Hawksmoor Spitalfields

Spitalfields is where it all started for Hawksmoor founders Will Beckett and Huw Gott in 2006 and while their newer restaurants became ever-more glamorous, this blueprint was still recognisably a City steakhouse.

A recent refurb has brought it into line with its glossy siblings with acres of green leather and an all-round sheen, but what still sets Hawksmoor apart from the competition it spawned is the hubbub of happy diners anticipating some of the best steak in London, smoky from the chargrill and imbued with more character than the cast list of Game of Thrones.

Non-carnivores should investigate such fresh-tasting treats as a mound of white crab meat piled on to thin crumpets, or three breadcrumb-scattered scallops served in the shell with a white port and garlic sauce.

There’s no denying that Hawksmoor is expensive, but portions are so big that a steak and a couple of sides (treacle-sweet bacon, squeaky spring greens) should hit the spot for most appetites - though who could resist the lure of peanut butter shortbread topped with a smooth scoop of salted-caramel ice cream and concealing a well of syrupy sauce?

Hawksmoor Spitalfields was ground zero for the now legendary, far-reaching steakhouse, and to many it remains the best embodiment of Hawksmoor's indulgent spirit. This original branch opened back in 2006 and it retains the same moody charm today, thanks to signature forest green leather banquettes, exposed brickwork and herringbone natural wood floors. Stained glass panels in the windows create dappled light on one side of the room, whilst a well-stocked bar props up the other corner. 

Truthfully though, no-one goes to Hawksmoor to admire the interiors - this is the epitomy of a restaurant where the food speaks for itself. Hawksmoor offers a wide variety of menu options to suit all comers these days, but the authentic Hawksmoor experience is still all about the steaks. Scan the blackboard as soon as you walk in to see what steaks are available - everything is priced per 100 grams, but each steak is weighed and then written up on the board, so you can pick the perfect one for you, whether it's a hefty slab of bone-in prime rib or a dainty fillet steak. All your favourite sauces are available too, alongside extras like grilled bone marrow, triple-cooked chips, creamed spinach and buttered greens. 

If you're not a big steak eater or you're just not feeling it, there's plenty on the menu besides. Hawksmoor's handy Spitalfields location attracts all comers, and the menu reflects that with plenty of other options, from sea bream with chilli, lemon and garlic, to ricotta dumplings with peas, broad beans and asparagus. Hawksmoor's puddings are also worth saving room for, not least the famous sticky toffee pudding, or the salted caramel rolos, which you can take away for later snacking. 

There are also Sunday roasts and set menus available at certain times, as well as an enormous wine and cocktail list.