Without spoiling too much too soon - this is the must-have dish...
Why visit Hawksmoor now?
Hawksmoor continues to be something of a powerhouse, not only in this country but around the world. They're notably popular in America in "coals to Newcastle" fashion as their New York steakhouse has been a big hit and they're just getting ready to open another in Chicago.
While there may not be any new UK openings, they're not resting on their laurels here. They've just unveiled a new series of lunchtime-only specials across all of their UK restaurants, so we went along to one of their largest restaurants, Air Street, to give them a try.
What's on the menu?
Every lunchtime (Monday to Saturday), you'll now find an extra page of specials that you can order from. There are seven new specials to choose from, which include two new steak and chips options. There's new flatiron steak and beef dripping chips (£23) or you can opt for the rump steak and chips (£25). The Hawksmoor set menu deal is one of the best in town, but if you just want to pop-in for a quick one-course lunch, this is now a great option to go for.
In addition to the steak and chips, there are several completely new options to go for. We tried three of them:
The Tunworth Royale patty melt with gherkin ketchup and shoestring onions (£16) - if you're just ordering one dish, make it this one. A classic American patty melt (a burger and melted cheese between toast) it's extremely good. Even if you're also ordering steak, get one of these on the side...
Beefsteak pudding with beef dripping chips, mushy peas & gravy (£25.00) - the suet pudding is making something of a comeback in London at the moment (see also, The Devonshire).
Slow-cooked short-rib au poivre with mash (£22) - there's a very strong pepper sauce on this one.
And is there a vegetarian option?
That would be the Salt-baked celeriac with Hen of the Woods, whipped cashew ‘ricotta’ and marjoram (£18) and a Charcoal-roasted hake (£19) for the pescatarians.
Anything else new to highlight?
There's been a bit of a shake-up with the dessert menu too. You will find the old favourites like their must-have sticky toffee pudding, but their Executive Pastry Chef Carla Henriques (who's now over in their New York restaurant) has created four new desserts, so we gave a couple of those a try too.
Hot chocolate tart with brown butter ice cream (£9) - an absolutely excellent tart (and we loved the brown butter ice cream particularly).
Rhubarb Pavlova with rhubarb sorbet (£9) - a seasonal take on a classic.
And drinks?
If you haven't been to Hawksmoor recently, you'll notice there's been something of a shakeup to their cocktail list too. Influenced by their New York opening, there are quite a few new additions to the list - and we'd certainly recommend these two:
Ultimate Steakhouse Martini - X Muse vodka, chardonnay, green peppercorn, olive brine (£14.50) and Golden Hour - Sapling gin, jasmine, lemon, late harvest wine, sparkling moscato (£14)
Overall thoughts
Return trips to Hawksmoor always deliver the goods, in our experience, and these new lunchtime specials are a great addition to the menu, particularly that excellent patty melt. It's well worth trying out.
More about Hawksmoor
Where is it? Multiple locations, we visited Air Street, 5a Air Street, London W1J 0AD
When? The lunchtime specials are served lunchtime only, Monday - Saturday.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @hawksmoorrestaurants.
Hot Dinners ate at Hawksmoor as guests. Prices are correct at the time of writing.
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