ALL the chateaubriand
What can you tell us about Hawksmoor
If you STILL haven't heard of Hawksmoor, currently celebrating its 10th year in London, here's the gist. It's one of London's top steakhouses, with an equal focus on serving up quality British meats with some cracking cocktails alongside. This Borough incarnation is their sixth in London and their first south of the river.
And where is this new spot?
It's right in the thick of things on the edge of Borough Market, just a couple of minutes walk from London Bridge tube.
Marinda tomatoes on toast, with Trealy Farm lardo
Anything new about the look of the place?
They've moved away from the subterranean nature of past London openings, bringing Hawksmoor up into the light. We went along for lunchtime, when you'll really benefit from this. It's a lovely airy room, that suits Hawksmoor perfectly.
Where should we sit?
Definitely grab one of the four-seater booths if you can.
And how about for a private party?
We REALLY like the look of the downstairs private room, the Cooks' Room. It has its own kitchen so you'll really get the full Hawksmoor experience. They'll have parties with up to 16 in there, and special events too, so keep an eye out for them.
Potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires
And how about drinks beforehand?
We went easy on this visit, but it's ALWAYS worth getting yourself a cocktail or two from the bar, although there isn't a separate bar menu at Borough. Here the bar is more of an extension of the main dining area.
Nearby, we'd also recommend a glass of natural wine at Elliot's.
And how about the food itself - anything new to look out for?
The main addition at the Borough Hawksmoor is the Market menu. They're taking full advantage of being right beside one of London's best food markets and making use of the produce available. So this short menu will change regularly.
From this, we had the Marinda tomatoes on toast, with Trealy Farm lardo. It immediately went down as one of the best tomato dishes we've had. Truly excellent and it shows that this part of the menu is one to watch regularly.
The huge T-Bone. Of COURSE we ate all this.
Otherwise, it's all about the steak, yes?
It's MAINLY about the steak, there's no questioning that. We've said it before, but Hawksmoor's reputation as serving up some of the best steaks in London is well known. And everything was on top form here - a huge chateaubriand and a T-Bone were cooked exactly as we ordered. And we'd expect nothing less.
There is a new dish on the menu here - that's the salt marsh lamb chops with Isle of Barra cockles. But we're also reserving particular praise for the potted beef and bacon served with Yorkshires and onion gravy for dipping. Almost a perfect starter.
And we should make another special mention to the dessert of doughnuts with candied bacon. Even after wolfing down all the steak, you'll want to order these.
Dripping doughnuts with maple bacon. Because how could you say no to this?
Overall?
Heading to Hawksmoor, you're already expecting a high degree of quality, and they've yet to disappoint us. If you're looking for some of the best steak in London and you haven't been, you're doing yourself a disservice. And we're already planning a Sunday lunch visit - this above-ground site will probably be one of the best Hawksmoor locations for that.
How to book: Call 020 7234 9940 or book online.
Where: 16 Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AQ.
Find out more about Hawksmoor Borough.
Hot Dinners were invited to Hawksmoor. Prices are correct at the time ot writing.
