chosen deserts, as I merrily passed out into a food coma, lulled into foodie bliss by their mumblings…
The Udder Bar @ The Cow Shed
Once the weather picks up the outside dining and bar, quirkily coined The Udder Bar will be opening. Yes folks, watch out for that opening on Paddie’s Day 2024. I wish I was there for that. It’s a great outdoor space, with a fully functional bar, burners for when it’s chilly and even a sunken seating space.
And, of course, cow skulls… I think this is a signature of the Cow Shed. Or they’re just pulling the udder one…
The Cow Shed Birchington Tomahawk Mirror of Fame
What does The Cow Shed Birchington have to say about themselves?
“We never shy away from a reason to get together and celebrate, which notoriously involves freshly prepared, great food and beverages, in the company of good friends and family.
As a team, we pair our own personal culinary knowledge gained whilst cooking at home and on our many travels. This, combined with 8 decades plus of working in the hospitality industry, will ensure your visit to The Cow Shed & The Udder Bar is perfect.
We welcome the opportunity of hosting you and ensuring everything is perfect in creating your memory. This is why we believe we offer the Best Breakfast in Thanet and are rated one of the best restaurants in the area. Check out some of our amazing reviews!
The Cow Shed team will look after your every service need and our dedicated chefs will use their creative flare to prepare your meal to the highest standard.
This is where mouth-watering, memorable moments are made…”
My conclusion of The Cow Shed Birchington Review
In conclusion, dining at The Cow Shed Birchington is an experience that transcends mere mealtime. From the moment you step foot into this charming establishment, you’re greeted with warmth and hospitality that sets the stage for an exceptional culinary journey. The flavors are fresh, vibrant, and truly unforgettable: don’t forget no sous-vide and low slow and reverse sear (my kindred carnivore brothers and sisters…).
What truly sets The Cow Shed apart is its unwavering dedication to quality. Each plate that leaves the kitchen is a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity, showcasing the best that Birchington’s, and beyond, culinary scene has to offer. Whether you’re indulging in a tender steak, savoring a garden-fresh salad, or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, you can taste the care and passion that goes into every bite.
And I saw that pride 121 many times during our long lunch: 1/ A chat with the Chef. 2/ The owner’s pride of that Chicken Kiev coming soon. 3/ The absolute joy of the servers.
Overall, The Cow Shed Birchington is a culinary destination worth a visit over and over. With its inviting ambience, delicious fare, and commitment to downright quality, it’s a place where food lovers can come together to celebrate the simple pleasures of good food, good company and wonderful service.
I’d love to do a ChillaxBBQ pop-up with you guys one day in The Udder Bar – get that BBQ fired up and have some fun creating together!!!
So if you find yourself in Birchington, be sure to make a reservation at The Cow Shed — believe me, you won’t be disappointed. If you are, I’ll pay for your meal!!! ENJOY!!!
What's the Address of The Cow Shed Birchington?
The Cow Shed Address: 3 The Square, Birchington. CT7 9AE
What are the contact details of The Cow Shed Birchington?
- eMail: thecowshedbirchington@outlook.com
- Telephone: 01843 847777
What are the opening times of The Cow Shed Birchington?
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am – 11pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:30pm
