Beasy

Sometimes all you crave is a meal that’ll leave you so distended you swear its strictly salads from Monday onwards, as you waddle back home. Sitting on Soho’s Greek Street is Beasy, an American-inspired eatery that offers the same satisfaction without the bloat, because the buns are light, and fillings vary from the usual molten cheese laden hotdogs. The main concern now, is if the kitchen can keep up with our appetite.

After wading through the crowds of guests excited to start their weekend, we find our place on a couple of bar stools and settle in for the unexpected. Easing us in gently, the meal starts with a turkey hotdog presenting a typical smoky flavour, that whilst barely distinguishable from the standard pork sausage, offers itself as a healthier alternative. A breaded chicken option follows, that’s adorned with salsa, lettuce and Parmesan, feeling incredibly light and very much welcomed between mouthfuls of crispy tater tots. There’s good news for vegans too, as each item on the menu comes with its own plant-based alternative.

With just one dessert up for grabs, that sounded as if it was concocted on a monumental hangover, we were a little apprehensive about what ‘The Munchies’ would entail. It arrived as a hotdog bun smothered in melted Nutella and crushed biscuits (which got it off to a good start), but hidden beneath was also a deep-fried banana. Not for the faint-hearted, sure, but the first bite will have you questioning why you’d not thought of it first, all whilst subconsciously heading in for a second mouthful. As moreish as it is, we’d recommend sticking to one dessert between two to avoid ending the night on an uncomfortable note.

Beasy pitches itself as a cocktail spot as much as a restaurant, and it's well worth visiting for the drinks alone. Our favourite was the spicy margarita, where the tequila has been infused with jalapenos, and mixed with lime plus an equivocal ‘secret ingredient’.

It makes for a fun evening out with friends, but book ahead because even though this spot comes with a big personality, the space itself is small.

Pull up a bar stool or get comfy on the sofa whilst you work your way through multple cocktails and hotdog, as Beasy is a restaurant that lets you feel like you're having dinner at a friend's, with it's ultra relaxed vibe and party anthems over the speakers. It was born through a love of cocktails and bar food, finding it's niche with hotdogs and perfectly executed drinks. The space is cosy, with a bar taking centre stage as you walk in, and a neon hot dog sign drawing your attention to the kitchen in the back. Bar stools line the wall to give way for those wanting a quick, casual bite and a cocktail with friends, whilst sofas are available for those ready to sink in and stay for the long haul.

For the food, expect hotdogs as you've never seen them before. A cheeseburger dog with broken up burger meat is available, or a breaded chicken option with salsa, lettuce and Parmesan, and even a chilli dog where flavoursome chilli overflows from the signature bun. Of course, standard hot dogs are also available, and each item on the menu is available as a vegan alternative. Drawing on the American inspiration, sides are available in the form of tater tots, either as they are or loaded with the likes of cheese or crispy bacon. 

Cocktails play just as an important role at Beasy, with an extensive list of drinks including wines, beers and cocktails. For cocktails, think an old fashioned with coffee infused bourbon, bitters and sugar syrup, or a spicy maragarita with jalapeno infused tequila, lime juice, and a secret ingredient. Able to cater for everyone, there are also mocktails for those looking to unwind without the addition of alcohol, with a twist on classics like the 'virgin-politan'.

For those looking to entertain a larger group of friends, there is also an intimate space downstairs at the venue available for private hire.