TGI Fridays Meet Your Match Menu launch

TGI Friday's has just launched its biggest menu revamp in 8 years and trust me, their new 'Meet your Match' menu serves up big bold flavours. 

Last week I was invited to an exclusive event in Piccadilly Circus to try the new dishes and was presently surprised at the standard of the service, food, cocktails and overall ambience. 

I'll be honest, TGI Friday's wouldn't be my venue of choice for 'date night'. In fact, Russell and I hadn't been to the restaurant in years, so had some seriously catching up to do. 

We were greeted by a very talented bar tender who made us drinks based on our favourite colour - a nice touch I must say. 

Once seated we were shown the new menu - both visually in presentation boxes and on paper. 

I can only describe the new menu as indulgent comfort food - if you're counting calories this isn't for you. 

My favourite dish of the evening was the new smoked bruschetta. Containing basil leaves deep fried in balsamic vinegar and smoked Maldon sea salt flaked over heritage tomatoes, I was really surprised by the quality of the ingredients. 

I also enjoyed the sticky barbequed pork belly smothered in a Jack Daniel’s® glaze, the meat melted in your mouth whilst the coleslaw gave a fresh, crips finish to every bite. 

I usually hate eating meat off the bone, however the Bucket of Bones Russell ordered was a juicy, laid-back dish that is great to share (if you can get a look in). It contains tender slow cooked pork ribs and chicken wings tossed in Jack Daniel’s® glaze, toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes, topped with Texan toothpicks. It's seriously addictive eating - I lapped up the last of the sauce with fries (classy I know). 

Unfortunately after all of that food I couldn't fit in the dish I was most looking forward to: the chicken BLT waffle. Containing crispy chicken breast served in a sweet waffle with gooey melted cheese, rocket, fresh tomato, succulent crispy bacon and Honey Mustard mayo, it's my idea of heaven. I'll be going back later this month to enjoy one (or two). 

The new menu also includes a range of five hot dogs layered with flavours inspired by New York’s best loved street eats. 

If you’re not hot for ‘dogs, the gigantic new Warrior Burger will not disappoint, if you dare to take it on. Featuring two 7oz burgers piled high with Mozzarella fingers, Colby cheese, crispy bacon, American cheese, caramelized onions and Fridays® mayo served with crispy fries and onion rings. Glory awaits those who can take it on.

Other dishes include double layered cheesy nachos and Tostada stacks - crispy flour tortillas packed with melted cheese and Cajun-spiced rice. 

Named ‘Best Big Company to Work for in the UK’ in this year’s Sunday Times, it's pretty apparent the staff are extremely proud and happy. The waitresses were very attentive and helpful - our glasses were never empty and they knew the cocktail menu off-by-heart (which includes over 500 drinks). 

Overall the atmosphere, friendly staff, killer cocktail list and finger lickin' food really impressed us. Having not been to TGI Friday's for such a long time, we're really surprised at the quality of the restaurant (and the cost of the food) compared to other indulgent London eats. 

Would we go back? Absolutely - I have a waffle burger to try!