Sure, Hawksmoor does steak. Really, really well. But it's the little things that makes us adore Hawksmoor, from the marmalade cocktails to their Girl's Steak Club. With a new bar offering the Hawksmoor experience at a purse-friendly price, we just found another reason to fall in love again...
Location:A former strip club
underneath Hawksmoor's original location, just a short stroll from
London's Spitalfields market on Commercial Street.
Why to go:The inventive cocktails of
the Hawksmoor brand have become almost as famous as their legendary
steaks. The bar offers the full Hawksmoor cocktail menu along with
rib-sticking bar food like burgers, chilli cheese dogs and chicken
wings.
Why everyone's talking about it:Along
with the quirky British libations (marmalade in your drink,
anyone?) and very difficult to beat burgers, the basement bar's
design is informal but with flair. Think cosy alcoves, salvaged art
deco interiors and green tiled walls.
Who goes there:It now seems obligatory
to put the word "trendy" before mentioning east London. But
the success of Hawksmoor - which has now spread to a Hawksmoor at
Home Cookbook and two further
London locations is less to do with who goes there, and
more about the commitment to quality food, convivial atmosphere and
staff who wouldn't be out of place on an episode of Cheers.
What to wear:It's east London; anything
goes. But jeans (skinny optional) and a forgiving top are
recommended. This isn't the place for polite snacking... dig
in!
What we drank:The aforementioned
Marmalade Cocktail (£9), a perfect bitter and sweet mix of gin,
lemon, Campari and lemonade. We also recommend Shaky Pete's Ginger
Brew (£8.50), an inventive combination of gin, ginger, lemon and
London Pride beer. The Old Fashioned with tobacco would make any
Mad
Men aficionado proud, while the margarita is strong, sour
and sweet - just how it should be.
What we ate:Hawksmoor's commitment to
quality beef isn't just a sound bite. They admirably eschew the
trend for steaks from afar, almost like ambassadors for British
beef and showing exactly why it's so special. The juicy burgers are
very good, but the shortrib French dip sandwich is worth coming for
alone. We were also taken with the poutine - a Canadian favourite,
which many northerners will simply call "chips and gravy". But this
gravy is made with bone marrow and topped with cheese.
Divine.
Why EL loves:Unpretentious, lovely
atmosphere and friendly service - not to mention a menu that's
purely hedonistic in it's pursuit of food and drink pleasure.
Address:157 Commercial Street, London
E1 6BJ. thehawksmoor.com.
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