I'm posting a thread about a favourite restaurant of mine. Introduced to it by a member of this very forum, visited by several members of this forum, and a place I recommend to everybody who mentions they enjoy what is it's primary fare - steak - the Hawksmoor is a 'group' of (two) restaurants, recently started by Will and Huw with the desire to create the best steak restaurants in London. I think they have succeeded in doing that and more.
The original establishment is Spitafields, on Commercial Street, and their newest venture is Seven Dials, on Langley Street near Covent Garden. I've visited both several times and I would say the Seven Dials restaurant is the better of the two, if you like a lively atmosphere. Seven Dials is larger, has probably a younger more 'party' crowd, and, being in the West End, somewhat reflects the ambience of the entire area.
The Hawksmoor is all about steak. Prime rib, porterhouse, chateaubriand, fillet, sirloin, rib eye and D-rump are on the menu, and there's an offer to source any cut of steak you may want given 48 hours notice. My personal preference is for a large chateaubriand. It's one of the more expensive cuts at £12 per 100g/3.5oz, and quite dangerously expensive as you can literally eat an infinite amount of it. However, the quality of the cut is 'up there', and with the Hawksmoor's excellent cooking and preparation, it makes for a truly delightful steak. I have no sauce to my steak to get the genuine taste. I seriously can't imagine how a sauce could make it any better.
A very good range of sides are available to complement. I have taken a liking to adding a half a lobster, macaroni cheese and baked sweet potato. The flavourful combination of all of these and a good steak truly makes your mouth water. My finger is hanging over the "Book" button as I type!
There's also a short but very good selection of puddings, and a comprehensive menu of after dinner drinks to choose from. A lengthy wine list, ranging from inexpensive to very much special occasion territory, means that you are sure to find something to your taste.
For me, everything about the wines or the puddings just plays second fiddle to the most important thing. I tell everybody I take to the Hawksmoor that a big piece of Hawksmoor chateaubriand will change what steak is to them. People often think I am exaggerating how good it tastes. Everybody, so far, has told me I'm right. The only downside is the place sort of ruins 'normal' steak for you. Every time you eat a slice of something else you think back to that delicious, juicy piece of chateaubriand and curse not being able to afford such a prime piece of meat every day.
If you are going to visit I would advise budgeting at least £50 per head, unless you intend to be very cost cautious or not have any alcohol. If you are very careful £30 per head is possible. My experience teaches me that a good bottle of wine, desert and cognac can easily see the bill soar to £100+ per head without feeling like you are getting carried away. In my opinion, it's worth spending and doing it properly for the 'full experience'.
Make a booking and go - you won't be disappointed: http://www.thehawksmoor.co.uk/
The original establishment is Spitafields, on Commercial Street, and their newest venture is Seven Dials, on Langley Street near Covent Garden. I've visited both several times and I would say the Seven Dials restaurant is the better of the two, if you like a lively atmosphere. Seven Dials is larger, has probably a younger more 'party' crowd, and, being in the West End, somewhat reflects the ambience of the entire area.
The Hawksmoor is all about steak. Prime rib, porterhouse, chateaubriand, fillet, sirloin, rib eye and D-rump are on the menu, and there's an offer to source any cut of steak you may want given 48 hours notice. My personal preference is for a large chateaubriand. It's one of the more expensive cuts at £12 per 100g/3.5oz, and quite dangerously expensive as you can literally eat an infinite amount of it. However, the quality of the cut is 'up there', and with the Hawksmoor's excellent cooking and preparation, it makes for a truly delightful steak. I have no sauce to my steak to get the genuine taste. I seriously can't imagine how a sauce could make it any better.
A very good range of sides are available to complement. I have taken a liking to adding a half a lobster, macaroni cheese and baked sweet potato. The flavourful combination of all of these and a good steak truly makes your mouth water. My finger is hanging over the "Book" button as I type!
There's also a short but very good selection of puddings, and a comprehensive menu of after dinner drinks to choose from. A lengthy wine list, ranging from inexpensive to very much special occasion territory, means that you are sure to find something to your taste.
For me, everything about the wines or the puddings just plays second fiddle to the most important thing. I tell everybody I take to the Hawksmoor that a big piece of Hawksmoor chateaubriand will change what steak is to them. People often think I am exaggerating how good it tastes. Everybody, so far, has told me I'm right. The only downside is the place sort of ruins 'normal' steak for you. Every time you eat a slice of something else you think back to that delicious, juicy piece of chateaubriand and curse not being able to afford such a prime piece of meat every day.
If you are going to visit I would advise budgeting at least £50 per head, unless you intend to be very cost cautious or not have any alcohol. If you are very careful £30 per head is possible. My experience teaches me that a good bottle of wine, desert and cognac can easily see the bill soar to £100+ per head without feeling like you are getting carried away. In my opinion, it's worth spending and doing it properly for the 'full experience'.
Make a booking and go - you won't be disappointed: http://www.thehawksmoor.co.uk/
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