DINING OWL AWARD: 5th – best for repeat visits

When I visited: Various times from 2014-2016

Location: London, near Piccadilly Circus (there is also one near Covent Garden)

Team: Mitch Tonks (seafood), Richard Turner (Executive Chef)

Rating in the Michelin Guide: Recommended

Dining Owl Hoot rating: 4/5

What to wear: Men – jeans or nice trousers and a shirt; women – jeans and a smart top or a smart dress

Ambience: Masculine, busy, trendy

Course of the meal: Chateaubriand to share

If I could change one thing: Price

Review:

Hawksmoor, like Gaucho, has become one of the go-to steak chains in London in the last few years. The overwhelming impression of Hawksmoor is masculine and expensive, from the lethal pre-prandial cocktails to the heavy red wine to the sumptuous Chateaubriand cuts of beef. It’s certainly on the pricey side but definitely worth it for a treat.

The seafood starters are a perfect way to begin your meal and to get your stomach ready for the steak to come. I would definitely recommend sharing the Chateaubriand between 2 or 3 people if possible and accompanying it with a heavy red wine such as a Malbec. The desserts don’t exactly slouch either: they used to serve a chocolate orange dish which was to die for, and my partner Owl loves the sticky toffee pudding.

You will go away feeling completely indulged but you won’t regret going. It’s a good bet for colleagues, friends and family as long as you like steak!