Since the first Hawksmoor landed in Spitalfields in 2006, the meat sizzling super group has become an immensely popular Christmas party location, thanks to a winning combination of great food, drink and atmosphere. Hawksmoor has grown into one of the UK restaurant industries great success stories, so much so that the restaurant has boldly moved into New York - arguably the steak capital of the world - and taken the Big Apple by storm too.
In all the obsession about steaks, Hawksmoor's cocktail offering sometimes gets slightly forgotten. Make no mistake, though, the cocktails across Hawksmoor restaurants are first-rate, and Hawksmoor Bar is here to prove that point, where drinks finally get some of the spotlight. If you thought one cocktail menu was enough, think again; cocktails here are broken into six different categories, from light, refreshing Riviera cocktails, to indulgent Sundowners, which make for rather good nightcaps if you're finishing off the day.
The Hawksmoor offering is all about precision and consistency, and that carries over to its eponymous bar, too. Take Martinis, for example - not simply shaken, or stirred, but frozen to minus 15 degrees and then held in Thermos flasks, right up until being served. The idea is that the first sip of Martini should be perfectly chilled.
The interior is suitably moody as well - a nine-metre-long bar stretches out along the length of the room, whilst the dark green marble floor, polished timber ceiling and velvet booths create a serious luxury vibe that is perfect for a sophisticated Christmas party with friends, family or colleagues. A compact menu of Hawksmoor dishes is also available so you won't be drinking on an empty stomach. Dishes include small plates like scampi, scallops and oysters, as well as dry-aged steaks, burgers and triple-cooked chips.