Hawksmoor Seven Dials

Is there any stopping the hugely popular Hawksmoor group? As well as restaurants in Manchester and Edinburgh, plus a string of sites across the capital, 2019 saw its first opening in New York City. But we have to confess that this buzzy basement joint in the old barrel-vaulted Watney Combe Brewery is one of our favourites – and readers clearly agree. “Cannot fault it at all”, says one fan. “Always a winner”, declares another.

The recipe for success is a menu built around splendid 35 day-aged British steaks which are sourced from The Ginger Pig, paired with indulgent sides and served by friendly, knowledgeable staff who very rarely put a foot wrong. You can ask for their recommendations from the long list of cuts chalked up by weight on blackboards, before tucking into starters such as punchy potted mackerel or sweet and crispy Old Spot pork belly ribs.

After that, simply mix and match from the addictive line-up of sauces and sides (classic béarnaise, bone marrow gravy, beef-dripping fries, baked sweet potato, mac ‘n’ cheese) to create your own steak heaven on a plate.

The wine menu majors in beefy reds, but expertly made cocktails are well worth a punt here too, with mixes including the signature Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew. Head here on a Monday night to make the most of BYO when the corkage fee is just £5 on any bottle, while a hearty Sunday lunch of roast Longhorn rump with all the trimmings is a relative steal at £22 per head.

Still want more? We heartily recommend the gut-busting desserts such as sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream – though our favourite sweet treat has to be the addictive salted caramel Rolos; so popular that you can even take a box home with you at the end of the night.

Since opening originally in 2006, Hawksmoor has built a successful empire on expertly-sourced steaks served alongside more side dishes than you can count on one hand. Obviously, we know there’s more to its unrivalled popularity than that, but you can’t knock the people’s love for steak and chips, a truth that Hawksmoor has capitalised on exponentially. Now, with eight restaurants in London as well as multiple sites across the UK, this steakhouse giant shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.  

Hawksmoor Seven Dials can be found down a quiet street in the old Watney-Coombe brewery. Boasting a well-stocked bar where guests can slurp on signature cocktails (discover multiple twists on a Manhattan, highball and martini) before slouching over to one of its leather banquets to tuck into a meat (and fish) filled feast. The long dining room is decorated in a cosy art-deco style, with wooden parquet flooring, painted wood-paneled walls and a huge skylight above that floods the room with natural light during the day.  

Situated slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden, this branch occupies a prime spot for a quick dinner before heading to the theatre in the West End. Fortunately, an express two or three-course menu is perfect for pre or post-theatre dining.  

The a la carte menu, meanwhile, revolves around a selection of British-bred beef steaks and sustainably-sourced seafood. Go easy on the starters because the main event is guaranteed to be a feast! Kick off with smoked salmon with soda bread, or potted beef and bacon with Yorkshires and onion gravy before choosing your preferred steak. Larger cuts are generally 500g or more, perfect for two people to share, and include chateaubriand, T-bone and bone-in prime rib, while smaller options include fillet, sirloin and rib eye. Serve alongside a mix-and-match of sauces and sides – think tripled-cooked chips, mash and gravy, macaroni cheese and maple bacon.