Black Pepper – The King of Spice That Unlocks Flavour at Skewers, Covent Garden

At Skewers, your halal takeaway in the heart of Covent Garden, we don’t overlook the classics. Black Pepper – often called the King of Spices – may seem ordinary, but it holds extraordinary power when used right. And in our Black Pepper Marinated Skewers, it plays a starring role.

But here’s what most people don’t know: Black Pepper was once so valuable, it was used as currency in ancient Rome. During the Middle Ages, it was even traded ounce-for-ounce with gold. That sharp, earthy heat? It's historically priceless.

Before Louis XIV, wealthy tables used heavy spices to show off status. But the Sun King had a sensitive stomach and preferred only salt and pepper, enjoying rich, buttery foods without overpowering seasonings. This simple preference is why black pepper became the one spice every restaurant keeps on the table — it enhances almost any dish without upsetting the stomach or clashing with flavors.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is famously obsessed with freshly cracked black pepper, insisting that it adds a complexity no pre-ground spice can match.

At Skewers, we use coarse-cracked black pepper in our lamb marinade, allowing the oils in the peppercorns to seep into the meat. The result? A bold, spicy crust with a warm, lingering heat that complements the richness of the lamb.

✔️ Best Pairings:

• Lamb (especially with garlic)

• Grilled vegetables

• Caramelised onions

• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

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🚫 Avoid pairing with:

• Mint (pepper overwhelms it and dulls the cool freshness)

  
  

Health Benefit: Black pepper boosts digestion and improves the absorption of nutrients, especially turmeric.

✨ Chef Tip: Always use freshly ground black pepper — whole peppercorns retain volatile oils that lose potency within hours of grinding.

Next time you’re walking past 70 Long Acre, stop in and taste what makes black pepper royalty.